Athletics Protocols

Please read below for important specifics about protocols and expectations for athletes during the 2021-22 school year. Our goal is to provide a challenging and rewarding program for all students who want to play and maintain high standards of safety that allowed us to have a full and fun year.

The health and safety of our community is of the highest importance. By adhering to the common sense guidelines outlined below, we know we will have a great athletic year. Go Grizzlies!

Note that all protocols were developed in close consultation with our Health Center and COVID Response Team. Requirements and guidelines are subject to change based on federal, state and local mandates.

2021-22 Athletics Protocols

This page contains recommendations for the Garrison Forest athletics program for the fall 2021 season. The mitigation strategies outlined here are a shared responsibility between student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletics staff.

Medical Forms Required for Participation

Annual physical examination form
Completed Magnus Health requirements
Garrison Forest Acknowledgement for Athletics form
Medical clearance is required for any student-athlete who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
If your student has been vaccinated, upload their COVID-19 vaccination record into Magnus Health (Click here for instructions on uploading your COVID-19 vaccine documentation.)
Please complete the Sign Ups for W inter Sports form, if you have not already

Return to Athletics After Positive COVID-19 Test

If a student-athlete receives a positive COVID-19 test, a Medical Clearance Form must be completed by their primary care physician prior to returning to athletics.
If a student-athlete receives a positive COVID-19 test after the completion of the medical history in Magnus Health and prior to pre-season practices, the Health Center must be notified immediately.
Important information regarding returning to athletics post-COVID.

General Considerations

All winter athletes will need to take a weekly PCR COVID-19 test, provided free of charge on campus.
In lieu of asking parents and students to complete a daily health check through Magnus, our expectation is that families closely monitor their student's health daily and will not send students to participate if they are not feeling well.
If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have any concerns at all, please contact our Health Center immediately at covid@gfs.org and do not come to campus or practice until you have been cleared.
Maintain social distancing while not actively participating in practice.
Do not share water bottles or personal items/equipment.

Social Distancing

Encourage social distancing at all times (3 feet at a minimum, 6 feet is better).
Avoid unnecessary contact such as handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, or elbow bumps.
Seating in common areas should be spaced at least three feet apart. Place athletic equipment three feet apart when on the field to encourage social distancing during breaks.
Athletes should stand at least three feet apart when not participating in a drill or activity.

Hygiene/Sanitation

Wash hands before and after practice with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol during practice.
Athletes should keep hand sanitizer in their athletic bag.
Immediately shower at home after practice or competition.
Wash all athletic clothing worn during practice or competition daily.
Clean and disinfect athletic bags if athlete is carrying dirty workout gear home to be washed and then bringing clean gear back to school in the same bag.
Clean and disinfect protective equipment on a regular basis.
Do not share towels, clothing or personal hygiene products with others.
Each athlete must bring their own water bottle. All water bottles should be labeled with the athlete’s name. Do not share a water bottle.

Mask Requirements

Illness Protocol

If an athlete shows signs of COVID-19 or has a fever:

The athlete will put on a mask.
The athlete will be sent to the Health Center or placed in an isolation area and parents contacted.
Thorough cleaning will occur in all areas the athlete was present and they will remain closed until cleaning is completed.
Contact tracing and quarantining will be based on the health department and CDC current guidelines.

Continued participation in the program will be based on a student's and family's ability to adhere to the guidance and restrictions outlined here and in any follow-up communications from the school.

Assumption of risk: Our team has worked very hard to minimize the risk and follow all health guidelines to ensure a safe and fun experience while on campus; however, any in-person activities will bring a certain amount of risk. You and your child will be agreeing to accept that liability by participating in these programs.