Guidelines for Fall Athletics and Activities

Posted October 7, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Independence School District has developed the following guidelines to keep our students, coaches, officials and fans safe at our sporting events and activities.  These guidelines follow CDC recommendations, limiting large gatherings.

  • All spectators must properly wear masks and adhere to physical distancing guidelines between fan/family groups. 
  • Due to Jackson County executive orders capping inside and outside gatherings, attendance at ISD home competitions/events will be limited to no more than 20% capacity. Athletic and activity program leaders will communicate how tickets will be dispersed per program or event.
  • All athletic/activity events will be closed to the public with limited fan attendance. 
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Anyone entering indoor events will be required to pass a thermal temperature scan upon entering. Anyone with an elevated temperature will be asked to leave immediately.
  • Athletes/participants will continue daily temperature checks and screenings.
  • Seating will be limited and space provided between family groups and attendees. Visual barriers, such as bleachers marked with tape and signage will be utilized to designate where patrons are allowed to sit.
  • IPD officers and ISD administrators will be at games/events to support social distancing, proper mask wearing and safety. Anyone not complying with safety guidelines will be asked to leave.
  • A sideline limit of 50 players or fewer (coaches, trainers, do not count in number) in all sports/activities.
  • School ID badges will not be accepted for game admittance for students or staff members. Only ticketed students/staff/families will be admitted.
  • Please see “Sport Specific Guidelines Below” for each sport.
  • Free Tap Sports Radio will broadcast many games at https://freetap.voicewerk.com/.
  • WITH CAPACITY LIMITATIONS, THERE WILL BE NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT A TICKET.

Sport Specific Guidelines

Football/Soccer

  • All ISD home games (varsity) will have the following restrictions:
    • ISD home competitions/events will be limited to no more than 20% capacity.
    • Athletic and activity program leaders will communicate how tickets will be dispersed per program or event.
    • Students, staff, parents and community members without tickets will not be permitted to enter.
    • Only those students from the participating teams in the event/activity will be provided tickets, not to exceed 20% capacity.
  • Essential game personnel will be allowed at each game under the direction and guidance of the Athletic Director. 
  • Limited bleacher seating may be available at some venues. Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs to sit.  Please allow enough space for proper social distancing.
  • Fans/spectators will not be allowed on the field after games. 

JV and/or C Team will not require tickets for entry but will otherwise follow the same safety protocols.

Cross Country/Golf/Tennis/Softball

  • Tickets will not be required.
  • Limited bleacher seating may be available. Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs to sit.  Please allow enough space for proper social distancing.
  • For softball, we will block/rope off the area behind home plate and both dugouts.  Spectators will be asked not to cross over the rope to approach the dugouts or backstop.
  • Fans/spectators will not be allowed on the field after games. 
  • Essential game personnel will be allowed at each game under the direction and guidance of the Athletic Director.

Volleyball/Swimming

  • All ISD home games (varsity) will have the following restrictions:
    • ISD home competitions/events will be limited to no more than 20% capacity.
    • Athletic and activity program leaders will communicate how tickets will be dispersed per program or event.
    • Students, staff, parents and community members without tickets will not be permitted to enter.
    • Only those students from the participating teams in the event/activity will be provided tickets, not to exceed 20% capacity.
    • We will block off the first (3 or 4 rows) to allow for space between the court and the players.  (Exceptions will be made to comply with ADA specifications.)
  • Essential game personnel will be allowed at each game under the direction and guidance of the Athletic Director. 
  • Fans/spectators will not be allowed to linger after games. 

Concessions

  • Concession items will be available for purchase. Safety guidelines will be strictly adhered to. 
  • Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and markings when visiting concessions.
  • Food and drink purchased at the concession stand may be consumed when seated in the stands. Spectators consuming concession items may briefly remove face coverings while seated in stands to consume food/drink. Spectators will be expected to wear face coverings otherwise at all times.