The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is ramping up its efforts to get spectators to follow COVID-19 guidelines. It proposed sanctions for those who fail to comply at sporting events.
The state’s governing body for public schools, which said sanctions could come via local UIL district executive committees and/ or the UIL state executive committee, also hinted at the possibility of shutting down sports if its protocols aren’t followed.
The message comes after videos and photos were posted on social media from season-opener football games in Class 4A and below late last month. Images showed some fans neither wearing masks in the stands nor practicing proper social distancing.
“I feel like the fans and staff did an unbelievable job of following the rules we put in place,” RHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey said. “Everybody has to continue to do their part”
The UIL released updated COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines last Tuesday and sent an email to superintendents across the state stating that adherence to those protocols is “critical.” The UIL said in its email, “for students to have the opportunity to continue to compete in UIL activities this school year, we all must remain diligent in following these guidelines.”
The UIL’s COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines say that all employees, parents, visitors and students 10 years of age or older must wear face coverings or face shields upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted and when not actively practicing or playing in the contest. The UIL is allowing a 50 percent of maximum capacity at games and said that the executive order issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on July 3 applies to all UIL activities.
Abbott stated that everyone in Texas must wear a face covering when in an outdoor public space when it is not feasible to be at least 6 feet from anyone not living in the same household. The only non-medical exceptions that would apply for fans at football games are when a congregating group of persons maintains at least 6 feet of social distancing or while a person is consuming food or drink.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.