As you may know, our region has recently seen a steady increase in COVID cases, and we are certainly seeing that trend mirrored here in our own school district. As we shared with families and staff earlier this week, our district is reviewing our COVID response plans, and assessing the impact of increased case counts on our existing protocols – with a priority on keeping students in classrooms for in-person learning. One area where this is essential is athletics, as sports events by their very nature bring additional people into our facilities.
Effective immediately, we will be implementing the following updated guidelines for all athletic events at Sherwood High School:
- For home-based sporting events, home and away athletes (including cheer) will be allotted 4 spectator tickets; those 4 people will sit together at the event. Visiting spectators must be the immediate family of the athlete. No additional spectators will be allowed entry at this time.
- All participants, coaches, and spectators must comply with mask use while inside our facilities (except players or officials during active competition and practice).
- Spectators are asked to space throughout the bleachers, as per physical distancing guidelines.
- There will be no admission charge for ticketed spectators.
- For now, there will be no band attendance or student seating section at games.
- Concessions will no longer be sold at school events. Food and drinks may not be consumed during events (except water for athletes).
- All overnight trips planned for January will be canceled, rescheduled, or temporarily suspended..
- We will provide a live stream of all main gym activities for those unable to attend per the new protocols.
These adjustments are for a temporary period of time, and we will re-evaluate all protocols in early February.
In addition to our high school athletics, we have received questions related to the use of our facilities by youth sports leagues. The following protocols will be in place for all youth sports programs utilizing SSD facilities, and have been shared with our local youth sports partners:
- Limit of two spectators per player/participant at games.
- Spectators or parents will not be permitted in the gym or school at practices.
- All participants, coaches, and spectators must comply with mask use while inside our facilities (except players or officials during active competition and practice).
- Food and drinks may not be consumed during events (except water for athletes).
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to navigate the challenges of the recent case surge. We will continue to provide updates to you as the situation evolves.