As prep football teams around the state prepare to kick off the 2020 playoff slate tonight, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has issued a staunch warning to programs statewide accused of not following COVID-19 protocols.
In a statement released Wednesday, LHSAA officials said photographic and video evidence of schools not adhering to capacity limitations in stadiums, as well as other public health standards, have surfaced throughout the season and cannot be tolerated.
“As all of you now know, (the) Louisiana governor issued a new proclamation effective today, November 25, 2020,” the statement reads. “This order addressed a number of items, including high school athletics. On more than one occasion this office has received complaints/concerns from the general public, membership principals, visiting coaches and game officials regarding host site membership not adhering to the attendance capacity, social distancing and masks. Photographs and video evidence of the aforementioned and media has confirmed the alleged violations. We have to do better! According to today’s proclamation, all of our athletic events are once again under a 25% spectator/fan capacity. This includes all parishes whether you are under a 5% positivity rate or not.”
The statement was not limited to stadium capacity, but also addressed face coverings and social distancing.
“This spectator capacity will include, but is not limited to any/all individuals seated in fixed and/or newly installed portable seating provided for fans/spectators and support groups such as dance team, cheerleaders and band members. Effective immediately, all member schools will be required to ensure ANY/ALL individuals, including family members attending your events, are wearing a face covering and are socially distanced in the stands. No one is to be seated next to each other. There must be 6 feet separation between all attendees.”
Officials said failure to follow the COVID-19 guidelines will result in stiff penalties for schools found to not be in adherence with protocols.
“Evidence for failure to comply with these required measures will result in a $500.00 fine and the loss of hosting and potentially participating in any further football games and/or winter sports (basketball, wrestling, soccer, and powerlifting),” the statement reads. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance for adherence. This COVID-19 surge is serious in nature, as across our state every region is reporting a substantial increase in cases and hospitalizations. IF WE want to continue interscholastic participation as we currently know it, then we need to take any/all precautionary measures to do so. On another but similar note, a continued question has been asked of this office relating to LHSCA coaches cards and whether or not those cards have to be honored. At this time acceptance of those cards will be at the discretion of the host member school. Membership across our state have utilized various forms of game or match ticket sales which has allowed them to adhere to facility capacity requirements. Many schools have setup processes so these cards can be recognized prior to game day walkups. My advice is check with the host site for their protocol. As many of you know, the LHSAA did not accept LHSCA coaches cards at state volleyball tournament and the same practice will be in place at the state football championships.”
Officials said schools must comply with the mandated guidelines, or will risk the ability of all schools to continue participating in teams sports.
“It is our intent to not lose the momentum we have gained to this point with fall sports and the beginning of our winter sports season, all because some prefer to turn a blind eye to those LHSAA COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines suggested for these events. That time has come to an end … there are requirements now, please do not put my office in a position to render a decision on whether you are in compliance, or worse yet, the Governor’s office in a position to shut us down. As always, your continued cooperation with the association is greatly appreciated. We can do this if we all do our part.”
