GMA has developed a plan to implement an in-house, coed, grade-level volleyball and basketball program for grades 5-8. This plan will be predicated upon conditions in January 2021 allowing the launch of these activities. The grade-level nature of the teams will keep the students in their school cohorts.
I. Introduction: As of October 6, 2020 Montgomery County updated their guidelines regarding sporting activities. We will follow the guidelines stated for our athletes and move accordingly as state and county requirements and recommendations progress.
It is a requirement that all families follow the stated guidelines in this document in order to participate. No one may participate if they are not feeling well, have been recently exposed to COVID-19, and/or show symptoms. We understand parents may feel unsure about having their child participate. It will be up to the parents when you are comfortable having your child return to athletics.
II. Return to Indoor Athletics Guidelines: Below are the guidelines set forth by Montgomery County that GMA will abide by.
- Athletic events will be postponed until January 1st, 2021.
- Competitions will be limited to 20% maximum occupancy of our gymnasium.
- All athletes and coaches must wear face coverings compliant with the PA Department of Health’s Universal Face Coverings guidelines at all times.
III. Competition Guidelines:
- Below, please find the guidelines GMA will require coaches and athletes:
- All coaches and athletes must wear masks at all times indoors. Mask breaks will be given when needed and can be done so in a safe, socially distant manner.
- Grade levels will not be mixed indoors. Each sport will compete by grade (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th).
- If an athlete or coach exhibits symptoms as described in the Montgomery County School Exclusion Requirements, he/she is advised to consult their health care professional and follow the instructions given.
- Should an athlete and/or coach test positive for Covid-19, Athletic Directors and Administration will begin the set action plan of contacting the Montgomery County Office of Public Health. The Office of Public Health will investigate contact tracing.
- Coaches must take their own temperature an hour prior arriving to campus each day. If it exceeds 100.4 degrees, they may not go to practice.
- If an athlete was not cleared to attend school, or was sent home from school, they may not return for practice. Parents must notify Athletic Directors.
- All athletes must have their equipment disinfected before and after each practice.
- A determined pick up location will be assigned for each team, we will stagger dismissal times, in order to keep social distancing among all school athletes. Coaches and Athletic Directors will make sure this happens.
- Each athlete will bring limited equipment to school and will keep all belongings 6 feet apart.
- Competitions will be closed to parents.
- Social distancing of 6 feet will be enforced by coaches, and Athletic Directors when not competing on the court.
- Coaches will be the only ones able to set up drills with equipment to minimize athletes touching various items.
- Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the following:
First Offense: A warning
Second Offense: Parents will be notified, and the athlete must leave practice.
III. Coach Responsibilities: Below, please find the listed requirements and responsibilities of all GMA coaches.
- Coaches will wear face masks, as long as it is mandated by the State, CDC and Montgomery County Health Department. GMA will provide PPE’s for coaches.
Coaches will be responsible for disinfecting equipment (must use limited equipment, until otherwise noted).
- Coaches will stay 6 feet or more away from athletes at all times (unless there is an emergency).
- Coaches will take their temperature daily, if it is above 100.4 degrees, they may not go to practices.
- Coaches will report to AD’s at the end of each practice/game, to keep lines of communication open.
IV. Parent Responsibilities:
- Make sure their child has a mask that they feel comfortable competing in.
Parents are not allowed to watch competitions.
- Parents may not get out of their cars and congregate on the black top, green top, and/or parking lot while waiting for the child’s practice to end.
- Parents must go to the designated area to pick their child up at assigned time. If parents think they will be late, they MUST contact AD as soon as possible, so proper arrangements can be made.
VI. Plan for COVID-19 Exposure/Travel Within and out of United States: The plan set forth by the GMA Administration and Pandemic Team will be followed for this section: PA Department of Health Travel Guidelines.
