South Washington County Schools Pause All In-Person Sports And Activities

Press release from South Washington County Schools:

November 19, 2020

"On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Governor Tim Walz announced an executive order that pauses youth sports and activities throughout the state beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. The executive order includes all in-person high school sports and activities and all in-person sports, activities and facility rentals offered through South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo) Community Education.

What this Means for Fall Sports

According to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), all football teams are required to complete section football play by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 20. Scheduling adjustments may be made at the regional level to achieve this. The volleyball regular season will also end on Friday, Nov. 20. There is an option for schools to schedule an additional match this week which may assist in providing some closure for teams.

What this Means for Winter Sports

Winter sports that were set to begin next week are now on hold until we receive additional guidance from the MSHSL expected by tomorrow, Nov. 20. Winter sports that have already started, such as dance team, must stop all in-person practices and competitions but may continue virtually. If the MSHSL allows more sports to be conducted virtually, SoWashCo will move forward with virtual opportunities. We will open registration for the winter season.

SoWashCo also strongly discourages teams from hosting in-person practices on their own. If it is discovered that a team is participating in these types of activities, there could be in-season consequences for the team.

What this Means for Fine Arts and Activities

All in-person participation in fine arts and activities are postponed. Activities that are able to conduct virtual practices, rehearsals, competitions and performances will be allowed. Some activities may need additional guidance from the MSHSL regarding their competition season. We will provide additional information once we receive guidance from the MSHSL tomorrow.

What this Means for Community Education

All in-person activities through Community Education are on pause. Community Education will continue to offer programs and activities virtually. Those that have already paid for activities that will no longer be offered in-person and cannot be conducted virtually will be refunded. The executive order allows Community Education to continue in-person enrichment classes, such as ACT prep, driver education and babysitter training, as long as social distancing can be maintained.

What this Means for Use of School Facilities

Community Education will not be offering any school district facilities to be rented for use beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 and lasting through Friday, Dec. 18. Students and staff will not be permitted to use any of the following facilities owned by the school district:

• Football fields
• Gymnasiums
• Weight lifting/workout facilities and equipment
• Pools
• Ice rinks
• Baseball fields
• Tracks

SoWashCo understands how disappointing this is to our student-athletes. We also understand the concerns about the effects this can have on the mental and physical health of our students. With your help, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19, get students back in our schools and return to in-person games and practices.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time."

Thank you,

Phil Kuemmel
Sara Palodichuk
Jodi Loblein-Lecker

Activities Director
Activities Director
Activities Director

Park High School
East Ridge High School
Woodbury High School

This press release was produced by South Washington County Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.