CHAPEL HILL — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s phase two summer guidelines are now in effect.
The NCHSAA Board of Directors voted Thursday, July 23 to provide phase two guidance to member schools and move schools out of phase one restrictions and into phase two on Monday, Aug. 3 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Some parts of the phase two guidelines are identical to phase one but some changes will allow high school athletic teams to open up their practices more.
Under phase two, sharing of general equipment is permissible within small groups or pods but wearing protective equipment remains prohibited.
Equipment must be disinfected frequently, especially when it is passed from one group or pod to another.
Licensed athletic trainers or first responders are not required to be at practices but are strongly encouraged to attend when possible.
Workouts and conditioning are limited to no more than 90 minutes under phase two guidelines. Attention to heat and humidity factors is required.
Coaches, staff and managers must maintain standard social distancing practices and are strongly encouraged to wear cloth face coverings at all times.
Athletes are also strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when not engaged in physical activity that inhibits breathing.
Physical contact, including fist bumps, hugs and other celebrations, are prohibited.
The NCHSAA remains committed to allowing sports to resume in the fall as long as it can be done safely and in accordance with all applicable pandemic guidelines.
The NCHSAA said earlier this summer that fall sports would start no sooner than Sept. 1.
Further decisions regarding the fall sports start date will be made later this month.