THE EXTRAS The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission governs athletics and extracurricular activities for area schools.
Athletics Mon County high school athletic teams are practicing with an abundance of caution. The WVSSAC continues to provide guidance on how practices can occur safely through the use of small pods, symptom screening criteria, quarantining if necessary, and contact tracing if an athlete or coaching staff member tests positive—which a few have. The protocols seem to be working. School sports will also abide by the state’s color-coded map. Teams located in red or orange counties cannot travel to other counties for sports. Sports practices must stop in red counties. Teams in green and yellow counties can practice and travel for games. So far, the fall athletic season is charging ahead. Games are also expected to look different, with masked players, a moratorium on high fives or huddles, smaller travel squads, and extended side- lines. Spectators will be allowed for green and yellow counties but tickets will be limited.
Extracurriculars Students participate in a variety of after-school activities beyond athletics, and the WVSSAC has weighed in on many of those, too. COVID-19 presents signif- icant challenges for choirs, band activities, and fine arts perfor- mances. Experts contend that singing is a risky activity, and the jury is still out on playing— and sharing—instruments. The Commission has allowed bands to practice in pods of 10 or less and choirs to hold concerts outside and has prohibited any indoor rehearsals for the foresee- able future. County Superintendent Eddie Campbell is hopeful that school clubs and organizations will be able to meet and have activities. “It’s so important that kids have the opportunity to interact with each other and socialize,” he says. “My hope is that, if we have to reduce numbers in school, there will be ways to continue ac- tivities with small organizations in a controlled environment.”
September 9 First remote day for students A–M. First in-person day for students L–Z.
MORGANTOWNMAG.COM 17
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online