WASHINGTON, D.C. – The District of Columbia State Athletic Association, in conjunction with the most recent guidance from DC Health, has developed guidance for high school students to participate in athletics this fall.
- DCSAA requires that all student-athletes participating in indoor sports and activities wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is in compliance with DC Health guidelines that require all people indoors in schools to wear masks. DCSAA recommends following the DC Health policy of maintaining physical distance of at least six feet as much as possible when participating in higher-risk activities indoors.
- DCSAA recommends that all student-athletes participating in high-impact sports wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status.
- DCSAA recommends that unvaccinated student-athletes participating in indoor sports or activities or high-contact sports be tested regularly for COVID-19.
- Decisions on whether to permit spectators to attend interscholastic events will be made by each local education agency.
“While it was exciting to return to the field of play this past spring, we must remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19,” DCSAA Interim Director Kenny Owens said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to adjust if the situation improves or worsens.”
Per the latest guidance issued by DC Health, higher risk sports include basketball, boxing, cheerleading football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer and wrestling.
“High school sports make a positive impact and are a vital component in the lives of so many youths,” Owens said. “We will do everything we can to keep them involved in physical activity and athletic competition. We are very appreciative of the leadership shown by Mayor Bowser and her staff as well as the guidance from DC Health. We also are thankful for the administrators and coaches who help us maintain student-athlete safety as our top priority.”
To learn more about the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, please visit www.dcsaasports.org.