DAVENPORT — Masks will still be a part of sports this year, but face covering rules won’t be as restrictive to start the 2021-22 school year. The state Department of Health released new guidelines that mandate masks in some athletic settings, but not in others.
The guidelines come on the heels of the state once again requiring masks in K-12 schools this year, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Athletes won’t have to mask up during competition or practice for any outdoor sport. Masks aren’t required for low or moderate-contact indoor sports either. In the Northeast 2B League, only volleyball falls in this category.
Vaccinated competitors don’t have to wear a mask during any high-risk indoor sport, either. Non-vaccinated competitors must either wear a mask for high-risk, close-contact indoor sports or submit to regular COVID-19 screening. Basketball and wrestling fall in this category for the NE2B.
“Universal masking” is required during indoor games when athletes aren’t actively competing. Masks are “encouraged” during indoor practices.
Coaches, athletic trainers and other support personnel are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Fully-vaccinated referees don’t have to wear a mask indoors while actively running or officiating, but must slip on a mask during stoppages or when talking to coaches.
Spectators attending indoor events are also mask-mandated, regardless of vaccination status. The NE2B is limiting family member attendance to two adults per athlete, or four adults if the student comes from a two-family situation.
Masking is also mandated in all weight room activities and physical education indoor classes.
These new masking rules will be in place as fall sports competitions kick off at the beginning of September in the NE2B.
Comments about masking guidelines from Cheney and Medical Lake athletics directors were not received by press time Tuesday, Aug. 17.
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