UIL says school districts that don’t follow COVID-19 guidelines could be sanctioned
After one week of high school football games, some school districts may be jeopardizing having spectators or having a season altogether.
The UIL has reached out to multiple school districts about not following coronavirus guidelines that include capacity limits, face coverings and social distancing, Matt Stepp of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football first reported Monday.
“As we get fall seasons underway, UIL is reminding schools that it is critical to follow the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidelines so we can continue to offer the opportunity for students to compete in UIL activities this year,” the UIL said in an email. “Schools not following these guidelines are subject to sanctions, including suspension of contests or discontinuation of public access to games, by the local UIL District Executive Committee and/or UIL State Executive Committee.”
Photos surfaced on Twitter Friday night, showing stadiums around the state.
While some schools followed the guidelines, others didn’t. It appeared as though at some games, like at Lampasas or Burnet, it was a normal Friday night. Some stadium announcers, like at Godley, had to remind spectators to wear their masks.
Schools in Class 4A and below have been allowed to play football, volleyball, cross country and tennis. Class 5A and 6A schools will start fall practices on Monday and begin regular seasons later in September.
According to UIL COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines:
- Coaches, players not actively participating in a contest and parents, visitors, spectators and students 10 or older should have face coverings on at all times in an area where UIL activities are being conducted, unless they fall under one of the exceptions.
- Exceptions include when maintaining at least six feet of social distancing; any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering; any person who is consuming a food or drink; and any person in a swimming pool, lake or similar body of water.
Any other reason or circumstance indicated under Executive Order GA-29.
Executive Order GA-29 pertains to face coverings and applies to all UIL activities since July 3. It says the face covering requirement doesn’t apply in counties that meet state criteria regarding minimal cases of COVID-19 and where the county judge has opted out of the requirement.
