NFHS Considerations
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there might be additional steps to help prevent the spread of virus. Even when
taking all precautions, there will still be risk of transmitting illnesses. Everyone should stay vigilant about the health of
members of their teams. Lastly, the situation with Covid-19 is rapidly changing. These considerations may quickly
become outdated. Please keep up with the latest health officials in your state.
General:
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet should be maintained when possible. No hugging, shaking hands, or fist bumps
for support/encouragement.
- Recommend that the starting line must have a designated school box that is a minimum of 6ft wide and 18ft
deep for all members of the team. There must be a minimum of 6ft between all adjoining school boxes. If
individuals are entered in the race, there must be a box that is a minimum of 2ft wide and 18ft deep for each
individual or team of individuals if fewer than 5 entries from a school. {For example, a race with 8 teams (12
runners per team) and an additional 14 individual runners will need a starting line that is at least 280ft wide. A
race with just 8 teams of 12 runners will only need a starting line that is at least 96ft wide.}
- Cross country meets should consider using staggered, wave or interval starts.
- Possible Rule Modifications:
o 8-1-3a: Consider widening the course to at least 6 feet at its narrowest point.
- Finish:
o Recommend that competitors must proceed immediately out of the finish chute and to a designated team recovery location near the finish area where each tam is socially distanced a minimum of 25 ft from other teams. It is recommended that each team has a box location with a minimum 144 sq. ft. Once all racers have finished the race, then the teams may return to their camp sites from the recovery boxes if used. Water can be provided by the team's coach or manager at the designated recovery boxes. If recovery boxes are not provided after the finish line, it is recommended that runners immediately be directed back to their team camp location and not to remain near the finish line.
o Consider using finish corrals and FAT timing for larger meets as easier to distance at finish.
o With no FAT timing system consider alternative means of finish place and time to address congestion at
finish line.
o Consider using image-based equipment at finish to assist with picking place to avoid congestion.
- Recommend that meet hosts must have an area designated for spectators so that the competitors/coaches/officials are always away from the spectators in the venue. Spectators are not allowed near the starting line area/finish line area/team camp area so that those locations maintain social distancing.
- Recommend that there are designated camp locations for all teams that are a minimum of 25 feet apart from other team camps. If hosts allow, buses can be used as a camp location for teams if desired. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and exercise equipment.
- Recommend that walking the course or cheering along the course by spectators or teams is prohibited to allow all competitors the social distancing space needed. Only officials and coaches of teams competing may be located along the course during competition.
- Pre and Post Game Ceremony: Establish cross country specific social distancing meet protocols including the elimination of handshakes before and after the match.
Coaches:
- Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.
- Consider conducting workouts in "pods" of same students always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.
Officials:
- Bring personal hand sanitizer. Wash hands frequently
- Don't share equipment.
- Follow social distancing guidelines:
o Pre and Post Meet conferences,
o Clerking at the start line,
o Tabulations and posting of results.
- Consider using electronic whistle.
- Do not shake hands and follow pre and post-game ceremony guidelines established by state associations.
- Officials personnel may wear cloth face coverings at all times.