DMPS SpectatorGuidelinesAs the Fall 2020 high school sports season resumes, Des Moines Public Schools wants to make sure it happens in a way that is safe for students, coaches and spectators in the time of COVID-19. DMPS is implementing guidelines from the state athletic organizations and the CIML conference – including requiring all spectators to wear a face covering for the benefits of everyone at an event – to do everything we can to support the health and well-being of our community during this uncertain time. For a schedule of DMPS high school athletics, visit activities.dmschools.org. Below is an announcement from the CIML on the requirements for member schools:

The Central Iowa Metropolitan League, based upon guidance received from Governor’s Office of the State of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, and the Iowa High School Athletic Association, has released its procedures for spectator admission to the CIML member school fall sports seasons.

These procedures in each respective sport were developed by the 18-member schools to help ensure that participants, staff, and spectators can safely enjoy sports in a manner that promotes social distancing.  

Individual schools are responsible for communicating their seating availability and social distancing plan for each venue at home events. At all venues, individual family household units (2 people) are encouraged to sit together to help with overall capacity. 

Individual schools may require additional measures be taken and those will be posted and communicated in advance. Spectators attending these events are required to wear a protective face covering unless underlying health issues make it unsafe for the individual. 

CIML SATs (student activity tickets) will not be honored on the road this year for students in 9-12th grade. 

FOOTBALL 

  • All spectators are required to wear a protective face covering for admission and throughout the duration of the contest.  
  • Visiting spectators will be limited to a minimum of 160 tickets. The CIML has varying sizes of bleachers on the visitors side of the field. 
  • The host school will determine the number of spectators for bleacher capacity on the home side depending on their venue. The CIML has varying sizes of bleachers for spectators and fan limitations to ensure social distance.

No visiting cheerleaders will be allowed on the sideline. Marching band performances or pre-game performances are left up to the host school.

VOLLEYBALL – all levels (Varsity, JV, Sophomore, Freshman)

    • All spectators are required to wear a protective face covering for admission and throughout the duration of the contest.
    • Roster limits (players and coaches):
      • Varsity – 18
      • JV – 14  
      • Sophomore – 14  
      • Freshman A – 14  
      • Freshman B -14
    • Schools will distribute two (2) tickets per player in uniform and two per coach at each level to be used at that level throughout the season. This ticket will allow the ticket holder to pay admission or use a school specific pass to gain entrance for the contest. The ticket only allows an individual to purchase admission and has no cash value and may only be used at the venue and event listed (i.e. varsity volleyball tickets may only be used at the varsity contest). 
  • The host school will be responsible for developing the admission ticket for each volleyball match and will communicate the distribution or purchase to the opponent’s activities office.
    • New start times and time limits were established for each level:
      • 4:45 p.m.: 9th Grade A and 9th Grade B; 45-minute time limit
      • 6 p.m.: Sophomore and JV; 45-minute time limit
      • 7:30 p.m.: Varsity; no time limit
    • It is a recommendation for teams and spectators to leave the gym area at the end of each match, if possible. Transportation may be a factor. If so, teams are encouraged to sit together in one area keeping social distancing.

GIRLS’ SWIMMING – all levels (Varsity, JV, diving competitions)

      • Because of limited space and seating for the CIML swimming pools, there will be no visiting spectators allowed this year. Space will be reserved for the swim teams coaches and meet workers.
      • Home spectators capacity will be a local control decision.
      • All spectators are required to wear a protective face covering for admission and throughout the duration of the event.

G/B CROSS COUNTRY and BOYS GOLF – all levels (Varsity, JV)

        • Team competition and roster limits will be left up to the host school.  
        • A protective face covering is required when spectators are unable to socially distance themselves from others.

The CIML will continue to monitor, update, and communicate our information and procedures to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

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