OKCPS, Mustang Public Schools Release Guidelines For Fall Athletics

Oklahoma City and Mustang public schools have released new plans and guidelines for fall sports.

OKCPS

1. Middle school sports are postponed until further notice.
2. They will however need to follow the districts strict social distancing guidelines which include temperature checks at each game and wearing face masks at all times.
3. No outside food or drinks allowed.
4. Anyone not willing to comply will not be allowed into the stadiums.

Mustang

1. Fans are allowed in the football stadiums.
2. Face masks will always be required. 
3. Seats will be sold at 50 percent capacity to allow for social distancing.
4. Access to the sidelines will also be severely limited to allow space for players and coaches.

OKCPS requirements by each sport

Football

1. Field-level personnel will be limited to the team, coaches, athletic trainers, athletic director and one administrator.
2. The team box will be extended to allow social distancing of six-feet between players at all times, including during timeouts.
3. Coaches and staff must wear masks or face coverings at all times and players will be required to wear them when on the sidelines.
4. Individual items (towels, gloves and uniforms) will not be shared.
5. The ball should be cleaned and sanitized throughout the contest as recommended by the ball manufacturer. A designated person should carry a towel and cleaning solution to clean the ball between every use.
6. Each player should have their own individual water container.
7. Halftime will be shortened to 10 minutes and teams will remain outside of locker rooms.
8. Locker rooms must be large enough to maintain social distancing; if not, they should not be used.
9. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point in the game.

Cheer

1. No shared equipment. (poms, megaphones, signs)
2. Mats will be cleaned/disinfected daily.
3. Avoid unnecessary contact with teammates.
4. Each player should have their own individual water container.
5. Maintain social distance as much as possible.
6. Keep stunt groups together and do not mix groups by substituting bases or flyers.
7. Masks or face coverings must be worn when not cheering.
8. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point.

Softball

1. Pre-game meetings will consist of home plate umpire and one coach from each team only.
2. Masks or face coverings and social distancing will be required of everyone, including players.
3. Only essential personnel, players and coaches will be allowed in the dugout.
4. No shared individual equipment. (gloves, water bottles) 
5. Each player should have their own individual water container.
6. All bats, helmets and catching equipment will be sanitized between each player.
7. Each team will use and be responsible for their own softballs.
8. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point in the game.

Volleyball

1. Masks or face coverings and social distancing will be required of everyone, including players. 
2. Coin toss will be eliminated with visiting teams serving first and then then alternating.
3. Teams will not trade courts or benches between sets.
4. The bench will be limited to essential personnel only and the use of two rows will be considered.
5. Each player should have their own individual water container.
6. Avoid unnecessary contact with others.
7. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point in the game.

Cross Country

1. Masks or face coverings and social distancing will be required of coaches and personnel.
2. When athletes are not running, a mask or face covering is required. 
3. Each player should have their own individual water container.
4. Use staggered, wave or interval starts.
5. Widen courses to six-feet at the narrowest point, when possible.
6. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point.

Band

1. Band will perform once, at halftime. 
2. Marching band performances will include no more than 50 wind instrument players.
3. Students will stand and play in formation with a minimum of six-feet between them.
4. Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times (except when playing a wind instrument).
5. Drumline and flag participants will perform with masks or face coverings.
6. In accordance with the Performing Arts Aerosol study, many wind instruments will be used with a covering on the bell.
7. Students will not be permitted to share any items.
8. Each player should have their own individual water container.
9. Bathroom breaks will be limited to a few students at a time.
10. No handshakes or fist-bumps, at any point.