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CONTRIBUTED BY TSSAA
While the upcoming school year certainly looks much different than last year, COVID-19 is still an issue that member schools across the state will continue to deal with.

Providing a safe environment for student-athletes to practice and participate in high school sports is something that administrators across the state will be striving to do amidst the ongoing pandemic.

A memo outlining updated guidelines and protocols for the fall sports season was sent to administrators of member schools recently. The information provided to schools is as follows:

-In the absence of policy at the school or school district level, TSSAA encourages member schools to follow recommendations for face coverings and social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

-In the absence of policy at the school or school district level, students who have been in close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should follow recommendations for quarantine from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

-All students who have tested positive for COVID-19 must receive clearance from a medical provider prior to resuming activities with his/her team. If a student tests positive for COVID-19 and subsequently receives his/her pre-participation physical and is cleared to play, no additional clearance is required.

All coaches and students who are confirmed or suspected positive for COVID-19 should follow recommendations for release from isolation from the CDC when considering a return to practice or activities.

These new guidelines will hopefully provide the administration of every member school the knowledge needed to make informed decisions concerning their athletic programs as we continue to battle this coronavirus.