McHenry Times

Harvard Community Unit School District 50 issued the following announcement on July 13.

Harvard High School

Guidance for return to Extracurriculars and Athletics

Camp Registration at https://harvard.8to18.com/

The COVID-19 Pandemic presents Harvard Community School District 50, IHSA, and ISBE with an abundance of challenges. The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) along with the IHSA, ISBE, and Harvard

School District is offering this guidance of “opening up” to extracurricular and activities here at Harvard High School.

Decreasing potential exposure to respiratory droplets is the guiding principle behind social distancing and the use of face coverings. The use of cloth face coverings is meant to decrease the spread of respiratory droplets. As state and local COVID-19 cases decrease, the need for strict social distancing and the use of face coverings will lessen. With that said student-athletes and coaches should adhere to these guidelines both before and after any workout takes place. At this time we are not requiring athletes to wear face coverings during their workouts/practices. However, it will be a requirement that all coaches wear a mask during their sessions.

Prior to any daily workouts/practices, athletes will be required to complete a symptom and temperature check that will be logged. The purpose of these checks is to limit potential symptomatic exposure and remove individuals before they have the opportunity to interact with others. While waiting for symptom checks to be completed, it is mandatory that students wear a mask and remain socially distant from others.

It is also very important that as a community and a school district that all individuals are open and honest about symptoms and exposure. The health and safety of everyone involved is our top priority. As much as

this opportunity is welcomed and offers a return to a sense of normalcy, it still requires great attention to detail and a selflessness mindset. While we are slowly “opening” it is important to understand the negative ramifications that come with not following guidelines. Simply stated: We do not want to return to Stage one guidelines and limit participation further.

In addition to guidance and recommendations that have been laid out by the ISBE and the IHSA there are a few things that we would like everyone to remember when participating in such activities or workouts here

at Harvard High School.

Guidelines:

1. These gatherings are optional and completely voluntary to those signing up. No person should feel obligated or feel that they will be penalized for not attending workouts. If a person does choose to

   attend they are doing so by their own choice. If at any point anyone feels sick or ill, please error on the side of caution and DO NOT attend these voluntary workouts. Student-athletes can be sent home at any time if they are feeling any type of symptoms.

2. Student-athletes and coaches will be screened daily, an attendance record with symptoms and temperature checks will be recorded. If student-athletes are not screened they will NOT be allowed

   to participate.

3. These activities will take place outside and inside Harvard School District facilities and at other outside facilities and will still follow IDHP, CDC, IHSA, & ISBE recommendations of social distancing.
4. All Student-athletes will register for these camps through our 8 to 18 website. No registration means no participation.
5. Camps are open to grades 9-12 at this time. We will not be offering camps to the lower grade levels at this time.
6. Student-athletes and coaches can participate in multiple groups but, are highly encouraged to follow these recommendations:

   ● Individuals should sanitize or wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts.

   ● Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment/surfaces.

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

   ● Masks are required for everyone entering the building or outside workouts. They can be removed during workouts and activities while outside, but should be put back on once the workout is finished. Masks are required at all times while in the building.

   ● Students will still be required to bring their own water and water bottle. Drinking fountains, water coolers, and water cows will be utilized and cleaned after each camp. The water stations will be for refill purposes ONLY.

   ● These camps will be conducted in a sport-specific manner. Specific skills and instruction will now take place.

7. Harvard High School will conduct these camps with no more than 50 individuals both coaches and student-athletes in an assigned area at one time. These groups should and will maintain a distance of 30 feet from each other.
8. Any and all used equipment and areas will be disinfected and cleaned throughout the day.

Harvard High School reserves the right to not allow student-athletes to participate in these activities based on symptom screening and behaviors. Extracurriculars are a privilege and not a right. If at any point a student-athlete or school personal does not feel well they are encouraged to stay home and follow the advice of a medical provider.

Please know what these are very fluid guidelines and recommendations can change at any time. The Harvard High School Athletic department will do it’s best to communicate those changes as they occur. As many of

you are looking to return to normal, we want to ensure that the safety and well being of everyone is our top priority.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the athletic department.

Original source can be found here.