Winter 2020 Return to Competition: Bowling

This should be considered as recommendations from IGHSAU/IHSAA for its member schools and should not supersede guidelines, mandates, requirements, and/or orders put into place by the

  • Iowa Governor’s Office
  • Iowa Department of Public Health
  • Iowa Department of Education
  • Federal, local or county government entities
  • Federal, local or county health departments
  • Local School Districts

Supervision

  • It is the responsibility of the home team to provide proper administrative supervision (not the coach) at contests to assure compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Governor’s office, the Department of Education, the Department of Public Health, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

Competition

  • Schools deciding to not participate in a sport should send written notice from its Superintendent or designated school official to IGHSAU Executive Directors Jean Berger (girls) or Executive Director Tom Keating (boys) by November 16. 

Eligibility for Students in Districts That Do Not Offer One or More Winter Sports

Two options exist:

  • The District not offering the sport may develop a cooperative sharing agreement with a district that does offer the sport. This may jeopardize the host school’s post-season eligibility if the combined enrollment moves the host school to the next enrollment class.  As per 36.15(4)(b)
  • Students in a district not offering the sport may open enroll to another district and would be immediately eligible to participate in that sport. In such a situation, students who open enroll would be ineligible for varsity competition in all sports which their home district offers.  As per 36.15(4)(a)

Academic Eligibility

  • All students were eligible this fall (1st trimester and 1st semester grades will be determined for eligibility beyond the initial fall.  All students must be enrolled in at least and equivalent of four courses to be eligible.

Pre-Participation Physicals

  • As per the amendment issued by Governor Reynolds on June 25, all physicals signed on or after July 1, 2019 are good through December of 2020.
  • Schools should use the previous PPE form for the 2020-2021 school year. The revised PPE form has not been approved for distribution.

Transportation

  • Guidelines will reflect school transportation guidelines which will come from the Department of Education.

Possible/Positive COVID-19 Cases

  • The Iowa Department of Public Health has worked with county health departments and schools regarding protocols when a student and/or student-athlete reports COVID-19 symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result or contact with a person with a positive COVID-19 test result.
  • Each school should identify a point of contact for athletes, coaches, and other personnel to report to when he/she experiences COVID-19 symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result or contact with a person with a positive COVID-19 test result. This identified person will be responsible to report such situations to local public health.
  • Each school should develop a communication plan to notify relevant persons (players, coaches, spectators) when contact-tracing indicates the need to.

Health Screening

  • Schools should implement health screening for practices and games similar to methods used during baseball/ softball and the fall seasons. Self-screening and reporting to the school representative (AD/Coach/Trainer, etc.) is permissible.
  • Any individual reporting symptoms and/or a temperature of 100.4F or higher should be isolated until they can safely transport home.

Social Distancing

  • The overarching safety principal in all areas of athletic activities (meetings, practices, travel, instruction, drills, benches, spectators, locker rooms, training rooms, concessions, restrooms, etc.) is that individuals should maintain 6 feet of social distancing. 

Hand Sanitizing

  • Student-athletes should be encouraged to frequently sanitize their hands before, during and after practice and competition.  Non-touch hand sanitizers may be used.  Student-athletes should have their own personal hand sanitizer.
  • Individuals should especially sanitize before touching “common” equipment or other items.

Equipment Sanitizing

  • Any equipment that is shared by student-athletes should be sanitized before and after practice as well as before and after competition.

Towels

  • Individuals should never share towels.  Each individual should bring or be issued his/her own clean towel at the beginning of practice or competition. Towels should be laundered after each practice and game.

Water

  • Each individual student-athlete should have their own water container.
  • If a hydration station (e.g. cooler) is provided, individuals must sanitize their hands prior to using the hydration station. An alternative practice is to assign one person to fill water bottles and that person should wear a mask and protective gloves.
  • Host schools may provide a water source for visitors but visitors should bring their own hydration station (cooler).

Spectators

  • Schools should implement spectator protocols by following CDC and local department of health guidelines regarding size of gatherings and social distancing.
  • Spectators should use 6 feet social distancing. Families may sit/stand together but should social distance from others.  Frequent reminders should be made via public address.
  • Bowling establishments may require spectators to wear masks.

Media

  • Schools should communicate with media regarding protocols for practices and games. It is recommended that:
    • Space be provided for media game coverage that takes into consideration:
      • 6 feet of social distancing
      • Priority given to: 1) home team coverage; 2) visiting team coverage; 3) other coverage
    • Procedure be established regarding interview requests prior to/after practices and games, including
      • Identifying an area where interviews will be conducted.
      • Establishing a required advanced notice timeframe.

Bowling Rules Considerations

Rule 18 Bowling Ball

  • The use of Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is permitted to disinfect your bowling ball

Regular Season Considerations

  • Teams should follow COVID rules & regulations of the bowling venues
  • Masks strongly encouraged for all spectators, coaches and participants
  • Masks may be removed when ready to bowl
  • No sharing of bowling balls
  • Handshakes/high fives strongly discouraged
  • Bowling venues will determine seating capacity
  • Separate JV/Varsity competitions or boys/girls competitions
  • Possibly schedule for JV-only meets

Suggested Ideas & Formats

  • One team (6 bowlers) on two lanes for both rounds of bowling
  • No movement to other lanes