The MPSSAA has broken each season into four time frames based on the cyclical operations member schools face throughout the course of an interscholastic season.  Under these timeframes are specific guidance to assist Local School System (LSS) systematically implement interscholastic athletics.  These time frames include preparation, preseason, participation, and postseason.    

PARTICIPATION

Even More Risk:  Full Competition between teams from the same local geographic area

Goal:  To increase competition opportunities for schools through expanding their geographic area to include local schools in competition and scrimmages within a set boundary.  Communication between athletic administrators is paramount during this phase.    

LSS Recommendations:  

• LSS operating during the more risk stage are recommended to have the procedures outlined in the preparation phase in place.  
• LSS should have a communication strategy in place to handle determinations of returning to the previous Risk Stages or what to do in regards to a positive case.  
• LSS should align transportation decisions with LSS policy for instructional purposes.  
• Hosting schools must communicate effectively on their school’s facility plan, entrance/exit strategies, and all logistics to schools and officials.  
• Number of spectators may be limited based on size of the facility and the promotion of social distancing by organizations and schools.
• Regular Public Address Announcements during the course of competitions. 

Highest Risk:  Full Competition between teams from different geographic areas

Goals:  The increased competition opportunities for schools through expanding their geographic area to include competition and scrimmages from larger geographic areas.  Communication between athletic administrators is paramount during this phase.    

LSS Recommendations:

• LSS operating during the more risk stage are recommended to have the procedures outlined in the preparation phase in place.  
• LSS should have a communication strategy in place to handle determinations of returning to the previous Risk Stages or what to do in regards to a positive case.  
• LSS should align transportation decisions with LSS policy for instructional purposes.  
• Hosting schools must communicate effectively on their school’s facility plan, entrance/exit strategies, and all logistics to schools and officials.  
• LSS may incrementally increase the geographic areas of competition allowed during this phase based on local and state health department guidance.  
• Number of spectators may be limited based on size of the facility and the promotion of social distancing by organizations and schools.
• Regular Public Address Announcements during the course of competitions.