High school student-athletes in the Kent School District will have the option to join in-person training starting Feb. 15.
The district released a statement Feb. 1 with the return date.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has opened this period for student-athletes to train with their high school teams in preparation for the upcoming seasons, according to the statement. The WIAA used the Sporting Activities COVID-19 Guidance (PDF) from Jan. 11 by the Governor’s office to update the Roadmap to Recovery that allows in-person training with strict requirements based on region COVID case data.
Student-athletes will remain in specific pods throughout the three-week conditioning program (Feb. 15-March 5).
Due to shortened seasons, practices and contests could be scheduled on Saturdays and during traditional break periods such as Presidents’ break (Feb. 15-19) and spring break (April 5-9).
Safety is the highest priority in training sessions. All coaches and student-athletes will follow health and safety guidelines set by KSD, WIAA, and Public Health – Seattle and King County.
Strict adherence by coaches and athletes to these guidelines will help the district continue in-person training.
• All participants will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to any activities.
• Masks are required at all times.
• Physical distancing will be required of all participants, and students will be working in pods of six or less with each pod distanced from the others during the conditioning-only sessions.
• Hand sanitation required upon entry and exit, and frequently during training.
• Students will not share personal equipment or water containers.
• Along with screening and safety protocols, the social-emotional and mental health, physical wellness, and academic progress of students will be our core focus.
Students must be cleared through Family ID and approved by the building athletic director prior to participation.
• Students should register for their season 1 sport they plan on participating in.
• If the student will not participate in a season 1 sport, the student should register for general conditioning.
• Registration opens on Feb. 3.
• Registration for Season 2 and 3 will be announced at a later date.
Students must follow the KSD COVID-19 Student-Athlete Commitment Pledge (PDF).
North Puget Sound League (NPSL) plan
The NSPL plan from Jan. 14,allows for a conditioning/season prep window through March 6. Events are subject to change based on school district approvals and COVID-19 metrics.
Season 1 Sports (March 8 – April 17):
Football (begins March 1), cross country, girls soccer, volleyball, girls swim, boys and girls golf.
Season 2 Sports (April 12 – May 22):
Baseball, fastpitch softball, boys soccer, girls tennis, track, boys swim.
Season 3 Sports (May 17 – June 26):
Boys basketball, girls basketball, wrestling, gymnastics (begins May 10), dance, cheerleading, bowling, boys tennis, boys and girls water polo .
Note: Middle school sports seasons will be communicated once middle schools are able to return to in-person learning.
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