Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 2/23/2021 6:00pm. 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.

Quickly Jump to an FAQ
Select an FAQ from this list to jump to the question and answer... 1. When does the Sector Risk Level Guidance take effect? 2. Are recreational sports and K-12 sports separated in the guidance? 3. What is the timeline for a school to implement changes when a county's risk level status moves (i.e. from high risk to extreme risk)? 4. Are all sports and activities able to take place if a school opens since the reopening metrics set forth by the Governor are now advisory? 5. If our school sends a team out of state for a competition, do they need to quarantine upon returning? 6. If a student goes out of state for non-essential travel, should they quarantine upon returning? 7. Must masks be worn at all times, indoor and outdoor, even during exercise / competition? 8. Can a student wear a face shield instead of a face covering while participating in training, practice, and competition? 9. Does 7-on-7 football fall in the same category as Flag Football? 10. If volleyball is conducted outside (grass or sand), is that permissible at any county risk level? 11. Does the OSAA have any stance on middle school activities? 12. How do cohort groups apply to sport teams / sport transportation? 13. Have full-contact sports been removed off of the prohibited list? 14. Can the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA Executive Board modify, waive, or provide exceptions to the Governor's or OHA Guidance? 1. What are the gathering limits for indoor recreation activities? 2. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy? 3. Can I participate in indoor recreation activities if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level? 4. How long can an athlete participate in an indoor workout if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level? 1. What are the gathering limits for outdoor recreation activities? 2. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy? 3. What defines "outdoor"? 1. If a school has changed their grading system (i.e. traditional semesters to quarters) or because of cohorting, FTE issues, etc., has an academic plan that doesn't fit within c ... 2. Does a student need to be academically eligible to participate in Season 1? 3. If a senior completes their courses and graduates early (e.g. end of January/1st Semester/1st Trimester), can they participate after that point? 4. Do seniors need to be enrolled full time to participate? 5. If a school is reducing their number of classes per semester, how does that effect eligibility? 6. Can a student take this year off and get an extra year of eligibility? 7. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for the preceding transcripted grading period? 8. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation? 9. Does a student who doesn't plan to participate until Season 4 need to be eligible throughout the year? 10. As school districts offer additional online/virtual options, how is a student's eligibility at my school determined? 11. 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 enroll ... 12. 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 el ... 13. What does a home school student need to do to be eligible? 14. What is the difference between being home schooled and schooled from home? 15. How do I determine academic eligibility if my school is using Pass (P), Fail (F), and Incomplete (I) marks within the grading system? 16. Does the OSAA have a policy that outlines the maximum time period allowed to transcript credits to a previous grading period? 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 practices be required during Season 1? 4. Can a team have multiple practices in the same day? 5. What is the best way to handle coach contracts for this year? 1. What school sports and activities can I participate in during Season 1? 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 do county risk levels relate to school sports and activities? 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 Seasons 2, 3, and 4? 8. Can a school have open gyms from September to February? 9. Can a school schedule "practice games, scrimmages, friendlies" with other schools? 10. Does a student need to have the minimum five days (nine days for contact football) 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. 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. Can a school run an event with more than one other team at a venue (i.e. Tournaments, Invitationals etc.)? 2. Will the OSAA be issuing guidance on scheduling for the 2020-21 year? 3. Do district/league culminating events count towards participation limitations? 4. Does the OSAA offer any suggestions on how to regulate sports not listed in the S ... 5. If a student is looking to participate in Season 4, and they participated in a sport during Season 3, do they need the five days of practice before competition in Season 4? 6. What sports and activities can a school participate in against another school? 7. What is an "interscholastic competition?" 8. Are schools still allowed to play down in the sport of Football? 9. For outdoor facilities, does a school need to monitor the maximum number of people regardless of location? 10. What is the difference between a school team and a club team? 1. Do schools need certified officials in the activities permitted by the state guidance 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 Footba ... 1. Must a mask or face covering be worn even while outdoors? 2. What is best practice if a coach or student-athlete is not feeling well? 3. Are physical exams required for students in Season 1? 4. What is the protocol if a student-athlete participating in athletics or activities tests positive for COVID-19? 5. How should schools respond to COVID-19 related illness events? 6. Is creating some type of "tracking tool" to ensure students are appropriately self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms of COVID-19 required? 7. Should student-athletes refrain from wearing tooth and mouth protectors if not required by NFHS rules? 8. Can a student-athlete wear a face covering or plastic shield on the outside of any face mask? 9. Has the NFHS approved any type of helmet attachment related to face coverings? 10. May a student participating in multiple sports/activities at the same time, divide their maximum of three (3) hours of practice in a day? 11. If a school decides to have virtual workouts or practices, what information does a school need from the student prior to that engagement? 12. Are Athletic Trainers allowed to operate out of an indoor facility if they are in an Extreme Risk county?

