South Bend Schools Release Protocols For Fall Sports

From the South Bend Community School Corporation:

August 14, 2020

After receiving approval from the county’s Deputy Health Officer Dr. Mark Fox, South Bend Community School Corporation has released the new protocols for their fall sports season.

“The health and safety guidelines we’ve developed provide the necessary restrictions needed to keep our student athletes, coaches, and spectators as safe as possible, while providing our school teams the opportunity to compete,” said Howard Edwards, Director of Athletics and School Learning.

Two sets of rules have been established, one for outdoor sports and one for indoor sports.

Outside Sports: (Football and Soccer)

• Athletes will not share equipment;
• Only student athletes and essential personnel are allowed on the field;
• Up to 600 fans will be allowed in the stands, with the following restrictions:
  • Each family unit must sit six feet apart;
  • Masks must be worn by all fans upon entering, during the game, and exiting the stadium;
  • Cheerleaders are allowed in the stands but not on the field;
  • Band is allowed in the stands but not on the field;
• Hand sanitizer and extra masks will be provided

Inside Sports: (Volleyball)

• Inside capacity will be limited to 200 (families of players and essential personnel only);
  • Each family unit must sit six feet apart.
  • Masks must be worn by all fans upon entering, during the game, and exiting.
  • Teams will not switch benches (per IHSAA).
  • Hand sanitizer and extra masks will be provided.

Edwards added that concession stands will be open, offering a limited number of pre-packaged snacks.

This press release was produced by the South Bend Community School Corporation. The views expressed here are the author’s own.