Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 9/17/2020 3:30pm. The following are frequently asked questions relating to OSAA's policies regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have a question, please contact Peter Weber at peterw@osaa.org or contact the OSAA office at (503) 682-6722.

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Select an FAQ from this list to jump to the question and answer... 1. When does the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play take effect? 2. Are recreational sports tied to county phases? 3. Do gathering limits listed (100 indoor maximum / 250 outdoor maximum) include coaches, participants, event management? 4. Must masks be worn at all times, indoor and outdoor, even during exercise / competition, when 6 feet of social distance cannot be continuously maintained? 5. Does 7-on-7 football fall in the same category as Flag Football? 6. If volleyball is conducted outside (grass or sand), is that permissible? 7. Does the OSAA have any stance on middle school activities? 8. How do cohort groups apply to sport teams / sport transportation? 1. Are 2019-20 high school seniors eligible to return and participate in OSAA sanctioned activities during the 2020-2021 school year? 2. My student wasn't able to participate Spring of 2020 and we'd like them to repeat this school year so they don't lose a season of participation. Will my student be eligible for athletics/activities participation? 3. Can a student take a year of absence from high school or high school athletics/activities and not lose a year of eligibility? 4. With the potential changes to educational models and school scheduling structures, how does a school classify a student as full time enrolled? 5. How does the state's Distance Learning for All initiative affect future high school academic eligibility for current 9th - 11th graders? 6. How does Pass/Fail affect NCAA eligibility and admittance into higher education? And is the NCAA also upholding the pass/incomplete or will student athletes need a letter grade? 7. Does a student need to be academically eligible to participate in Season 1? 8. If a senior completes their courses and graduates in January, can they participate after that point? 9. If a school is reducing their number of classes per semester, how does that effect eligibility? 10. Can a student take this year off and get an extra year of eligibility? 11. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for the preceding transcripted grading period? 12. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation? 13. Do seniors need to be enrolled full time to participate? 14. Does a student who doesn't plan to participate until Season 4 need to be eligible throughout the year? 15. As school districts offer additional online/virtual options, how is a student's eligibility at my school determined? 16. If a school adjusts the minimum number of credits to graduate after a student has begun high school, is the student held to the minimum number of credits from when they enrolled or the modified credit requirements? 17. If a school changes its structure to transcripting on a quarterly basis for 2020-21 and quarter two is transcripted before the start of Season 2, did the student need to be eligible in quarter one? 18. What does a home school student need to do to be eligible? 19. What is the difference between being home schooled and schooled from home? 20. If a school is offering and transcripting only three courses per term / quarter, how many classes does a student need to be enrolled in and passing to be considered full-time and eligible to compete? 1. If a student transfers out of state, can they come back and participate in Oregon later in the school year? 2. If a student transfers to an online school, how is their eligibility determined? 1. In Season 1, can a high school coach also coach a club team that could have more than two students from our school? 2. Do coaches need to be fully certified to resume coaching in Season 1? 3. Can Dance/Drill and Cheerleading coaches host tryouts on August 31? 4. Can practices be required during Season 1 for sports that are permissible by the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play 5. Can a team have multiple practices in the same day? 6. What is the best way to handle coach contracts for this year? 1. What school sports and activities can a school participate in once school begins? 2. If my school/district isn't offering Season 1 activities, may a student participate with another school? 3. Do these rules apply to both private and public schools? 4. Can a school run a fall basketball league outside of the OSAA? 5. How does county phases relate to these new guidance's? 6. Can a school provide weight training and conditioning even if they are not in any in person learning? 7. Do contests played during Season 1 count against the established limits for later seasons? 8. Can a school have open gyms from September to December? 9. Can a school schedule "practice games, scrimmages, friendlies" with other schools? 10. Does a student need to have the minimum nine days of practice in Season 1 prior to competition against another school? 11. Can a high school team representing their school participate against a club team in Season 1 in an OSAA-sanctioned activity? 12. May a school 7 vs. 7 football team participate against a club 7 vs. 7 team during Season 1? 13. May a middle school student participate with a high school team (practice or contest) during Season 1? 