OSAA releases FAQ for COVID-19 policies

Prep sports practices and contests have been suspended through April 28, as the Oregon School Activities Association helps in the statewide battle against COVID-19, the deadly coronavirus.

All OSAA member schools are affected — public, private and charter.

Sports and activities impacted include baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, golf, band, orchestra, choir, solo music and speech.

The following are frequently asked questions relating to OSAA's policies regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

Q. May schools participate in out-of-state practices or contests/events during this suspension period?

A. No, the suspension period for practices and contests/events applies to all OSAA member schools, regardless of where the practice or contest/event occurs.

Q. May coaches hold "voluntary" or "optional" practices during this suspension period?

A. No, coaches are not able to work directly with students during this suspension period. Coaches may not be involved in circumventing this policy.

Q. May coaches send workouts to athletes?

A. Coaches can communicate workouts, but not participate in them. Student-led workouts are allowed, provided that coaches are not involved in organizing or participating in the workout.

Q. Does this suspension period apply to public schools only?

A. The suspension period applies to all OSAA member schools, public and private, in all OSAA-sanctioned activities.

Q. How should schools correctly mark baseball and softball games during the suspension period on the OSAA website?

A. Games should be marked as cancelled, not deleted. This keeps the game on a team's schedule in case it's able to be made up at a later date.