2020 Fall Sports

Dear Mill River Community,

The Vermont's Agency of Education (AOE), Vermont Principals Association (VPA) and the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) have released details of plans to re-open education based activities and athletics. 

Regardless of personal thoughts or opinions on all things Covid-19, the reality is we have guidance we must follow in order to participate.

Currently, meetings are taking place to determine what our schedules will look like for each of our sports offered this fall, sport specific rules that will be followed and determination of postseason play.  My plan is to be in communication with all of you as more information is finalized.  

Everyone's cooperation is essential in order for this to be successful.  All information on athletic registration and sports schedules can be found at the web address below: http://millriverschools.org/mru/mruhs-sports-overview/

Please keep in mind information is changing everyday and I will update as necessary.  Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Kim Maniery
Athletic Director

FALL 2020 MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL SEASON STARTS:

• First date to practice: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 

SPORTS BEING OFFERED FALL 2020:

• MS & HS Football 7 v 7 (details to still be worked out)

• MS & HS Boys and Girls Soccer

• MS & HS Cross Country (Facial coverings are required to be worn by all players, coaches, officials, and staff at all times, including during active play. An exception is provided for participants in cross country running – both practice sessions and interscholastic meets/competitions – so long as physical distancing is maintained between individuals using staggered starts or other means.  It is recommended that cross country runners have a cloth facial covering with them for use when adequate physical distancing cannot be maintained during training and competition.)

• HS Golf

• MS and HS Cheerleading will NOT be offered this Fall.  After many conversations with the coaching staff 7-12, we have made the decision to not offer Fall 2020 Cheer.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself (kmaniery@millriverschools.org) or Tabitha Moore (tabithaannjulie77@gmail.com).  Information about winter cheer will be posted in October.

FACIAL COVERINGS:

• EVERYONE wears a 2-ply mask at all times - Vented masks are not acceptable

• Facial coverings are required to be worn by all players, coaches, officials, and staff, including during active play. 

• Face coverings do not have to match in color with school uniforms

• Athletes may use their own approved facial covering

• Facial coverings must be worn on school transportation

• Facial coverings should be washed consistently

FACILITIES:

• No visitors or spectators in school building

• Outside bathroom will be available

• Locker rooms for home teams may be used for changing purposes only, no gatherings, team meetings or socializing

• Facial coverings while in locker rooms and social distancing while changing

SPECTATORS:

• Spectators WILL NOT be permitted at MRU for Games or Practices (Drop Off Only)

• Opposing schools may also not allow spectators; we will notify parents and fans if traveling to such schools

PRACTICE/COMPETITION/SANITIZING/PERSONAL HYGIENE:

• Individuals must wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in training.  If hands are not visibly soiled, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used in the absence of soap and water.

• Hand sanitizer must be plentiful at all contests and practices and available to individuals as they transfer from place to place. 

• There shall be no shared personal gear (i.e. towels, clothing, shoes, water bottles) between students.  Personal gear must be washed/cleaned after every session.

• Students and coaches must wash their hands at the end of training sessions and contests.

• Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.

• Facial coverings must be washed daily.

• Saturday games and practices-athletes will need temp checks/COVID-19 screening

• Traditional homecoming will not occur during season 2020

• Schedule will be adjusted; look for updates on the website

• Currently there will be “open” tournaments for all sports

• No post game or pre game handshakes

• Consistent use of hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water at practice and competition

• Refrain from spitting on field or sidelines

PAPERWORK-PHYSICALS/REGISTRATION:

• Please make sure your son or daughter is registered on FormRELeaf prior to their first practice

• Physicals have been waived for one school year for grades 10-12, 7th graders and 9th graders will need to provide physicals

TRANSPORTATION:

• Face coverings must be worn on school transportation

• Parents/Guardians may drive their own children to and from games-We would want to know ahead of time-Students will not be allowed to drive themselves and you will not be allowed to have others student ride in your vehicle

ATHLETIC DAILY HEALTH SCREENING: 

• Matt Howland will be the Lead Person for Screenings Daily

• More information will come out close to September 8th for protocol on drop off and location of screening

• Schools will ensure that all coaches, students, officials, and other contest personnel are screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 before any training session or competition.   Screening includes a temperature check and the following questions:

1. Have you been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19?

2. Do you feel unwell with any symptoms consistent with COVID-19?  For example, have you had a cough, fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell?

Any person with positive symptoms reported and/or a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be allowed to take part in team activities and must be sent home immediately.  Symptomatic persons must self-isolate at home and contact their primary care provider or other appropriate health-care professional. 

• Testing regimens and response to student athlete or team personnel testing positive for COVID-19 will follow guidelines as determined by the Vermont Department of Health.

ATTENDANCE POLICY FALL 2020 REMOTE LEARNING

• Student athletes are expected to virtually attend all of their classes.  Any student athlete who has not checked in for their attendance by 12pm that day cannot participate in a practice session that day.  If a student shows up for practice and has not been in attendance for classes, they will be notified at the screening tent that day and asked to return home.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY FALL 2020 

• Students in grades 7-12 will have their grades pulled for their fall classes the first week in October.  Any student who has 1 or more classes under a 2.0 will become ineligible for the rest of the fall sports season.  Understanding that athletics plays a key role in the student experience for many MRUHS learners, it is critical that we maintain a high set of standards with fair expectations for academic progress while our student athletes represent the MRUHS community.