1. Can a school travel across county or state lines to participate in a contest? 2. Can a school run an event with more than one other team at a venue (i.e. Tournaments, Invitationals etc.)? 3. Can a high school team representing their school participate against a club team in Season 1? 4. Will the OSAA be issuing guidance on scheduling for the 2020-21 year? 5. Do district/league culminating events count towards participation limitations? 6. How were the participation limitations established for each activity? 7. Does the OSAA offer any suggestions on how to regulate sports not listed in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play? 8. If a student is looking to participate in Season 4 but they participated in a sport in Season 3, do they need the nine days of practice before competition in Season 4? 9. What sports and activities can a school participate in against another school? 10. What is an "interscholastic competition?" 11. Are schools still allowed to play down in the sport of Football? 12. For outdoor facilities, does a school need to monitor the maximum number of people regardless of location? 13. What is the difference between a school team and a club team? 1. Do schools need certified officials in the activities permitted by the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play that have officials (i.e. Soccer, Baseball, Softball)? 2. Do schools need to go through their local officials association to get certified officials? 3. Are NFHS Rules in effect during Season 1 (including uniforms)? 4. Does a school need to contact their local officials association for certified officials in activities in which are not covered by the NFHS Playing Rule Books (i.e. Flag Football, 7 vs. 7, sand volleyball, outdoor volleyball, 4 vs. 4 volleyball, etc.) 1. What is best practice if a coach or student-athlete is not feeling well? 2. Are physical exams required for students in Season 1? 3. What is the protocol if a student-athlete participating in athletics or activities tests positive for COVID-19? 4. How should schools respond to COVID-19 related illness events? 5. Is creating some type of "tracking tool" to ensure students are appropriately self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms of COVID-19 required? 6. Should student-athletes refrain from wearing tooth and mouth protectors if not required by NFHS rules? 7. Can a student-athlete wear a face covering or plastic shield on the outside of any face mask? 8. Has the NFHS approved any type of helmet attachment related to face coverings? 9. May a student participating in multiple sports/activities at the same time, divide their maximum of three (3) hours of practice in a day? 10. If a school decides to have virtual workouts or practices, what information does a school need from the student prior to that engagement? 1. Are face coverings required? 2. If my sport/activity is considered a contact sport/activity by the OHA and the Governor, does this latest update change anything to our practices? 3. Will the OSAA Fall Administrator Workshops in August be in-person or via webinar? 1. Under the Governor's Executive Order 20-20, schools are closed through June 30, does that mean every school is closed until June 30? 2. When will the OSAA release phase 3 guidance? 3. What liability protections are in place for schools that choose to reopen their facilities to students? 4. Will the OSAA enforce violations of schools/teams that violate this summer guidance? 5. Has the OSAA set a deadline to make a decision regarding Fall sports/activities? 6. Are there any changes to state requirements for pre-participation physical exams? 7. Will there be additional guidance sent out regarding Emergency Action Plans (EAP)? 1. Are face coverings required? 2. Is it 10 students per sport or 25 students per sport? 3. Are schools able to have multiple gatherings of 25 spread throughout the campus (i.e. 25 on the stadium field, 25 in the gym, 25 on the softball field, 10 in the weight room, etc.)? 4. May a coach utilize a classroom for instruction to a group of 10 students or less? 5. Will testing be required? 6. Should schools have an athletic trainer (AT) checking temperatures prior to a session? 1. How often can pods be reset? 2. What are the limit numbers for both indoor and outdoor activities during Phase 2? 3. Has there been any discussion about the use of participation waivers specifically related to COVID-19?  (Perhaps similar to the concussion statements that families need to sign now before athletic participation.) 4. How long are we expected to be in Phase 2? If we stay in Phase 2 for a long time (e.g. most of next school year) will we have new/updated OSAA guidance along the way if things change a little bit (e.g. Phase 2.5 guidelines for specific sports)? 5. When will a concrete/specific decision be made about playing fall football, soccer, cross-country, etc.? 6. Would the OSAA consider flipping fall and spring sports? 7. If our county has been in phase 1 since May, can we begin our athletic reopening on June 29th at the Phase 2 level? 8. Can multi-sport athletes be in different pods in each sport, even though these pods will look different? 9. Our schools are shut down until July 1, due to insurance issues. Can our coaches still work with their kids off campus without any issues? 10. If a limited number of coaches exist for a team, may a coach work with different pods during the same workout? Is this okay due to limited resources? 1. Are music auditions allowed at this time?

