The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has clarified the difference between spectators and participants in regard to Virginia Governor Northam’s new statewide measure to contain COVID-19. Specifically the VHSL has addressed the reduction from 250 to 25 spectators for in-person gatherings at VHSL sports and activities.
The reduction in public and private gatherings to 25 individuals applies to “spectators” and does not include participants at those events. The Governor’s order defines “participants” as players, coaches, officials, school event staff and school administration critical to the operations of the contests, media, law enforcement, and medical services. Cheerleaders, pep bands, etc., and other student support groups, are counted as spectators in the limit of 25 allowed at events.
According to Amended Executive Order 67 guidelines for recreational sports, which emphasizes that sports activities are permitted but must comply with the following requirements:
The total number of spectators cannot exceed the lesser of 30% of the occupancy load of the certificate of occupancy for the venue, if applicable, or 25 spectators per field. Races or marathons may have up to 250 participants, provided staggered starts separate runners into groups of 25 or less.
