State limits spectators at high school events; suspends middle school sporting events
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New Regulations
Following Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds press conference last week concerning COVID-19 restrictions, the Iowa Athletic Association has updated its requirements for spectators at sporting events this upcoming winter season.
In an email from the IHSAA, they stated, “We have received questions regarding the Governor’s November 10 proclamation as it pertains to indoor athletic events. The Governor’s office has responded to our request for clarification and we offer the following for your guidance.”
The biggest change coming to indoor events, is that two spectators are permitted for each athlete participating in a game.
Separate games are separate gatherings, so where there are two separate games, during each game, there may only be two spectators for each athlete participating in that game. Spectators would need to leave, or wait to arrive, as applicable, unless they are one of the two spectators for an athlete in the other game.
Pep bands, cheerleaders, dance team performances at half-time and National Anthem performers are allowed to participate, but because they are not athletes participating in the sporting event, they do not get two additional spectators.
Face masks are also required at all gatherings of more than 25.
During the November 16 news conference, Governor Reynolds has haulted middle school sports until December 11, 2020.
How Mount Ayr Schools is handling it
The Mount Ayr Community School district will be issuing special tickets to athletes to give to the spectators that will be needed to attend the events.
After the first contest has concluded, the gym will empty and you will need to present a ticket for the second event, in order to spectate the second contest of the night.
“We are just asking everyone to be patient, wear a mask and work with us,” said MACHS athletic director Scott Giles. “We are trying to make the best of what we are required to do.”
The first varsity action for Mount Ayr will see the Raiders head to Leon for the Central Decatur Jamboree on Monday, November 23 at 6 p.m. and the Mount Ayr bowlers host Lamoni-Central Decatur and Southeast Warren at 4 p.m. at Lucky Lanes in Mount Ayr.
The Raiderettes host Lamoni on November 24 at 6 p.m. for the first varsity action at home.
