Return to Play

This policy is in accordance with the recommendations from the Kentucky Medical Association.

Removal of Participation 1) Once a positive test has been identified, the athlete will follow Knox County Health Department quarantine policy.

2) After quarantine is completed, only an MD or DO who is knowledgeable in return to play from COVID-19 can authorize return to play on a subsequent day, and such shall be in writing to the administration of the school.

3) After release from MD or DO only, the Head Athletic Trainer will be responsible for: a. Taking the athlete through the stepwise protocol b. Monitoring day-to-day progression of athlete

4) Stepwise protocol: a. No activity b. Light aerobic exercise c. Sport-specific exercise d. Non-contact training drills e. Full-contact/competition practice f. Return to normal game play.

5) It is highly recommended that each of these protocol steps be no less than twenty-four hours in length. If a step is failed, the athlete will repeat previous step.

6) Head Athletic Trainer or MD or DO shall then notify the coach as to the permission to return to play.

We appreciate the good work of our coaching staff and student-athletes.  Much time and effort has gone into planning a safe return to competition.  Here is our plan including pre-game and during the game protocols. Practice Guidelines Coaches and players are following the guidance from the Department of Public Health and Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Pre-Game Protocol Coaching cards, season tickets, and other passes will not be honored for admission. Tickets for football and basketball games will be pre-sell only. At the time of purchase a “Contact Tracing Form” must be completed.  No tickets may be purchased at the game. Tickets may be purchased in the office from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. daily up until the date of the contest.  Visiting teams will be allotted a pre-determined amount of tickets to be sold as well. Volleyball and Cross Country tickets may be purchased on site, on a first come first serve basis, up until we reach the recommended capacity level of fans for each stage.  Our gate keepers will wear masks and gloves at all times. Each attendee will be required to complete an Athletic Event Participation Self-Assessment Form which will include the following information:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Self-Assessment of COVID-19 Symptoms

This information is REQUIRED for admission to the event. Before arriving at the game, attendees should self-assess for the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or Body Aches
• Headache
• New Loss of Taste or Smell
• Sore Throat
• Congestion or Runny Nose
• Nausea or Vomiting

If an attendee is experiencing any of those, he/she should not come to the game site and will not be admitted to the event.

Entering the Event All attendees must wear a mask at all times.  Attendees will not be admitted without a mask.  Refusal to wear a mask will result in having to leave the facility and/or cancelation of the event. A temperature check is mandatory in order to enter the game.  The temperature must be 100.4 degrees or below for entry.  If the first scan is high, potential attendees may be rechecked 5 minutes later. At the time of the temperature check, attendees will present their self-assessment which will be reviewed.

During the Game All attendees must wear a mask at all times. Each group of attendees associated with a student-athlete may sit together.  However, each group will maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from other groups.  Also, social distancing of at least 6 feet is required when moving in the venue (to the restroom, concession stand, etc.). Attendees are not allowed near the field, court of play, or athletes. Concessions will be limited to drinks and prepackaged items.

Exiting the Game Once the event has ended, attendees should leave the facility immediately. Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be observed.