Updated 2/23/2021 6:00pm

Quickly Jump to an FAQ
Select an FAQ from this list to jump to the question and answer... 1. When does the Sector Risk Level Guidance take effect? 2. Are recreational sports and K-12 sports separated in the guidance? 3. What is the timeline for a school to implement changes when a county's risk level status moves (i.e. from high risk to extreme risk)? 4. Are all sports and activities able to take place if a school opens since the reopening metrics set forth by the Governor are now advisory? 5. If our school sends a team out of state for a competition, do they need to quarantine upon returning? 6. If a student goes out of state for non-essential travel, should they quarantine upon returning? 7. Must masks be worn at all times, indoor and outdoor, even during exercise / competition? 8. Can a student wear a face shield instead of a face covering while participating in training, practice, and competition? 9. Does 7-on-7 football fall in the same category as Flag Football? 10. If volleyball is conducted outside (grass or sand), is that permissible at any county risk level? 11. Does the OSAA have any stance on middle school activities? 12. How do cohort groups apply to sport teams / sport transportation? 13. Have full-contact sports been removed off of the prohibited list? 14. Can the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA Executive Board modify, waive, or provide exceptions to the Governor's or OHA Guidance? 1. What are the gathering limits for indoor recreation activities? 2. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy? 3. Can I participate in indoor recreation activities if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level? 4. How long can an athlete participate in an indoor workout if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level? 1. What are the gathering limits for outdoor recreation activities? 2. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy? 3. What defines "outdoor"? 1. If a school has changed their grading system (i.e. traditional semesters to quarters) or because of cohorting, FTE issues, etc., has an academic plan that doesn't fit within c ... 2. Does a student need to be academically eligible to participate in Season 1? 3. If a senior completes their courses and graduates early (e.g. end of January/1st Semester/1st Trimester), can they participate after that point? 4. Do seniors need to be enrolled full time to participate? 5. If a school is reducing their number of classes per semester, how does that effect eligibility? 6. Can a student take this year off and get an extra year of eligibility? 7. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for the preceding transcripted grading period? 8. What adjustments have been made to eligibility requirements for Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation? 9. Does a student who doesn't plan to participate until Season 4 need to be eligible throughout the year? 10. As school districts offer additional online/virtual options, how is a student's eligibility at my school determined? 11. 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 enroll ... 12. 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 el ... 13. What does a home school student need to do to be eligible? 14. What is the difference between being home schooled and schooled from home? 15. How do I determine academic eligibility if my school is using Pass (P), Fail (F), and Incomplete (I) marks within the grading system? 16. Does the OSAA have a policy that outlines the maximum time period allowed to transcript credits to a previous grading period? 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 practices be required during Season 1? 4. Can a team have multiple practices in the same day? 5. What is the best way to handle coach contracts for this year? 1. What school sports and activities can I participate in during Season 1? 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 do county risk levels relate to school sports and activities? 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 Seasons 2, 3, and 4? 8. Can a school have open gyms from September to February? 9. Can a school schedule "practice games, scrimmages, friendlies" with other schools? 10. Does a student need to have the minimum five days (nine days for contact football) 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. 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. Can a school run an event with more than one other team at a venue (i.e. Tournaments, Invitationals etc.)? 2. Will the OSAA be issuing guidance on scheduling for the 2020-21 year? 3. Do district/league culminating events count towards participation limitations? 4. Does the OSAA offer any suggestions on how to regulate sports not listed in the S ... 5. If a student is looking to participate in Season 4, and they participated in a sport during Season 3, do they need the five days of practice before competition in Season 4? 6. What sports and activities can a school participate in against another school? 7. What is an "interscholastic competition?" 8. Are schools still allowed to play down in the sport of Football? 9. For outdoor facilities, does a school need to monitor the maximum number of people regardless of location? 10. What is the difference between a school team and a club team? 1. Do schools need certified officials in the activities permitted by the state guidance 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 Footba ... 1. Must a mask or face covering be worn even while outdoors? 2. What is best practice if a coach or student-athlete is not feeling well? 3. Are physical exams required for students in Season 1? 4. What is the protocol if a student-athlete participating in athletics or activities tests positive for COVID-19? 5. How should schools respond to COVID-19 related illness events? 6. Is creating some type of "tracking tool" to ensure students are appropriately self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms of COVID-19 required? 7. Should student-athletes refrain from wearing tooth and mouth protectors if not required by NFHS rules? 8. Can a student-athlete wear a face covering or plastic shield on the outside of any face mask? 9. Has the NFHS approved any type of helmet attachment related to face coverings? 10. May a student participating in multiple sports/activities at the same time, divide their maximum of three (3) hours of practice in a day? 11. If a school decides to have virtual workouts or practices, what information does a school need from the student prior to that engagement? 12. Are Athletic Trainers allowed to operate out of an indoor facility if they are in an Extreme Risk county?

