Sunday, January 17, 2021 - 9:58am
The District announced this past week that the MHS athletic department has begun looking for competitions outside of Dane County for all winter sports.
Public Health Madison Dane County Order #11 expired on Jan. 13. PHMDC issued a newest order on Jan. 11 that still includes an indoor mass gathering limit of 10 or fewer, which means competitions in Dane County for low-risk sports will need to be virtual in nature. The new order continues to forbid in-county competitions for medium- and high-risk sports.
The District will continue to adhere to PHMDC requirements and guidance, including that related to athletics, Director of Communications Perry Hibner said.
Out-of-county competitions will include all necessary and appropriate virus mitigation and safety protocols, MHS athletic director Jamie Sims said. MHS winter sports teams will continue to practice in Districtfacilities and will only travel outside of Dane County for competitions, Sims added.
Sims noted coaches will communicate with their student-athletes and families about what schedules will look like and where competitions will take place. The athletic department has been proactive to ensure competitions for our sports programs are possible and scheduled in anticipation of this opportunity, Sims said.
Meanwhile, Sims and Superintendent Dana Monogue and Sims provided an update on winter sports to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 11. Monogue noted every Dane County district except Madison Metropolitan is now allowing high school winter sports teams to participate in out-of-county competitions. Monogue noted she heard from many families who believe there are lots of benefits, including to mental health, to resuming sports competitions. She also noted many District student-athletes have already been competing in club and AAU for a while. Monogue also noted all athletic opportunities are optional.
She noted the District is not asking the School Board to make a decision and is providing information as members will likely hear from residents. Monogue added the middle and high schools will try to find face-to-face opportunities and more virtual opportunities for clubs and other activities.
A number of School Board members spoke in support of winter sports competitions. There were questions about transportation and Sims noted his department has already worked to make sure adequate busing is available. Families can also sign a waiver if they don't want their child to ride a bus to a sporting event. The MHS athletic department is also working on adjusting fees for a shortened season to make sure cost isn't a barrier for students and families. Sims also noted MHS only plans to schedule events with schools that don't allow spectators at competitions. The District will try to stream as many events as possible. Associate athletic director Ben White noted most clubs are offering virtual competitions. Some of the clubs have also been in the school for proctored exams. He is meeting with the theater department later this week about how to get those students back in the building. "We know obstacles are in front of us but our staff is our most creative staff so if anyone can come up with a plan I'm sure our fine arts department can,'' White said.