K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play Guidance

1. Q. When does the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play take effect?

A. On your ODE-approved school reopening date. Until that point, sports and activities must adhere to county phase requirements and OSAA policies once the Association Year (August 31) begins.

2. Q. Are recreational sports tied to county phases?

A. Yes, recreational sports are separate from the K-12 School Sports Guidance and are still connected to the Recreational Sports Guidance from OHA. OHA is considering potential revisions to the Recreational Sports Guidance to align the two.

3. Q. Do gathering limits listed (100 indoor maximum / 250 outdoor maximum) include coaches, participants, event management?

A. Yes, the limits include everyone at the venue.

4. Q. Must masks be worn at all times, indoor and outdoor, even during exercise / competition, when 6 feet of social distance cannot be continuously maintained?

A. Yes.

5. Q. Does 7-on-7 football fall in the same category as Flag Football?

A. Yes, provided there is no contact and no protective equipment is used.

6. Q. If volleyball is conducted outside (grass or sand), is that permissible?

A. Yes.

7. Q. Does the OSAA have any stance on middle school activities?

A. The Governor's Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play applies to all levels of school-based sports and activities.

8. Q. How do cohort groups apply to sport teams / sport transportation?

A. Per guidance from ODE, athletics are separate from the daytime and transportation cohorts.

Academic Eligibility

1. Q. Are 2019-20 high school seniors eligible to return and participate in OSAA sanctioned activities during the 2020-2021 school year?

A. OSAA activities are education-based and exist as an extension of the classroom. Current OSAA policy regarding duration of eligibility is based on four consecutive years (eight semesters or the equivalent) for each student after entering the 9th grade, not on seasonal participation opportunities. Based on ODE guidance regarding grading and access to credits, seniors are going to be able to graduate this Spring and 9th-11th graders will be able to earn credits toward graduation. A local school may allow a senior to return next year but the student wouldn't be eligible for activities participation. Reclassifying a 9th-11th grade student to repeat the same grade will not change the student's duration of eligibility per OSAA rules.

2. Q. My student wasn't able to participate Spring of 2020 and we'd like them to repeat this school year so they don't lose a season of participation. Will my student be eligible for athletics/activities participation?

A. OSAA activities are education-based and exist as an extension of the classroom. Current OSAA policy regarding duration of eligibility is based on four consecutive years (eight semesters or the equivalent) for each student after entering the 9th grade, not on seasonal participation opportunities. Based on ODE guidance regarding grading and access to credits, seniors are going to be able to graduate this Spring and 9th-11th graders will be able to earn credits toward graduation. A local school may allow a senior to return next year but the student wouldn't be eligible for activities participation. Reclassifying a 9th-11th grade student to repeat the same grade will not change the student's duration of eligibility per OSAA rules.

3. Q. Can a student take a year of absence from high school or high school athletics/activities and not lose a year of eligibility?

A. OSAA activities are education-based and exist as an extension of the classroom. Current OSAA policy regarding duration of eligibility is based on four consecutive years (eight semesters or the equivalent) for each student after entering the 9th grade, not on seasonal participation opportunities. Based on ODE guidance regarding grading and access to credits, seniors are going to be able to graduate this Spring and 9th-11th graders will be able to earn credits toward graduation. A local school may allow a senior to return next year but the student wouldn't be eligible for activities participation. Reclassifying a 9th-11th grade student to repeat the same grade will not change the student's duration of eligibility per OSAA rules.

4. Q. With the potential changes to educational models and school scheduling structures, how does a school classify a student as full time enrolled?

A. The OSAA Executive Board is aware that school districts are considering a variety of approaches to course schedules for the 2020-21 school year. Current OSAA academic policies cover many of these approaches but may not cover every potential scenario. For example, if a school is offering two in person classes and two online classes that would equivalate to a full credit load for the graded term, then that student would be considered full-time enrolled. The student must also meet the academic standard of passing enough classes, which in this situation would require the student to pass 3 out of the 4 classes during the graded term.

5. Q. How does the state's Distance Learning for All initiative affect future high school academic eligibility for current 9th - 11th graders?

A. ODE recently released its 9th‐11th grade guidance which maintained the current Oregon Diploma subject‐area and credit requirements for the Class of 2021, 2022, and 2023. The guidance also requires Pass/Incomplete grading for Spring 2020 and states that students who were earning a passing mark in a course prior to school closure should not be academically penalized. Students who receive incompletes and/or aren't able to earn enough passing marks but have been unable to access Distance Learning for All due to circumstances beyond their control, will be able to seek an academic waiver through the OSAA's standard process. In accordance with the spirit of ODE's guidance, the Executive Board has instructed OSAA Staff to continue to err on the side of students when ruling on these specific academic requests.

6. Q. How does Pass/Fail affect NCAA eligibility and admittance into higher education? And is the NCAA also upholding the pass/incomplete or will student athletes need a letter grade?