County Risk Level Guidance

1. Q. When does the Sector Risk Level Guidance take effect?

A. The Sector Risk Level Guidance began on December 3, 2020.

2. Q. Are recreational sports and K-12 sports separated in the guidance?

A. No, recreational sports and K-12 sports are now under the same indoor recreation or outdoor recreation guidance provided by the Oregon Health Authority.

3. Q. What is the timeline for a school to implement changes when a county's risk level status moves (i.e. from high risk to extreme risk)?

A. Every Tuesday, the OHA releases data from the previous two weeks regarding each county's risk level. The weeks alternate between "Warning Weeks" and "Movement Weeks." During a "Warning Week," the OHA provides schools and other entities linked to county risk level metrics a warning so they can plan for a potential move in status the following week. During a "Movement Week," if the information released on Tuesday moves a county from one risk level to another (i.e. from high risk to extreme risk), the school has until that Friday to implement the necessary protocols related to that new county risk level. In this example, if a county moved from high risk to extreme risk, a school in that county would have to cease all indoor sports activity starting that Friday as indoor sports activities are prohibited in extreme risk counties - County Risk Level Information.

4. Q. Are all sports and activities able to take place if a school opens since the reopening metrics set forth by the Governor are now advisory?

A. No, even though a school may reopen, K-12 school sports are still under the OHA's Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

5. Q. If our school sends a team out of state for a competition, do they need to quarantine upon returning?

A. Per the Governor's guidance, persons arriving/returning to Oregon from other states or countries for non-essential travel should (but are not required to) practice a 14 day self-quarantine - Statewide Guidance for Travel.

6. Q. If a student goes out of state for non-essential travel, should they quarantine upon returning?

A. It's important to communicate to all students and their families that departure from the state for any amount of time may compromise their ability to participate upon their return for the following 7-14 days.

7. Q. Must masks be worn at all times, indoor and outdoor, even during exercise / competition?

A. Yes.

8. Q. Can a student wear a face shield instead of a face covering while participating in training, practice, and competition?

A. No, a face shield cannot be worn as a face covering by itself. Participants must wear a cloth, polypropylene, paper, or other face covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face, Statewide Reopening Guidance - Masks, Face Coverings, Face Shields.

9. 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.

10. Q. If volleyball is conducted outside (grass or sand), is that permissible at any county risk level?

A. Yes.

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

A. The Governor's and OHA's Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart applies to all levels of activities.

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

A. According to ODE, athletics are separated from the daytime and transportation cohorts.

13. Q. Have full-contact sports been removed off of the prohibited list?

A. Outdoor full-contact sports, such as Football, are allowed in lower and moderate risk counties and only allowed in high and extreme counties with a submitted plan. See Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments. Indoor full-contact sports, such as Basketball, Wrestling, contact Dance, and contact Cheerleading, remain prohibited by the Governor and OHA.

14. Q. Can the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA Executive Board modify, waive, or provide exceptions to the Governor's or OHA Guidance?

A. No. The OSAA and its member schools are bound by the guidance and are unable to modify, waive, or provide exceptions.

Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation

1. Q. What are the gathering limits for indoor recreation activities?

A. A county's risk level dictates the maximum capacity levels for a venue. Venue restrictions are:

• Extreme: If a school's facility is larger than 500 sq ft, they can have a maximum of six (6) people total (not including coaches). The people are required to maintain a minimum 25 ft of physical distancing. Limit capacity to four (4) separate groups, up to six (6) people in each group (not counting coaches). Each group must participate in a separate location within the establishment, which means an enclosed area within the establishment (i.e. main gym, weight room, batting cages, and wrestling room, etc.) Ensure athletes do not use areas at the same time, including but not limited to restrooms and locker rooms. If a school's facility is smaller than 500 sq. ft. than a maximum of one (1) person and a maximum of one (1) coach is allowed. Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart
• High: Maximum 25% occupancy or 50 people total, whichever is smaller.
• Moderate: Maximum of 50% occupancy or 100 people total, whichever is smaller.
• Lower: Maximum of 50% occupancy.

