Guidelines made for sporting events

Sonja Karp
NLJ Sports Reporter
 
As high school and middle school fall sports began last week, Weston County School District No. 1 released guidelines for spectators attending events amidst the COVID-19 crisis. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it’s also going to take a community effort to keep high school sports alive. 
With this foremost on the minds of the powers that be, the following defines how NHS will proceed with attendance this fall.
“We appreciate your support of our students at NHS sporting events. Please remember these events for our students and we need your cooperation in maintaining the social distancing guidelines that have been established. As a reminder, when you are not able to social distance, please wear your face coverings. These events are for the students and we want them to be able to complete the season. Together we can benefit our students!”
Cross Country Guidelines: Newcastle HS will follow the current State of Wyoming and WHSAA guidelines of 50% of capacity or up to 1,000 spectators at outdoor events. Spectators will be screened at entry and masks will be highly recommended during entry/exit of the event. Spectators are asked to practice social distancing — when social distancing cannot be maintained, masks will be highly recommended during the event.
Swimming and Diving Guidelines: Due to the size of our pool facility, masks will be recommended at all times – including entry/exit, and during the event. Current State of Wyoming and WHSAA guidelines are up to 50 spectators without restriction and up to 250 spectators with social distancing and sanitizing measures — including masks if social distancing cannot be maintained. Newcastle HS understands that the pool facility can become hot and humid – please exit the building for fresh air when removing your mask.
Volleyball Guidelines: Masks will be recommended during entry & exit of the building, and when social distancing cannot be maintained. Current State of Wyoming and WHSAA guidelines are up to 50 spectators without restriction and up to 250 spectators with social distancing and sanitizing measures — including masks if social distancing cannot be maintained. Spectators will be handed a ticket by their person/player they are there representing before they leave their hometown. This ticket will be signed by the ticket holder and collected at the gate.     
Football Guidelines: Newcastle HS will follow the current State of Wyoming and WHSAA guidelines of 50% of capacity or up to 1,000 spectators at outdoor events. Spectators will be handed a ticket by their person/player they are there representing, that will be collected at the gate. This ticket will be signed by the ticket holder and collected. Masks will be recommended during entry and exit of gates. Spectators are asked to practice social distancing — when social distancing cannot be maintained, masks will be required during the event.
Newcastle High School will be streaming all Volleyball and Football contests using the NFHS Network Pixellot System free of charge. A link to the games can be found on the district webpage at wcsd.1.org.
The original statement from the district limited tickets to just parents of athletes, however after reviewing last week’s activities, WCSD No. 1 Superintendent Brad LaCroix issued the following clarifications for those wishing to attend a contest.
“Both middle school and high school students athletes will be given tickets to pass on to those whom they choose. For events taking place inside, the cap will be 175 “Dogie Fans” which could include family, friends, and classmates, while the remaining 75 tickets will be allocated for fans of the visiting team. Tickets will be provided to the athletes in advance, and must be filled out by the attendee with screening information and names for tracking purposes should a case of COVID pop up. I would remind everyone to check weekly for updates as this is a fluid situation and as status changes, we will make modifications as well.”
LaCroix also noted that there will be no concession stands at the events.