A. The OSAA has does not interpret eligibility rules and policies for the NCAA and NAIA schools. Please address these questions to the NCAA at 1-877-622-2321 or their websites: www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/coronavirus-covid-19. The NCAA Eligibility Center also has a phone line for students and parents at 1-877-262-1492. The NAIA schools information can be found at www.naia.org/covid19 or the NAIA Eligibility Center phone number at 816-595-8300.

7. Q. Does a student need to be academically eligible to participate in Season 1?

A. Students must be academically eligible to be able to compete against another school.

8. Q. If a senior completes their courses and graduates in January, can they participate after that point?

A. No, a student must be enrolled full time to be able to compete in school sports and activities.

9. Q. If a school is reducing their number of classes per semester, how does that effect eligibility?

A. Please reference the Full Time Enrollment Chart in the OSAA Handbook to review the minimum number of classes needed to pass along with the minimum number of credits that need to be earned. Contact OSAA staff with questions.

10. Q. Can a student take this year off and get an extra year of eligibility?

A. No, a student's eligibility is four consecutive years from initial enrollment in the 9th grade.

11. Q. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for the preceding transcripted grading period?

A. In alignment with ODE's Safeguarding Student Opportunity Clause, the OSAA Executive Board has amended the academic waiver process for the 2020-21 school year. Schools will be able to use transcripted grades from the grading period prior to the COVID-19 shutdown to determine eligibility for students that are academically ineligible based on incompletes from the final grading period of 2019-20. These students will not be denied access to school sports and activities provided that the student was eligible entering the final grading period of 2019-20, the school has a Credit-Earning Assurance Plan in place for that student and the student maintains eligibility in the current grading period based on progress reports.

12. Q. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation?

A. In alignment with ODE's Safeguarding Student Opportunity Clause, the OSAA Executive Board has amended the academic waiver process for the 2020-21 school year. Schools will be able to use a student's progress toward graduation prior to the COVID-19 shutdown to determine eligibility for students that are not on track based on incompletes from the final grading period of 2019-20. These students will not be denied access to school sports and activities provided that the student was on track to graduate entering the final grading period of 2019-20, the school has a Credit-Earning Assurance Plan in place for that student and the student maintains eligibility in the current grading period based on progress reports.

13. Q. Do seniors need to be enrolled full time to participate?

A. Yes, all students must be fully enrolled in and passing the appropriate number of classes in order to be eligible.

14. Q. Does a student who doesn't plan to participate until Season 4 need to be eligible throughout the year?

A. Yes, students need to be academically eligible in both current and previous grading periods.

15. Q. As school districts offer additional online/virtual options, how is a student's eligibility at my school determined?

A. It depends on how the online school is structured in a district. If a school is opening under a separate School Institution ID# through ODE then they would need to become an Associate Member of the OSAA and those students would only be eligible back at their resident public school. If a school district is opening online options as programs and not a separate School Institution ID#, then the student is considered a part of the full member school for eligibility. During the pandemic, it will be imperative for schools to understand where students reside and where they are eligible.

16. Q. If a school adjusts the minimum number of credits to graduate after a student has begun high school, is the student held to the minimum number of credits from when they enrolled or the modified credit requirements?

A. The student would be held to the most up to date / revised minimum number of credits to graduate.

17. Q. If a school changes its structure to transcripting on a quarterly basis for 2020-21 and quarter two is transcripted before the start of Season 2, did the student need to be eligible in quarter one?

A. No. To be academically eligible a student needs to be on track to graduate, currently enrolled in and passing and previously enrolled in and passing the appropriate number of classes. In this example, quarter two was not the previously transcripted grading period.

18. Q. What does a home school student need to do to be eligible?

A. A homeschool student must register with the local ESD and take an approved home school test by August 15 in order to be eligible to compete for their resident public school (or a private school physically located within the resident public school attendance boundary). (NOTE: The test is NOT required of students prior to entering the 9th grade for the first time or for students who transfer to home school between school years after previously being eligible at a member school.)

19. Q. What is the difference between being home schooled and schooled from home?

A. The biggest difference is how and where the education is being delivered. Home school students must have registered with their local ESD as a home school student and taken the test prior to August 15 in order to be eligible at their resident public school or a private school within that public school's attendance boundary. A student being schooled from home is taking online courses from a non-full member school based in Oregon (public, private or charter). For a schooled from home student to be eligible back at their resident public school that school must be an Associate Member of the OSAA.

20. Q. If a school is offering and transcripting only three courses per term / quarter, how many classes does a student need to be enrolled in and passing to be considered full-time and eligible to compete?

A. A student would need to be enrolled in and passing all three courses to be considered full-time and eligible to compete.

