PARENT RESOURCES
HONOR | COURAGE | COMMITMENTIMPORTANT FORMS & INFORMATION
Risks of Exposure to COVID-19
As you are likely aware and understand, COVID-19 is a new disease and information regarding risk factors associated with this disease is limited. At this time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) believes that people of all ages are at risk of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19, though older adults and people with serious underlying health conditions may be at a higher risk. While the District has taken drastic and unprecedented measures to try to reduce the risk of COVID-19, it is unfortunately impossible to guarantee our students protection from all risks of COVID-19 exposure.
With this knowledge, you may determine that it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of high school students to return to physical activity and athletic competition as part of the students’ growth and development. Additionally, as recommended by the CDC, there are a number of actions school districts can take to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and reduce the spread during competition and practice. Therefore, it is the District’s goal, through implementations of the protocols described below, to lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and reduce any potential spread to the maximum extent possible. Following up-to-date guidance on physical school reopening and youth sports organization from the CDC, Texas Department of Public Health, and the Texas Department of Education, as well as the latest guidance on for opening up high school athletics and activities from the National Federation of State High
School Association, the protocols described below will be implemented in the District’s athletic programs and activities in anticipation of their reinstatement on June 15, 2020. To ensure that the implemented protocols are effective efforts to protect our students and staff, it is important that every participant of the District’ athletic/activities program, including the coaches and students, proactively and strictly follow the protocols, described in detail below.
Student and Parent/Guardian Responsibility
By permitting my student to participate in the District’s athletic program upon the program’s reinstatement on June 15, 2020, you acknowledge and agree to all of the following protocols:
● Pre-participation physical evaluation (“PPE”) will be required annually for all participants in athletics/activities who have not had pre-participation physical clearance performed and submitted to the District.
● Where possible, online education (such as online training course for AED/CPR and first aid) will replace in-person training.
● No more than 10 people at a time will be allowed to gather indoors, whereas no more than 50 people may gather outdoors at one time.
● All coaches and students must maintain 6-feet social distancing while in locker rooms and meeting rooms.
● To the extent possible, workouts will be conducted in “pods” of students with the same 5-10 always working out together.
● Prior to individuals entering the facility, hard surfaces and frequently used areas will be wiped down and disinfected; equipment with holes/exposed foam will be covered up.
● All coaches and students are encouraged to practice good hygiene including proper hand-washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, wiping down weight equipment thoroughly before and after individual use, shower and wash workout clothing immediately upon returning home.
● All coaches and students are encouraged to don attire that limits sweat transfer.
● Hand sanitizer will be provided in common areas.
● Face coverings recommended/required to be worn by students with the exception of swimming, distance running, or other high intensity aerobic activity.
● No shared towels, clothing, shoes, water bottle, or use of drinking fountain will be permitted.
● Balls and other equipment must be cleaned intermittently during practice and competition. Gear and bats must be cleaned between uses.
● Maximum lifts must be limited, power cages should be used where applicable, and if spotters are needed, spotters should stand at each end of the bar to maintain social distancing.
● When not actively engaged in athletic activities, masks may be worn by students who choose to do so, social distancing must be enforced, and hygiene basics adhered to in all situations.
● Cancellation of training or contests, as well as the possibility of teams isolating for 2 weeks, may happen with little notice as a result of recurrent outbreak or knowledge that a coach or athlete has contracted or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
NJROTC PROGRAM
ADDRESS
4204 Yale Street
Houston , TX 77018
PHONE
713-696-6600
STAY CONNECTED
2020