MSHSAA Issues Guidelines For Reopening Activities

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has issued guidelines and recommendations for reopening sports and activities across the state.

Fall sports are scheduled to commence Monday, Aug. 10.

MSHSAA said that if schools are closed statewide, as they were in March, there will be no sports or activities.

If a majority of schools are open for in-person learning, “efforts will be made to administer a regular season and postseason” for those permitted to do so. 

MSHSAA also will not discriminate which sports/activities can continue based on those deemed high risk, such as football, soccer or any other sport with a lot of contact. 

Schools offering virtual instruction only will not be allowed to offer sports or activities.

Gatherings

Gathering sizes will be determined by local and state health departments. MSHSAA said it may be reasonable” to having large groups practice together in smaller groups.

Screening

Schools must appoint an individual responsible for implementing screening. Anyone showing symptoms — especially a temperature above 100.4 — must be moved to an indoor environment and re-screened five minutes later. 

Every coach/director and participant will be required to wear a mask or face covering until screening is completed and there are no signs or symptoms.

Anyone with a positive finding on their COVID-19 screening should be sent home immediately. Players who don’t have parents present should be moved to an isolated area.

A healthcare provider must provide documentation of a negative test after a 14-day quarantine period before a student can return to participation.

Equipment

MSHSAA is discouraging the shared use of towels, clothing or shoes. 

Communal drink stations are also not allowed.

All equipment should be sanitized.

Participants, including coaches, directors and officials, must wear a mask or face covering if they are not doing strenuous activity. 

Social Distancing

Schools are encouraged to offer live streaming to reduce crowds. 

MSHSAA is recommending grouping people into tears from essential to non-essential if a local health department has restrictions on gathering sizes.