To promote fair competition and the health and safety of everyone involved, it is vital that school administrators and coaches are familiar with the information below and are purposeful in their application of the guidelines and requirements noted. Continued function of our schools' academic and athletic programs will take the combined, mindful efforts of everyone involved.
Bookmark this page and return often as additional information is posted through the 2021-22 school year.
Student-Athlete Participation Requirements
A pre-participation physical must be filed with the school office prior to a student-athlete participating in an official day of practice.
Preseason, Practice, and In-Season Competition
Demonstrating care and concern for reducing the spread of COVID-19 outside of competition will lower the likelihood that inter-school competition will be impacted by virus-related cancellations.
Please make sure that every individual in your athletic family are educated on the protocols listed below:
In the absence of policy at the school or school district level, TSSAA encourages member schools to follow recommendations for face coverings and social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
In the absence of policy at the school or school district level, students who have been in close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should follow recommendations for quarantine from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The families of students who have tested positive for COVID-19 should utilize the following flow chart linked below to determine whether or not they need to seek clearance from a medical provider prior to resuming activities with his/her team. A complete summary of the revised recommendations can be found here: NFHS/AMSSM Updated Cardiopulmonary Considerations for COVID-19 (January 2022). All coaches and students who are confirmed or suspected positive for COVID-19 should follow the recommendations for release from isolation from the CDC when considering a return to practice or activities.
Return to Play Flow Chart
Additional Resources for Schools
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is a key element in returning to participation. NFHS has recently released another free course entitled "The Collapsed Athlete." The course will teach staff members the importance of developing Emergency Action Plans and practicing them, including assigning responsibilities to team members.
