CENTRAL RED DEVILS ATHLETICS Athletic Administrator- Jared Foster, jfoster@rsu46schools.org
RSU 64 Superintendent of Schools- Rhonda Sperrrey, rsperrey@rsu64schools.org
Principal of Central High School- Brett Hoogterp, bhoogterp@rsu64schools.org
Principal of Central Middle School; Grades 6-8- Sandra Cookson, scookson@rsu64schools.org
RSU 64 Superintendent's Office - 285-3334
November 12, 2021: RSU 64 Winter Athletics Protocol
As we enter the Winter Athletic season, RSU 64 will adopt the following procedure, with regards to Winter Athletics offered by RSU 64, keeping in mind that participation in athletics is OPTIONAL.
Central High School and Central Middle School, as part of the Penquis Superintendent’s Region, will adhere to the Penquis Region's protocols when competing against other teams of this region.
When competing against teams outside of the region, such as those who are part of the KVAC league, Central High School will work with these other teams in order to establish protocols for the given contest when necessary.
RSU 64’s goal is to maintain our schedule and provide every opportunity for our student athletes. This includes being able to hold every contest. This means that when we go to someone's facility, we adhere to their rules in place.
MASKING-
Student-Athletes participating in extra-curricular athletics are expected to mask appropriately, in accordance with CDC and Maine DOE recommendations to public schools. In the Penquis region this could mean, at the start of the season, masking while competing. In RSU 64 masking is required for all indoors.
When playing outside of the region this could mean, in some cases, masking according to CDC protocols when in the gym, locker rooms, and other areas UNLESS the student-athlete is actively physically exerting themselves in game play or practice situations. This is also in accordance with recent NCAA applications to indoor sport participation (resource linked at bottom of this document). While competing, or actively participating, it is at that point, the student-athlete (or game official) may choose to take their mask off. Coaches and event staff will mask 100% of the time while indoors.
This protocol will be evaluated as the situation evolves.
SPECTATORS-
RSU 64 will allow for spectators at our school operated and school district owned venues. Other venues may limit or restrict spectator access for all visiting fans. This will be communicated in advance, and listed on the team schedule online. It is important to know which opponents do not allow for visiting spectators, or an entry system (limited ticket system) in place.
ALL SPECTATORS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MASKED, regardless of vaccination status, or will be asked to leave our venue. A free live streaming option will be in place for each event for those who choose not to adhere to our request. Live Streaming is also a great option for those who live outside of the area as all home games will be streamed. This includes games in the Central High School Gym and at Central Middle School.
As of this document, Concessions will be offered at Central High School and Central Middle School. NO Food or Drinks will be allowed in the gyms. To avoid unmasking spectators in tight settings like bleachers, food can be eaten in either cafeteria. ALL Concessions will be eaten in the cafeteria. There will be tables set up for safe spacing. A television screen will be on in the cafeteria streaming the game for the spectators that use concessions.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENT-
Although RSU 64 recommends all eligible individuals become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it is not a requirement to access extra-curricular activities; athletic or otherwise.
POOL TESTING REQUIREMENT-
Although RSU 64 makes available, and recommends all eligible individuals participate in Maine DOE “Pool Testing”, it is not a requirement to access extra-curricular activities; however, participation in pooled-testing may prevent a student from having to quarantine due to being identified as a close-contact per Maine CDC definitions and operating procedures, athletic or otherwise. For more information on Pool Testing, and its benefits, please reach out to the athletic director or school nurse at your appropriate school.
LOCKER ROOMS-
While locker rooms will be open and available, they will be limited in time to access them. Masking protocols are to be enforced and in place in locker room settings. Time in locker rooms will be limited to between 10 and 14 minutes and should only be used for essential changing to prepare for athletics, for general restroom use and/or pre, halftime and post game time with teams. Locker rooms are NOT a ‘hang out’.
LIVE STREAMING-
RSU 64 will livestream all events in our home facilities.
Links are provided below:
ENTRY & EXITING FOR PRACTICE TIMES-
Last year's entry and exit protocols worked very well. So thank you for that. This established the practice of arriving on time, rather than very early. Folks were diligent about picking up at the posted end time as well. We will continue to do this. The expectation as well is that athletes will show up to the sessions READY, in the evening session times. As indicated above, locker rooms will be available, but should only be used for essential use.
VENUE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS-
Some of these requirements could change, based on local venue requirements. For example, if our teams are at a basketball opponent that requires indoor masking while playing, our student-athletes will mask, in accordance with their local rules in place. Some of our rented spaces do not require masking at all, some do. We will adhere to each facility's local rules pertaining to their facilities and our spectators are expected to adhere when they venture there as well.
INDOOR TRACK AND THE VACCINE OR NEGATIVE TESTING REQUIREMENT-
All University of Maine system facilities require either a full COVID-19 Vaccination series OR a negative test result to be presented within 72-hours of the event on campus in order to enter their facilities. This will be true especially in Indoor Track, where all of our meets are at the New Balance Field House at the University of Maine. This will NOT impact practice times at the Field House, as the league will manage the number to remain under 250, per their policies.
All fully vaccinated indoor track athletes should present their proof to Mr. Foster before December 10th. This information will remain confidential.
RSU 64 will create a testing group for the individuals who have chosen not to secure a COVID-19 Vaccine. These tests will be conducted SEPARATE from the Central High School and Maine DOE “Pool Testing” program, as the University of Maine does not accept this as a confirmed negative test for the individual. Dates of weekly testing will be communicated to families and the individual.
As far as SPECTATORS are concerned, the EMITL/PVC has not made a decision yet on allowing spectators into the New Balance Field House for meets. The reality is that most high schools are not equipped with enough staffing to manage the vaccine or negative testing requirements necessary to rent the facility. Once the league makes a final decision on this topic, it will be communicated to all involved with Central High School Indoor Track. It likely won’t be a situation where some fans are allowed from one school, and none from another. In a league of 17 schools using one facility each week, a policy will be in place that covers all.
COVID RELATED COMMUNICATION-
It is important that parents and students communicate with RSU 64 staff in relation to concerns or known Covid situations. At Central High School we ask these communications to occur directly with the respective school nurse and/or building administrator, not necessarily the coach being the first person of contact. Nurses and building administrators are the most well versed in the Standard Operating Procedure in how we need to respond to each case.
RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL (COVID-related)-
When a student-athlete is diagnosed as Covid-positive, there potentially is a period of time that the student will need to go through before returning to full activity status. RSU 64 has in place a “return to play protocol” for individuals coming out of a Covid-positive situation. These individuals will need to secure clearance from their doctor or other medical provider(s). Please contact the athletic director or building principal for more information.