Transfers

1. Q. If a student transfers out of state, can they come back and participate in Oregon later in the school year?

A. Current OSAA policy does not prohibit a student from leaving the state for participation purposes. With this move the student could jeopardize their eligibility upon returning due to OSAA rules such as affiliation, mid-year transfer, etc.

2. Q. If a student transfers to an online school, how is their eligibility determined?

A. Complete a School Representation Eligibility Certificate with the student and their family to determine eligibility.

Coaching Restrictions/Requirements

1. Q. In Season 1, can a high school coach also coach a club team that could have more than two students from our school?

A. Yes, the Practice Limitation Rule and 6A, 5A Pilot have been waived for Season 1.

2. Q. Do coaches need to be fully certified to resume coaching in Season 1?

A. Yes, all coaches must be certified prior to assuming coaching duties.

3. Q. Can Dance/Drill and Cheerleading coaches host tryouts on August 31?

A. Yes, provided the tryouts adhere to the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play Virtual tryouts are allowed.

4. Q. Can practices be required during Season 1 for sports that are permissible by the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play

A. No, Season 1 participation cannot be considered for the creation of teams for Seasons 2, 3 or 4.

5. Q. Can a team have multiple practices in the same day?

A. No, multiple practice sessions on the same day are prohibited for 2020-21. For single practice sessions: No single practice session shall be longer than three hours, including warm-up and cool down. On days with a single practice session, students are limited to a maximum of one hour of weight training either before or after practice but not both.

6. Q. What is the best way to handle coach contracts for this year?

A. Coach contracts are a local school district decision. We encourage schools to communicate within their league, classification and region for best practices amongst schools.

Season 1

1. Q. What school sports and activities can a school participate in once school begins?

A. This is dependent on the schools reopening plans as defined by the Governor's Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play. This guidance includes information on Comprehensive Distance Learning formats through full in-person learning.

2. Q. If my school/district isn't offering Season 1 activities, may a student participate with another school?

A. No, the student must be a student at the school (or eligible through School Representation rules) in order to participate.

3. Q. Do these rules apply to both private and public schools?

A. Yes.

4. Q. Can a school run a fall basketball league outside of the OSAA?

A. No, basketball is considered a full-contact sport as defined by the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play and is prohibited.

5. Q. How does county phases relate to these new guidance's?

A. As long as a county is above "baseline" as defined by the Reopening Oregon Plan, the county's specific phase is not applicable. Phase 1 and Phase 2 counties are treated the same within the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.

6. Q. Can a school provide weight training and conditioning even if they are not in any in person learning?

A. This is dependent on the schools reopening plans as defined by the Governor's Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play. This guidance includes information on Comprehensive Distance Learning formats through full in-person learning.

7. Q. Do contests played during Season 1 count against the established limits for later seasons?

A. No.

8. Q. Can a school have open gyms from September to December?

A. Open facilities will be dependent on the activity and the school reopening plan in accordance with the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.

9. Q. Can a school schedule "practice games, scrimmages, friendlies" with other schools?

A. Yes, but any participation involving two or more member schools is considered a contest where certified officials (if applicable) must be used.

10. Q. Does a student need to have the minimum nine days of practice in Season 1 prior to competition against another school?

A. Yes, beginning August 31 (1st day of the Association Year).

11. Q. Can a high school team representing their school participate against a club team in Season 1 in an OSAA-sanctioned activity?

A. No, member schools can only play other member schools during the Association Year in an OSAA-sanctioned activity.

12. Q. May a school 7 vs. 7 football team participate against a club 7 vs. 7 team during Season 1?

A. The OSAA does not sanction 7 vs. 7, flag football or other derivatives of sanctioned activities, therefore a competition could take place. As teams are brought together, it's important for a school to remember two important factors. If it is indeed a school team (i.e. organized by members of the high school coaching staff, students from a single school, permitted use of school facilities, use of school transportation, use of school equipment, etc.) then Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play and OSAA rules prohibiting protective equipment are to be enforced. Even though it's not in an OSAA-sanctioned activity, schools could assume liability for this representation. If it is truly a club program vs. a club program, those contests would fall under the OHA's Recreational Sport Guidance which is tied to county phases.

13. Q. May a middle school student participate with a high school team (practice or contest) during Season 1?

A. No, a middle school student cannot participate (practice or contest) with a high school team without initiating their eligibility.

Event / Facility Protocol and Considerations

1. Q. Can a school travel across county or state lines to participate in a contest?

A. Yes, in the activities approved in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play. There is no prohibition on travel at this time but the OSAA strongly recommends local and regional scheduling.

