4 • The Beacon August 26 , 2021
Schools say fall sports season is almost back to normal
By Jen Jones
TheCoshoctonBeaconToday . com
All three county school districts are cautiously optimistic that their fall sports season will be close to normal . They also said this is true right now but may change quickly if the CDC or other recommendations are updated .
Jesse Smoulder , athletic director for Ridgewood Local Schools , said their plans are for a normallength season , and they are allowing spectators at all of their sporting events .
“ We are following and will continue to closely follow the guidance from the local and state health departments in regards to attendance and requirements for spectators , but currently , we are allowed to return to normal capacity ,” Smoulder said .
Smoulder said spectators can wear masks if they choose , but they are not required .
“ In terms of our athletes and coaches , they do have to wear masks on the bus as they travel to and come home from events . Besides when they are on the bus , our athletes and coaches have the option to wear masks , but they aren ’ t required to do so ,” Smoulder said .
Coshocton City Schools athletic director Kevin Yoder said
Submitted Ridgewood ’ s freshmen volleyball team masked up for their ride to a game . Athletes and coaches have to wear masks on the bus as they travel , but at other times , they have the option to wear them .
his district has no restrictions on the number of spectators and no mask requirements for them . This includes indoor sports such as volleyball .
“ If spectators feel safer wearing masks , they are more than welcome to do that , but they are not required ,” Yoder said .
The athletes and coaches have to wear masks when they are on buses traveling , but other than that , it is up to the individual . The district ’ s fall sports season is normal length at this time .
“ We will follow local and state guidelines and adjust if we have to . We are just hoping to have a great , safe season ,” Yoder said .
River View School District is following the same guidelines . Their season is planned to be back to normal with no limits on the number of people who can attend their events or mask requirements from spectators .
Action Packed
River View ’ s student section was out in full force for the first home game of the football season on Aug . 20 .
“ We are planning a full , 10-game football season . We have six home games this year . Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should do so . There are no mask requirements for indoor sports , like volleyball , either ,” said Charles Rinkes , superintendent of the district .
River View athletes and coaches do have to wear masks as they travel on the buses but not when practicing .
All three districts ask people understand they have to follow CDC and health department guidelines , so these plans may change at any time .
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We are planning a full , 10-game football season . We have six home games this year . Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should do so . There are no mask requirements for indoor sports , like volleyball , either .”
Charles Rinkes