Amid the state of uncertainty the coronavirus pandemic has brought upon the world, the University Interscholastic League updated its guidelines t wo t i me s last week.
The UIL issued a statement allowing remote learners eligibility to participate in fine arts and athletics for the 2020-21 school year last Friday.
“Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by the TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements,” according to a UIL written statement. “Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. Schools may develop local policies with additional requirements for participation.”
The UIL’s update came two days after they updated summer workout guidelines to include mask wearing for every participant over the age of 10 years old.
Schools must require students, staff and visitors to wear face coverings upon arrival and exit and in practice areas when not actively exercising, according to UIL instructions.
Students may remove their mask— non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings over the nose and mouth or fullface shields—when actively exercising if they maintain at least six feet of distance between other students and staff who are not wearing face coverings.
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all,” Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jacob Campsey said. “I’m all for any precautions the UIL wants to take to keep the kids safe.”
Exceptions for wearing a face mask include any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering, while someone is consuming food or drink, and when a group can maintain six feet of distance among members.
The UIL will also allow students access to locker rooms and showers and grant permission for players to engage in drills that involve offense versus defense, starting Monday, July 13.
The guidance is in effect immediately until the first day of instruction or the start of in-season activities, whichever is earlier,” the UIL wrote.
On July 1 the UIL recommended schools close summer workouts from July 3-12 in response to “...the July 4 holiday weekend and the potential for increased social interactions that could spread COVID-19.”
A day later, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order mandating Texans wear a face mask in public and gave local officials power to restrict outdoor gatherings with more than 10 people.
Since UIL summer workouts began June 8, at least 215 schools have suspended their operations at one point due to positive COVID-19 tests among participants or because of the rapid spread around the state.
Rockdale, Thorndale and Milano schools resumed workouts on Monday and plan to start fall practice in early August.
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