Guidelines For Minnesota High School Sports Spectators Released

TWIN CITIES, MN — The Minnesota State High School League has released its updated guidance for spectators at indoor sports and other activities. MSHSL says it designed the guidelines in accordance with the most recent information from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Among the changes is a new rule that two fans per participant will be allowed to attend indoor events. Previously, no spectators were allowed indoors.

The guidelines are effective immediately and all schools in the MSHSL must enforce them for all indoor sports, concerts, plays, competitions, performances, and other events with spectators.

Find the new NSHSL spectator sport guidelines below:

"Each team/group at an indoor event is allowed up to a total allocation of two spectators per participant. Consistent with other Stay Safe guidance, spectators must be separated by at least six feet between households/spectator groups and event spaces cannot exceed 25 percent of total capacity."

"For indoor events where 12 feet cannot be maintained between participants and spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count. If spectators and participants can be clearly separated by at least 12 feet, then participants do not need to be included in the total capacity count. No venue may exceed a capacity of 250 spectators."

"In some situations, small venues may only allow for an allocation of one spectator or less per participant, depending on the size of the venue. Spectators are only allowed at official competitions or events. If the participants are young children that may need adult support to dress, use the restroom, or otherwise participate in a practice or rehearsal, each participant may have one support person attend. If a participant has a medical need for additional adult support, then that support person is allowed at practices or rehearsals."

"School districts and charter schools must require advanced reservations and/or ticketing (electronic or will call). Walk-up sales will not be allowed. The gathering of names, phone numbers and/or email addresses must be collected as part of the reservation so that quick notification can be done if an individual develops COVID-19."

"Schools must schedule arrival times for longer than their typical duration to minimize the congregation of spectators waiting. They must establish staggered admission times, entry times and durations to minimize overlap and congregating of spectators at access points, security check points, admission areas, concession areas, etc."

Schools officials can enforce stricter policies if they choose.

"School-based activities and athletics are an incredible experience for our students and we are excited that a limited number of family members will now be able to share in the experience of indoor activities, games and contests; we appreciate all that our member schools are doing in managing the academics and activities in this pandemic," League Executive Director Erich Martens said in a news release.

"This updated guidance is important in providing additional direction for our schools and their activities programs in how to administer spectators indoors. At the same time, it will be incredibly important that all spectators and participants follow all of the MDE and MDH safety guidance and protocols in working to keep everyone involved as safe as possible."

MSHSL High School Football, Volleyball Seasons

The board for MSHSL approved a return to football that started Sept. 28 with a 10-week season, including six regular-season games. The plan for the postseason is yet to be determined.

MSHSL officials also approved an 11-week volleyball season that began on Sept. 28.