As we enter the month of December, the pandemic continues to be a strong presence across Texas. December brings with it basketball, swim, wrestling, winter soccer and dance as TAPPS sponsored events. With the increase in case numbers, our member schools and coaches must continue to enforce rules that help prevent the spread of the disease. Our protocols that have been in place this fall continue to be in place and amended as outlined below.
- Maximum Occupancy – presently for both indoor and outdoor events shall be no more than 50% of capacity. The maximum may be reduced by local ordinance, local orders or by school determination.
- Maximum Occupancy – TAPPS leadership continues to review information from across the state and nationally. If the present trends continue, schools should be prepared to reduce occupancy to a maximum of 25% in the near future.
- Fans
- Face Coverings for Outdoor Events – Face coverings are required of all fans when
- Entering and Exiting the Facility
- In common areas – bathrooms, concession areas
- When not socially distanced in excess of six feet
- Face Coverings for Indoor Events – Face coverings are required at all times when inside the gymnasium or playing arena.
- Fan Access – Fans are not allowed in the playing area prior to, during or after contests. Fans should remain in the stands at all times and not on the court, track, sidelines, etc.
- Face Coverings for Outdoor Events – Face coverings are required of all fans when
- Team Personnel – Indoor and Outdoor Events
- Head Coach
- Head Coaches are highly encouraged to wear face coverings during the contests
- Head Coaches are required to wear face coverings
- prior to and after contests
- When meeting or conversing with officials
- Assistant Coaches
- Face coverings are required at all times when inside the playing arena
- This requirement shall be applied prior to, during and after contests
- Other team personnel including managers and trainers
- Face coverings are required at all times when inside the playing arena
- This requirement shall be applied prior to, during and after contests
- Players
- Players are required to wear face coverings when
- Entering the Arena
- When on the Bench
- When Exiting the Arena
- Attending pregame meetings with officials
- Players may, but are not required to, wear face coverings
- When warming up
- When participating in the contest
- Players are required to wear face coverings when
- Head Coach
- Game Personnel
- Indoor Events
- The TABLE CREW are required to wear face coverings at all times.
- If possible, announcers should be moved to an area away from the table
- Table crew should be limited to the official score book, official clock and scoreboard operators
- Press Box Crews
- The PRESS BOX CREW members are required to wear face coverings at all times.
- If possible, announcers should be moved to an area away from the table
- Table crew should be limited to the official score book, official clock and scoreboard operators
- Indoor Events
- Contest Officials
- Face covering requirements shall be in keeping with arrangements made between the host school and the officials chapters / assignors
The TAPPS staff will continue to monitor conditions and modifications to plans from other similar governing bodies across the nation. Please do your part in managing your teams and fans to provide the best possible chance that the seasons can continue through the championships this Spring. Please contact the TAPPS office at 254-947-9268 or by email at [email protected] should questions arise.
Bryan Bunselmeyer
Executive Director