DIAA allows summer athletic activities
Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association member schools may begin summer athletic activities under a regulation approved by the State Board of Education.
On June 24, the DIAA board of directors met and determined that adoption of an emergency regulation was necessary to protect the physical well-being of student-athletes and promote healthy adolescent lifestyles during the state of emergency; the group proposed the adoption of the emergency regulation to the Department of Education subject to the State Board of Education's approval. The board relied on guidance from Delaware Division of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Federation of State High School Associations Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, DIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the governor’s state-of-emergency orders for the creation of this emergency regulation.
The emergency regulation went into effect July 1; however, the board made a separate motion June 24 that DIAA Return to Play Stage 3 would not start until Monday, July 6. Member schools that have approval from their own district/school were permitted to begin summer activities Monday, July 6.
The DIAA Return to Play Plan has general guidance that applies to all stages. Stages are different from Delaware's economic reopening phases. DIAA board of directors will determine the stage member schools should follow in consultation with DPH so the recommended stage aligns with the state’s order and DPH guidance. DIAA member schools should note that the regulation might consist of stricter requirements than DPH guidelines. Those requirements are in place to protect the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials and spectators with the focus on limiting the spread of coronavirus.
Summer activities that are permissible under DIAA Return to Play Stage 3 include coaching out of season, workouts, conditioning programs and open gym programs. Workouts, conditioning programs and open gym programs may be held indoors or outdoors. If a member school has an open gym program indoors, groups should be cohorted to limit the number of people to whom group members are exposed. All activities are subject to the limitations and requirements for Stage 3 in the emergency regulation, the Delaware Division of Public Health guidelines and the state's orders.
DIAA will continue to work closely with school administrators, athletic directors, sport committees, officials’ associations and the DIAA SMAC in consultation with DPH for recommendations, and will make adjustments to the DIAA Return to Play Plan for summer activities and sports seasons during the academic year. Specific details (start dates, safety measures for resuming practice and competition, regular-season schedules and championships) for sports will be discussed during the DIAA board of directors’ July and August meetings. DIAA remains committed to administering sports this fall, provided it can be done so safely in accordance with guidance from the state and DPH.