2. Q. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy?

A. Yes, all individuals in a facility count towards the capacity maximum when determining for competition.

3. Q. Can I participate in indoor recreation activities if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level?

A. Yes, if a school's facility is larger than 500 sq ft, they can have a maximum of six (6) people total (not including coaches). The people are required to maintain a minimum 25 sq. ft of physical distancing. Limit capacity to four (4) separate groups, up to six (6) people in each group (not counting coaches). Each group must participate in a separate location within the establishment, which means an enclosed area within the establishment (i.e. main gym, weight room, batting cages, and wrestling room, etc.) Ensure athletes do not use areas at the same time, including but not limited to restrooms and locker rooms. If a school's facility is smaller than 500 sq. ft. than a maximum of one (1) person and a maximum of one (1) coach is allowed. Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart

4. Q. How long can an athlete participate in an indoor workout if my county is in the Extreme Risk Level?

A. Students are limited to a maximum of 45 minutes for participating in indoor recreation and/or fitness activities per day. Coaches do not have a daily limit.

Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation

1. Q. What are the gathering limits for outdoor recreation activities?

A. A county's risk level dictates the maximum capacity levels for a venue. Venue restrictions are:

• Extreme: Maximum 50 people
• High: Maximum 75 people
• Moderate: Maximum 150 people
• Lower: Maximum 300 people

2. Q. Do coaches, participants, and event management apply when calculating the maximum occupancy?

A. Yes, all individuals in a facility count towards the capacity maximum.

3. Q. What defines "outdoor"?

A. "Outdoor", as defined by OHA means any open-air space including any space which may have a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning or roof) and at least fifty percent of the square footage of its sides open for airflow such that open sides are not adjacent to each other.

Academic Eligibility

1. Q. If a school has changed their grading system (i.e. traditional semesters to quarters) or because of cohorting, FTE issues, etc., has an academic plan that doesn't fit within current OSAA eligibility guidelines, how should the school proceed to make sure its students are remaining academically eligible to participate?

A. The OSAA understands that schools have had to get creative with scheduling for grading periods during the pandemic and that this may lead to conflicts with traditional OSAA requirements for academic eligibility. The Executive Board has instructed staff to be flexible in working with schools in this area. Athletic Directors should contact Peter Weber at the OSAA to explain their school's particular approach for the 2020-21 school year so we can work together on a resolution.

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

A. Yes, students must be academically eligible to be able to compete against another school.

3. Q. If a senior completes their courses and graduates early (e.g. end of January/1st Semester/1st Trimester), 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.

4. 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/earning enough credits in order to be eligible.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 beginning of 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 2020-21 grading period based on progress reports.

8. 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 beginning of 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 2020-21 grading period based on progress reports.

9. 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 the current and previous grading period to be eligible.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 and currently and previously enrolled in and passing the appropriate number of classes. In this example, quarter one was not the previously transcripted grading period.

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

A. A home school 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.)

14. 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, their school must be an Associate Member of the OSAA.

15. Q. How do I determine academic eligibility if my school is using Pass (P), Fail (F), and Incomplete (I) marks within the grading system?

A. Regardless of the type of mark, if academic credit is awarded, then it will count towards OSAA eligibility requirements.

16. Q. Does the OSAA have a policy that outlines the maximum time period allowed to transcript credits to a previous grading period?

A. No, school districts have the autonomy to determine when and how to grant credit.

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 practices be required during Season 1?

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

4. 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.

5. 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 (through February 21)

1. Q. What school sports and activities can I participate in during Season 1?

A. Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact outdoor sports (Soccer, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball) can be conducted at any time. Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact indoor activities (Volleyball, non-contact Cheerleading, and non-contact Dance/Drill) are permitted except for counties in the Extreme Risk Level. Full-Contact sports (Football, Basketball, Wrestling, contact Cheerleading, and contact Dance/Drill) may train and condition only and may not include contact of any kind.

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 Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments and is prohibited.

