Schools set precautions for sports

Crook County School District (CCSD) #1 assures the public that, when it comes to sports season, they will be following the “recommendations set forth for all school activities by WHSAA, Public Health, The WY Dept. of Health and the Crook County School District”.

The “Smart Plan” instituted for the school year includes a promise to protect athletes to the best of the district’s ability with face coverings for “coaches, staff, officials, parents and spectators whenever six feet of separation cannot be maintained”.

Head football coach Travis Santistevan shared the practical application of this “Smart Plan” on the MHS football field: “We are limiting our big group drills to nine minutes at practices, using a face covering before and after contest. You will see an extended players’ box to promote social distancing. You won’t see the traditional hand shake after the game. Each team will line up on their side and raise their helmets to each other saying good game.”

Players, though, cannot wear face coverings during play so coaches must screen all players for COVID-19 symptoms before they hit the field. A “tracking” sheet will be maintained for every practice and competition to ensure continual screening.

Athletics administrator Dusty Petz added this guide for spectators: “At football games, we are outside and our spectator limit is 1000 people. We will be asking people to recognize social distancing measures. If they are unable to do this, they will be asked to put a face covering on. Regarding volleyball and other indoor sports, we are allowed 250 people. Anyone in the building will be required to have a face covering on. This is required in all of the Crook County Schools.”