PIQUA — For the first week of the high school football season Piqua’s game against Troy was under the spotlight.
The OHSAA had an auditor there to evaluate how the schools followed the guidelines put out by the association.
Schools are given a two page checklist that includes focuses on masks, social distancing, and cleaning.
One thing that is also required in addition to signage are constant announcements reminding fans about masks and social distancing, something that was a very frequent occurrence at Piqua’s game.
Piqua athletics director Chip Hare said the school was already doing about 80 percent of the things starting when summer workouts were allowed. But the final 20 percent is up to the fans.
“Our players, our coaches, and our administration is going to do all the things that are required by the Governor,” Hare said. “The big question is the spectators coming in, ensuring that they’re wearing masks, staying socially distant, and not congregating.”
Piqua’s pass/fail report only had one area that needed to be addressed and that was adding hand sanitizing stations in the bleachers. The school already had several at the entrance, and bathrooms but they will be expanding that for the second home game.
Hare said he doesn’t imagine any school will not make whatever changes are asked of them. But how schools, coaches, and fans handle all of the guidelines is going to directly impact the kids trying to play the game.
“As soon as I bring up the argument of it’s not about you and me and our beliefs it’s about giving these kids a chance to finish their season most of the time that gets people to say absolutely,” Hare said. “They put their mask on and they move on.”
The possible punishments aren’t black and white. If a school fails its audit the ramifications could be a warning, fine, or even shut down the team’s ability to play.
These auditors are going to many different sporting events like football, soccer, and volleyball. Hare said in the administration they’re confident that the season will be able to be played in full but there are some that are worried about it possibly being cut short.
“Our players and our parents are concerned that the season might be abruptly halted for reasons that are beyond our control,” he said.
Like many schools Piqua is moving up senior day ceremonies just in case something were to happen.
It’s not clear how it’s determined which schools/games will have an observer at the games nor is it clear if schools could get a repeat visit.
Hare did express his appreciation for fans doing their part to help make sure the season can continue.
Cox Media Group