5. Q. How do county risk levels relate to school sports and activities?

A. Indoor and outdoor recreation (including K-12 Sports) is now tied to county risk levels. Permitted activities are defined in Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

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

A. Yes, indoor and outdoor recreation participation (including K-12 Sports) is now tied to county risk levels. Permitted activities are defined in Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

7. Q. Do contests played during Season 1 count against the established limits for Seasons 2, 3, and 4?

A. No.

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

A. Open facilities will be dependent on your school's county risk level. Indoor and outdoor recreation participation (including K-12 Sports) is now tied to county risk levels. Permitted activities are defined in Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

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 five days (nine days for contact football) 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 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 Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, which is tied to county risk levels.

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.

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 will likely 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.

Event / Facility Protocol and Considerations

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

A. No. This applies to an individual contest/match/meet. Other teams could be present waiting to participate.

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

A. The OSAA has provided guidance that league/conference affiliation is not required for 2020-21 and the rankings will not be used or considered for any possible culminating event. Schools are strongly encouraged to play locally and regionally as much as possible.

3. 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.

4. Q. Does the OSAA offer any suggestions on how to regulate sports not listed in the Sector Guidance - Indoor Recreation and Indoor Fitness Establishments, Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments, and Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

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

5. Q. If a student is looking to participate in Season 4, and they participated in a sport during Season 3, do they need the five days of practice before competition in Season 4?

A. No, the required five days of practice would be waived.

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

A. Permitted activities are outlined in the Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishments.

10. 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 state guidance 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 currently not required for these activities.

Medical

1. Q. Must a mask or face covering be worn even while outdoors?

A. Yes. Statewide, masks or face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals at all times even while participating in activities according to the Statewide Reopening Guidance - Masks, Face Coverings, Face Shields.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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, Guidance for Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes for Return to Sport Following Infection with COVID-19.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 coverings 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Q. Are Athletic Trainers allowed to operate out of an indoor facility if they are in an Extreme Risk county?

A. Yes. Athletic Trainers are allowed to work in an indoor facility to perform athletic training services. The athletic trainer should follow health and safety protocols to minimize the exposure to individuals in the athletic training room/facility.

Reopening Guidance

Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart

Activities	Lower Risk	Moderate Risk	High Risk	Extreme Risk
Indoor Recreation and Fitness Establishments (includes gyms, indoor K-12 Sports, indoor collegiate sports, fitness organizations, indoor recreational sports, indoor pools)	Capacity: Maximum 50% occupancy Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Indoor full-contact sports remain prohibited at this time. Training and conditioning cannot include full contact of any kind.	Capacity: Maximum 50% occupancy or 100 people total, whichever is smaller Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Indoor full-contact sports remain prohibited at this time. Training and conditioning cannot include full contact of any kind.	Capacity: Maximum 25% occupancy or 50 people total whichever is smaller Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Indoor full-contact sports remain prohibited at this time. Training and conditioning cannot include full contact of any kind.	For facilities ≥ 500 sq. ft.: Maximum 6 people total, not including employees Require minimum 25 feet physical distancing Limit the number of employees needed to operate a space For facilities < 500 sq. ft.: Maximum 1 person total Maximum 1 employee total Indoor full-contact sports remain prohibited at this time. Training and conditioning cannot include full contact of any kind.
Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Establishments (includes outdoor gyms, outdoor fitness organizations, outdoor K-12 Sports, outdoor collegiate sports, outdoor recreational sports, outdoor pools, outdoor parks and hiking trails*, outdoor campgrounds*)	Maximum 300 people Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Outdoor full-contact sports allowed	Maximum 150 people Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Outdoor full-contact sports allowed	Maximum 75 people Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Outdoor full-contact sports allowed for K-12 with submitted plan	Maximum 50 people Minimal, Medium, and Non-Contact sports may practice and compete Outdoor full-contact sports allowed for K-12 with submitted plan

Full-Contact Sports*	Minimal & Medium Contact Sports	Non-Contact Sports
Football (tackle) Rugby† Wrestling Cheerleading Basketball Hockey† Dance Water Polo† Men's Lacrosse†	Softball Baseball Soccer Volleyball Women's Lacrosse† Flag Football 7v7 Football	Tennis Swimming Golf Cross Country Track & Field Sideline/No-Contact Cheer & Dance

Statewide, masks or face coverings are required to be worn by all individuals at all times even while participating in activities - indoors and outdoors.
"Face covering" means a cloth, polypropylene, paper or other face covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face.

Additional Resources

Contingency Groups

ACTIVITIES

SEASON 2