HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (June 11, 2020) – Henderson County Public Schools announced today that high school student-athletes may return to campuses under a phased plan on June 22, with requirements and procedures detailed in the “Return to Athletics: Phase 1” guidance document posted online.
A return date for middle school student-athletes has yet to be determined.
Guidance issued on Monday by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association provides local education agencies the flexibility to initiate their districts’ return to athletics beginning June 15.
District officials and school athletic directors have been diligently examining the NCHSAA guidelines since their release Monday, and have determined a June 22 start date will provide coaches, athletes, and families with an informed, smooth transition to the new environment of athletics – which will require several precautionary measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission among student-athletes and staff.
During Phase 1 of the plan, these measures will include mandatory pre-participation COVID-19 screenings and face coverings for all student-athletes and coaches, as well as adjusted schedules to facilitate social distancing.
Student participation in athletic in-person activities will be entirely voluntary, and student-athletes will be required to turn in two forms signed by a parent/guardian in order to participate: an Informed Consent form and Pre-Participation COVID-19 Screening form.
Both of these mandatory forms have been posted on the HCPS website for parents/guardians to print and return to coaches on June 22. Copies of these forms are also available at our high schools.
Comprehensive information on what families can expect during this initial phase of our return to athletics is also available in the “Return to Athletics: Phase 1” guidance document posted online.
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