Below is the contents of a message on Covid-19 FAQs sent to all OHSLA clubs by Assistant Commissioner Rick Gruen

To: OHSLA Coaches and Club Parent Reps:
Re: Suspension Period Do`s and Dont`s

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As you are aware, the foundation of our OHSLA SOPs is that we follow OSAA rules. If our SOPs are silent on a particular matter, always refer to the OSAA Handbook for guidance and compliance.

There have been a number of questions and varying degrees of understanding as to what coaches and players can and should be doing this suspension period.

The following FAQs come from OSAA`s policies regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

1. Q. May schools participate in out-of-state practices or contests/events during this suspension period?
   A. No, the suspension period for practices and contests/events applies to all OSAA member schools, regardless of where the practice or contest/event occurs.

2. Q. May coaches hold "voluntary" or "optional" practices during this suspension period?
   A. No, coaches are not able to work directly with students during this suspension period. Coaches may not be involved in circumventing this policy.

3. Q. May coaches communicate with students/athletes?
   A. Coaches can communicate with students in accordance with local school district policy, but not organize or participate in workouts. We encourage coaches to provide support to students during this stressful time.

4. Q. Does this suspension period apply to public schools only?
   A. The suspension period applies to all OSAA member schools, public and private, in all OSAA-sanctioned activities.

5. Q. May students or coaches access school facilities during this suspension period?
   A. During this moratorium-like period, there shall be no high school facility usage by activity/athletic staff and students/teams. Field maintenance is allowed.

6. Q. May groups of students gather to workout?
   A. While the OSAA encourages students to stay active, we discourage groups of students from getting together in alignment with local and federal social distancing guidelines.

7. Q. Does the suspension period apply to off-season fall and winter activities?
   A. ll OSAA sports and activities fall under this guidance. There will be no practice or gatherings for any OSAA sports or activities. This includes Rule of Two, 6A/5A Pilot, and individual sports.

OHSLA wants our student-athletes to be safe and healthy during the suspension period. Large group workouts or captains practices are not encouraged. If OHSLA is able to implement a short season after April 28, we will allow some time for practices before games resume. In the meantime, encourage your players to Do the Five:

1. HANDS - Wash them often
2. ELBOW - Cough into it
3. FACE - Don`t touch it
4. FEET - Stay more than 3 feet apart
5. FEEL - Sick? Stay at home

Be Safe!

Rick Gruen OHSLA Assistant Commissioner