2. Q. Can a school run an event with more than one other team at a venue (i.e. Tournaments, Invitationals etc.)?

A. Yes, provided the event adheres to the Governor's guidance on large event / gatherings set forth in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.

3. Q. Can a high school team representing their school participate against a club team in Season 1?

A. No, member schools can only play other member schools during the Association Year.

4. Q. Will the OSAA be issuing guidance on scheduling for the 2020-21 year?

A. Conferences/leagues will determine their schedules as in previous years. Classification/league/conference alignments remain intact. The OSAA strongly encourages local / regional play.

5. Q. Do district/league culminating events count towards participation limitations?

A. No, events to qualify into a culminating event shall not count towards participation limitations.

6. Q. How were the participation limitations established for each activity?

A. The numbers are proportionally based on the length of season and the number of contests previously allowed.

7. Q. Does the OSAA offer any suggestions on how to regulate sports not listed in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play?

A. The OSAA does not regulate activities outside those currently sanctioned. The OSAA suggests following guidance provided by the Governor and use their best judgement in applying the low, minimal/medium, high contact designation to determine participation. Contact the OSAA staff with questions.

8. Q. If a student is looking to participate in Season 4 but they participated in a sport in Season 3, do they need the nine days of practice before competition in Season 4?

A. No, the required nine days of practice would be waived (except for a student wanting to participate in Football.)

9. Q. What sports and activities can a school participate in against another school?

A. Permitted activities are outlined in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.

10. Q. What is an "interscholastic competition?"

A. When two or more member schools participate against each other. Member schools are not allowed to participate against club or unaffiliated groups in an OSAA-sanctioned activity.

11. Q. Are schools still allowed to play down in the sport of Football?

A. Yes, 2019-20 classification designations will not change. Special Districts/leagues will set their own schedule.

12. Q. For outdoor facilities, does a school need to monitor the maximum number of people regardless of location?

A. Yes, please reference the Governor's guidance on large event / gatherings set forth in the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play.

13. Q. What is the difference between a school team and a club team?

A. Schools need to be aware of the differences between school teams and club teams. Though not exhaustive, school teams typically involve members of the school's coaching staff, only students from that school, use of school facilities, use of school equipment/uniforms, and use of school transportation. Club teams may be coached by members of the school's coaching staff, include students from your school, and rent school facilities, but would not typically have access to school equipment/uniforms and school transportation. These distinctions are important when it comes to facility usage best practices, insurance liability, and what is allowed to occur per directives from OHA, the Governor's Office, and OSAA.

Officials

1. Q. Do schools need certified officials in the activities permitted by the Statewide Reopening Guidance - K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play that have officials (i.e. Soccer, Baseball, Softball)?

A. Yes, please contact your local officials association to schedule. This includes Season 1 contests.

2. Q. Do schools need to go through their local officials association to get certified officials?

A. Yes.

3. Q. Are NFHS Rules in effect during Season 1 (including uniforms)?

A. Yes.

4. Q. Does a school need to contact their local officials association for certified officials in activities in which are not covered by the NFHS Playing Rule Books (i.e. Flag Football, 7 vs. 7, sand volleyball, outdoor volleyball, 4 vs. 4 volleyball, etc.)

A. No. Certified officials are only required for OSAA-sanctioned sports/activities.

Medical

1. Q. What is best practice if a coach or student-athlete is not feeling well?

A. Coaches or students not feeling well should be referred to their medical provider for possible COVID-19 testing if they present with any of the following symptoms: fever, new cough, difficulty breathing, shaking chills, chest pain, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or an unusual rash or painful discoloration of the fingers or toes.

2. Q. Are physical exams required for students in Season 1?

A. Yes, the state law is still in effect. Physical exams must be on file prior to participation.

3. Q. What is the protocol if a student-athlete participating in athletics or activities tests positive for COVID-19?

A. Per the OSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine it's recommended that schools require any athlete with a COVID-19 infection to be cleared by his or her primary care provider prior to return to activity. No exercise is recommended for 14 days from diagnosis and 7 days after all symptoms have resolved.

4. Q. How should schools respond to COVID-19 related illness events?

A. Schools should work with the local public health authority and utilize ODE's toolkit, Planning for COVID-19 Scenarios in Schools. The toolkit details specific scenarios and immediate action steps required to respond and communicate when a student or staff member: is exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19; becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms; tests positive for COVID-19; tests negative for COVID-19 or does not get tested for COVID-19.

5. Q. Is creating some type of "tracking tool" to ensure students are appropriately self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms of COVID-19 required?

