January 29, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County High School will return to public attendance guidelines for sporting events that were in place when the season began starting next week.
The remaining DCHS home basketball games are on Tuesday February 2 and Tuesday, February 9.
“With the Governor lifting the most recent restrictions, TSSAA is allowing sporting events to return to a 1/3 seating capacity limit that was in place during the first part of the season,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings.
“There will be a limited number of tickets sold to the public each game. Tickets will be sold starting at 12:30 p.m. on game day and will be sold until the seating capacity is reached. Tickets are $7.00. All season ticket holders are guaranteed admittance to the game,” said Jennings.
“All fans will have their temperature checked and they must wear a mask upon entering the gym”, added Principal Jennings.
“The guidance and rules of local education agencies and the TSSAA remain in place but Executive Order 74 will be suspended effective Monday, February 1,” Governor Bill Lee said in a statement Thursday.. “I encourage Tennesseans to keep up their responsible personal choices as we work towards a COVID-free Tennessee.”
The TSSAA COVID-19 Regulations and Rules Modifications for practice and competition as well as the current restrictions on preseason scrimmages and jamborees adopted by the Board of Control at their July 22 meeting are still in place for all sports and must be followed. Visit the Tennessee Returns to Play page of TSSAA.org for complete details.
With the Governor’s announcement, the restrictions limiting cheerleaders and members of the general public from attending contests will be lifted on Monday, February 1. The TSSAA rules regarding masks, temperature checks, social distancing and COVID-19 recommended venue capacities will remain in effect.
“We’re proud that our member schools have been taking steps to follow the Governor’s orders and limit the spread of the virus,” said Bernard Childress, Executive Director of TSSAA. “It is vitally important that we continue to be smart and safe in our activities, wear a mask, wash our hands and practice social distancing at every athletic contest.”
Member schools are encouraged to limit fan attendance to a number that will allow adequate social distancing (e.g., 1/4 to 1/3 of typical seating capacity, depending on the characteristics of the particular venue) and should mark/designate bleachers or seats in order to promote social distancing among spectators. Member schools must facilitate compliance with any applicable state or local order limiting gathering sizes for participation in public events. In consultation with local health providers, member schools in areas experiencing high virus transmission should consider further limitations on attendance (e.g., family members only, or no spectators). Limit informal gathering in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.