Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Different rules for athletes, coaches, referees, parents
DAVENPORT – Masks are still a part of sports this year.
The state Department of Health released new guidelines mandating masks in some athletic settings, but not others.
The guidelines come after the state is again requiring masks in K-12 schools this year, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Athletes won't have to mask up during competition or practice for any outdoor sport. Masks aren't required for low or moderate-contact indoor sports either. Only volleyball falls in this category.
Vaccinated competitors don't have to wear a mask during any high-risk indoor sport. Non-vaccinated competitors must either wear a mask for high-risk, close-contact indoor sports or submit to regular COVID-19 screening. Basketball and wrestling fall in this category.
"Universal masking" is required during indoor games when athletes aren't actively competing. Masks are "encouraged" during indoor practices.
Coaches, athletic trainers, and other support personnel are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Fully-vaccinated referees don't have to wear a mask indoors while actively officiating, but must slip on a mask during stops in play or when talking to coaches.
Spectators attending indoor events are also mask-mandated, regardless of vaccination status. There is a limit on family members attending of two adults per athlete, or four adults if the student comes from a two-family situation.
Masking is mandated in all weight room activities and physical education indoor classes.
These new masking rules are in place as fall sports competitions kick off at the beginning of September.
Drew Lawson is a reporter and sports writer for Free Press Publishing, including the Cheney Free Press and Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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