Stevens Point (OnFocus) – The gymnastics season is about to get underway, and changes have been implemented in a number of facets of the game and its administration. Prior to the season, the WIAA identified winter sports guidelines and sport-specific considerations, and for gymnastics, these include considerations in the areas of:
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Equipment
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Competition
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Judges
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Coaches
The WIAA also announced last week that masking guidelines and social distancing are necessary and all member schools are required to follow the guidelines.
WIAA announces winter sports safety considerations
WIAA winter sports considerations include live streaming recommendations
Highlights in each of the areas:
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Equipment
- Sanitize equipment before and after each event
- Eliminate common chalk bowls
- Gymnasts should use their own grips/wristbands
- Gymnasts should have their own roll of athletic tape
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Competition
- Only essential personnel are permitted in the competition area
- Consider only local, single opponent, single day competitions
- Consider dual or triangular meets only
- Arrange apparatus and judge tables to ensure proper social distancing of all participants and event workers
- Gymnasts ‘items should be lined up against the wall or in the hallway at least six feet apart
- Space judges 3-6 feet apart at judges’ tables
- Discourage congregating upon arrival to the events, prior to warm-ups, and immediately following an event
- Develop awards presentation procedures that maintain proper social distancing
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Judges
- Use face coverings
- Eliminate handshakes
- Have plans for backup judges in place
- Flags should be sanitized before and after an event
- It is acceptable to eliminate the use of flags and use hand signals instead
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Coaches
- Coaches should socially distance when conferring with judges
- Communicate expectations regarding minimizing the spread of the virus
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