A. It is suggested that school create response team to implement policies and procedures for a safe return to sports. Policy plans developed by the response team should address a system to monitor coach and student-athlete contact, symptom screening process, and reporting requirements.

6. Q. Should student-athletes refrain from wearing tooth and mouth protectors if not required by NFHS rules?

A. While saliva from mouthguards is not likely to be a source of significant infection transmission we can take precautions to mitigate issues. Athletes should refrain from removing the mouthguard while on the playing field, court, or mat. When mouthguards are removed on the sidelines or the bench area, the student-athlete should use hand sanitizer each time after touching the mouthguard before returning to play.

7. Q. Can a student-athlete wear a face covering or plastic shield on the outside of any face mask?

A. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has indicated that cloth face coverings (that tie to the head or loop around the ears under the helmet) are permissible. No face mask should be worn outside of the facemask - including "neck gaiter" style face covering that pull up over the face because of concerns related to neck/tracheal/laryngeal injury potential. Plastic shields covering the entire face (unless integrated into the facemask and attached to the helmet and clear without any presence of any tint) are not allowed during any football contest. Member schools are encouraged to check with the manufacturer prior to attaching any third party product to a helmet to verify that the helmet will continue to comply with NOCSAE standards.

8. Q. Has the NFHS approved any type of helmet attachment related to face coverings?

A. The NFHS has approved the Schutt Sports - Flexible 2-piece "Splash Shield" (clear) and the Actuated Medical Inc - Polycarbonate 2-piece Face Shield (clear) for use on helmets.

9. Q. May a student participating in multiple sports/activities at the same time, divide their maximum of three (3) hours of practice in a day?

A. Yes, a student has a maximum of three (3) hours per day of practice. This can be divided between multiple sports provided that the student doesn't exceed three (3) hours in a day. NOTE: Students are limited to a maximum of one hour of weight training either before or after practice but not both.

10. Q. If a school decides to have virtual workouts or practices, what information does a school need from the student prior to that engagement?

A. It's important for the school or a school representative to know where each student is physically participating in the virtual workout or practice to allow EMS response in case of medical emergency.

July 22 Updated Reopening Guidance

1. Q. Are face coverings required?

A. With the Governor's latest directive, face coverings are required for all indoor activities for all ages 5 years and older. This would also include outdoor activities where 6 feet physical distancing can't be maintained.

2. Q. If my sport/activity is considered a contact sport/activity by the OHA and the Governor, does this latest update change anything to our practices?

A. The Governor's latest announcement does not change any of our guidance set out towards phase 1 or phase 2 counties. The only new requirement is that face coverings must be worn if your sport/activity is being conducted indoors by people ages 5 and older. This would also include outdoor activities where 6 feet physical distancing can't be maintained.

3. Q. Will the OSAA Fall Administrator Workshops in August be in-person or via webinar?

A. The Executive Board made the decision to have all of the Fall Administrative Workshops done virtually. The staff is working on creating an updated schedule with links to register for the Zoom meeting Fall Administrative Workshops.

Reopening Guidance

1. Q. Under the Governor's Executive Order 20-20, schools are closed through June 30, does that mean every school is closed until June 30?

A. Beginning May 26, member schools control what they will allow to take place at their school facilities with athletic/activities programs, in accordance with directives from Governor Brown, the Oregon Heath Authority (OHA), and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Check with your school district prior to any activity.

2. Q. When will the OSAA release phase 3 guidance?

A. The OSAA is waiting for the State of Oregon to release its phased guidance and ours will follow soon after.

3. Q. What liability protections are in place for schools that choose to reopen their facilities to students?

A. Check with your school district regarding insurance and liability concerns prior to any activity.

4. Q. Will the OSAA enforce violations of schools/teams that violate this summer guidance?

A. The guidance is not mandatory or required, but is intended for schools to consider when they choose to reopen activities. Policies such as undue influence, affiliation and heat index remain in effect during the summer.

5. Q. Has the OSAA set a deadline to make a decision regarding Fall sports/activities?

A. The OSAA has not set any deadlines for making decisions about the Fall season. We will inform schools as soon as decisions are made during this fluid situation.

6. Q. Are there any changes to state requirements for pre-participation physical exams?

A. This requirement is not an OSAA policy, but rather part of state statutes. Therefore, any changes must be done by the Legislature. We have suggested a one-year extension for those students whose physical exams were set to expire in the 2020-21 school year and are awaiting action on that proposal. Students who haven't had a physical (incoming freshmen, students who haven't competed previously) will still need to have one completed prior to participation. OSAA will notify schools of any changes as soon as possible.

