Copperas Cove return to sports begins with summer strength and conditioning

By TJ MAXWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) recently unveiled its plans to resume athletic activity with very specific instructions for ensuring the safety of students and staff members during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The UIL states that schools may, but are not required to, begin summer strength and conditioning as well as sport-specific instructions. Workouts are optional for students.

Students should report to workouts in proper gear and return home to shower as students will not have access to locker rooms or shower facilities. There also cannot be shared food or water.

For additional safety, schools must have at least one staff member per 20 students to ensure proper social distancing. Schools must also have hand sanitizer and washing stations readily available. All surfaces must also be sanitized at the end of each day and no clothing or towels can be laundered on site.

Schools are also encouraged to prescreen students for COVID-19 symptoms prior to the first day of workouts.

Schools are also encouraged to stagger entry and exit procedures as to limit students and parents from congregating.

Strength and conditioning sessions can be no more than two consecutive hours per day Monday through Friday and no student can attend more than one session per day. 

Sessions must be limited to only strength and conditioning. No sport specific instruction is allowed during strength and conditioning Spotting and other safety measures can be in place but social distancing of six feet is required when not actively exercising and 10 feet is required during workouts. Workout stations must also be 10 feet apart.

In addition to strength and conditioning, sport specific instruction is also allowed for grades 7-12. A student shall attend no more than 90 minutes per day of sport specific training. Sport specific equipment is allowed but not contact equipment.

Players may participate in drills but cannot conduct drills or activities against a defender or multiple defenders. In addition, no 7 on 7 or offense vs defense drills are allowed in football.

Indoor workouts must be limited to 25 percent capacity and groups must be no more than 10 students.

If positive COVID cases are identified, the group to which that staff or student was in contact with must be removed from the sessions while all involved self-isolate.

Summer workouts may continue to the day prior to the first day of school.

For more detailed information about workout requirements, visit https://www.uiltexas.org/athletics/covid-19-strength-conditioning-2020