Athletic contests held this fall in Allen County will do some with restricted fan attendance.
Fort Wayne Community Schools, Northwest Allen County Schools, Southwest Allen County Schools, Concordia Lutheran High School, Bishop Dwenger High School and Bishop Luers High School all shared on their Fans In The Stands Plans, which sets attendance limits for football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, tennis, cheerleading and Unified flag football at schools in those districts.
The plan is sectioned into 3 different phases over the next 6 weeks with a goal "to start the season and finish the season."
Step 1, through August 31: no fans will be allowed to attend competitions, and essential personnel only will be allowed at the events.
Step 2, from September 1 to September 13: large group gatherings will be allowed, provided state, local and federal safety guidelines permit them. Each school will receive a ticket allowances for freshman, junior varsity and varsity events based on the size of the facilities.
Step 3, September 14 and beyond: Details on attendance have yet to be determined.
The IHSAA also weighed in on spectator attendance in new guidelines for Fall 2020 sports competitions. Attendance will be dictated by the host school with guidance from local health officials and accordance with state mandates, the IHSAA said:
- Families may sit together, but maintain 6 feet of social distance from another family
- Bleacher should have a 50 percent seating capacity with a maxium of 250 people, no matter size of bleachers (Bleachers on opposite sides count as separate units).
- Separate seating areas must have separately designated restrooms, separately designated entrances (or staggered arrival times if no separate seating areas)
East Allen County Schools unveiled its fan participation plans on August 7. The re-entry guidelines limit both the number of athletes available on a roster (for each level) and the number of parents/guardians allowed for each student-athlete. These provisions apply to home sporting events only; away contests follow guidelines of the host school.
Step 1, August 15 to 31: Athletes must complete parent/guardian signup sheets prior to each event. Parents will be checked off with valid ID at the gate. Parents must face coverings and social distance at the events. Cheerleaders will be allowed to cheer at the level they are rostered at. Additionally, essential personnel, athletes and parents will be allowed at the sporting events.
Step 2, September 1 to 13: details are still being determined.
Parkview Sports Medicine partners with 24 high schools in Northeast Indiana for athletic training, sports performance, nutrition, athletic rehab and other sports medicine services for student-athletes. Learn more at www.parkviewsportsmedicine.com.