7. Q. Will there be additional guidance sent out regarding Emergency Action Plans (EAP)?

A. EAPs already prepare for the potential of cardiac arrest and any other type of collapse. Schools should review their current EAPs, make sure individuals are trained and that an AED is available.

Reopening Guidance - Phase 1

1. Q. Are face coverings required?

A. The guidance recommends the use of a face covering. Check with your school district prior to any activity.

2. Q. Is it 10 students per sport or 25 students per sport?

A. The guidance is no more than 25 people per gathering. Within the gathering, the guidance is cohorts/pods of 10 students or less.

3. Q. Are schools able to have multiple gatherings of 25 spread throughout the campus (i.e. 25 on the stadium field, 25 in the gym, 25 on the softball field, 10 in the weight room, etc.)?

A. The guidance does allow for multiple gatherings on a school's campus provided that physical distancing is maintained. Check with your school district prior to any activity.

4. Q. May a coach utilize a classroom for instruction to a group of 10 students or less?

A. The guidance does allow for this depending on the size of the room and the ability to maintain physical distancing. Check with your school district prior to any activity.

5. Q. Will testing be required?

A. The guidance recommends temperature checks for pre-screening purposes. Check with your school district prior to any activity.

6. Q. Should schools have an athletic trainer (AT) checking temperatures prior to a session?

A. The guidance recommends taking temperatures prior to participation but does not require that it be done by an athletic trainer (AT). Check with your school district prior to any activity.

Reopening Guidance - Phase 2

1. Q. How often can pods be reset?

A. Ideally pods of students would be in place for at least a week, and longer if possible, to limit overall exposures.

2. Q. What are the limit numbers for both indoor and outdoor activities during Phase 2?

A. No gatherings of more than 50 people at a time indoors or 100 outdoors in a single facility/field.

3. Q. Has there been any discussion about the use of participation waivers specifically related to COVID-19?  (Perhaps similar to the concussion statements that families need to sign now before athletic participation.)

A. Many school districts are working with their risk management staff to put together waivers. Schools are encouraged to send sample waivers to the OSAA and we'll post them to our website as a resource.

4. Q. How long are we expected to be in Phase 2? If we stay in Phase 2 for a long time (e.g. most of next school year) will we have new/updated OSAA guidance along the way if things change a little bit (e.g. Phase 2.5 guidelines for specific sports)?

A. Per the Governor's Office and OHA, each phase will last at least 21 days. There is the possibility of updated OSAA guidance if Phase 2 extends later in the summer.

5. Q. When will a concrete/specific decision be made about playing fall football, soccer, cross-country, etc.?

A. The OSAA hasn't set a specific date by which a decision will be made regarding fall sports/activities. We plan to continue meeting with our Executive Board on a regular basis and provide updates throughout the summer.

6. Q. Would the OSAA consider flipping fall and spring sports?

A. OSAA's Contingency Groups have discussed this concept, along with many others. The groups are continuing to explore available options as more information becomes available.

7. Q. If our county has been in phase 1 since May, can we begin our athletic reopening on June 29th at the Phase 2 level?

A. Summer sports/activities should adhere to the phase their county is currently at in the reopening.

8. Q. Can multi-sport athletes be in different pods in each sport, even though these pods will look different?

A. Multi-sport athletes are able to be in different pods for different sports. It is recommended that multi-sport athletes don't participate in multiple sports in the same day for the first two weeks back to workouts/practice for acclimatization purposes.

9. Q. Our schools are shut down until July 1, due to insurance issues. Can our coaches still work with their kids off campus without any issues?

A. Schools should consult with their district administration and legal counsel regarding coaches working off campus with students during this time.

10. Q. If a limited number of coaches exist for a team, may a coach work with different pods during the same workout? Is this okay due to limited resources?

A. OHA's Summer Camp Guidance allows for an adult to be a "floater" between pods, but this is designed more for management than direct coaching. Coaches should limit their interaction with multiple pods if possible.

Tryouts/Auditions

1. Q. Are music auditions allowed at this time?

A. Yes, provided that the music auditions are used to place a student in the appropriate academic class (co-curricular) for next school year as defined by the scope and sequence of the course. Music auditions cannot eliminate students from participation in the music programs. If access to an audition is challenging for a student with the Distance Learning for All procedures that are in place, then an accommodation should be made to allow for the student to audition in the Fall of 2020.

Reopening Guidance

Additional Resources

Contingency Groups

ACTIVITIES

SEASON 2

SEASON 3