Section VI to allow two spectators per athlete for home team only; schools have the option

The Section VI Executive Committee met Monday afternoon and voted to allow home schools the option of allowing up to two of their spectators, per athlete for the remainder of the winter season.

The new policy goes into effect on Wednesday, February 24. The Section had committed to reviewing the ‘No Spectators’ verdict at its last meeting on January 28.

“As we stated late last month, it was our intent to review local data and trends this week”, Section President, Brett Banker said. “In addition, we surveyed all member schools in an effort to gauge their thoughts. It was clear that school districts supported a Section-wide policy and that is what we have created.”

In the sports of basketball and swimming, the host districts will have the prerogative to allow up to two home spectators per athlete. Since hockey, bowling and skiing are held at private businesses, the prevailing parameters at each facility will be followed. For instance, the majority of hockey facilities allow only one spectator per athlete.

“As a Section we do not have the authority to override the protocols of private facilities, we are guests and because of that, those standards will still apply”, Banker continued. “Each school district will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of all spectators and participants in their buildings by requiring masks and enforcing social distancing”.

Schools have the autonomy to adjust down if they deem that the foot print of their facilities are insufficient to safely host two spectators from the host school for each athlete. It is clear from the survey that not all home sites can host spectators from both schools while following social distancing regulations.

“We realize that based on the differences in facilities and staffing across the Section, we need to offer schools some flexibility to create protocols that work for them,” Banker noted. “We are grateful for the support of our schools, school leaders, and the patience that so many have displayed.”