Yesterday, Jan. 11, the Salem-Keizer School District announced new COVID-19 athletics policies and procedures. The new policies come in response to the increased risk of transmission of the Omicron variant.
The biggest policy changes come in regards to spectator numbers which at the highschool level are specific to the different athletic events.
For basketball, student athletes as a general rule are now allowed four spectators each. It is possible however that if venues meet, or fail to meet distancing standards, the four spectator cap may be increased or decreased. The final event spectator limits will be communicated by means of the coaches to the athletes prior to the events.
Wrestling will follow in line with basketball implementing a four spectator limit as well.
Spectator limits for basketball and wrestling will be enforced through the use of a ticketing system. Prior to their competitions, student athletes will give coaches the names of the spectators they plan to invite, and coaches will allot the student tickets and add the spectator’s names to a master list. District employees will check in spectators using the masterlist at every sporting event.
Swim spectator limits are yet to be identified as the school district is currently working to determine the “COVID safe” capacity of the KROC center which is where all district swim activity take place. More details will be available on the Salem-Keizer website soon.
In addition to the capacity limits, the district changed mask requirements as well. Athletes do not need to wear masks while actively competing or practicing, however when on the bench students and coaches are required to be wearing masks.
Any further updates to the safety protocols will be posted on the district website.
