COVID-19 Resources

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association continues to work in collaboration with the Department of Health Services and the WIAA Sports Medical Advisory Committee to provide guidance for increasing summer activities. Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff remain the focus. These  resources are subject to change with ongoing updates based on new information and changing conditions relative to Covid-19.

The WIAA believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes in grades 6-12 to return to organized physical activity and build team relationships with their peers and coaches. 

Each WIAA member school’s athletic department will operate with the approval of their school leadership in moving forward through any and all “Return to Play” guidance from the CDC, Wisconsin DHS, NFHS, and WIAA throughout the summer and fall.

It will be the decision of each local school district administrator to determine if they can safely conduct interscholastic athletic activities. If it is determined that a season can be safely conducted, it will be the responsibility of the member school to provide proper administrative supervision at contests to assure compliance with these guidelines. The district administrator is strongly encouraged to designate a single point of contact with the local/tribal health department.

UPDATE - Tournament Information (5/25/2021)

The Board supported an executive staff recommendation, in response to information revealed by a membership survey, to remove mask mandates for spectators from the COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor spring State Tournaments if appropriate social distancing can be attained. Masks are encouraged for everyone not participating if social distancing is difficult. Masks remain required for spectators for any competitions conducted indoors. In addition, the pandemic guidelines for quarantining after close contact with a confirmed case of the virus was reduced from 14 days to six days for the spring Tournament Series if symptom free. Furthermore, vaccinated student-athletes are not required to be quarantined for close contact if they are symptom free.

WIAA Spring 2021 Sport Considerations - Updated 4/19/21 
WIAA Return to Fall/Alternate Fall Sport Considerations - Updated 4/6/21 (Cross Country competition language)
WIAA Winter Sport Considerations - These have been updated in accordance with new CDC guideline

Vaccinated Individuals Sports Guidelines

DHS Covid-19 School Testing Information

Contact/Symptom Checklist   |    WIAA Event Requirements & Symptom Verification
CDC Covid Symptoms Information
Medical Clearance Form – for Sports Participation After Positive Test or Symptoms of Covid-19 - updated in accordance with new CDC guidelines
Flow Chart to Determine Medical Clearance for Return to Play
Graduated Return to Play Form - Sample form
Cardiopulmonary Considerations for Student-Athletes
NFHS Officials' Considerations for Returning to Officiating

CDC Ventilation in Buildings

Guidance Resources
Culminating Events Attendance Policy-Winter Tournaments 
Culminating Events Attendance Policy-Fall Tournaments
COVID-19 in Wisconsin High School Athletics - NEW  |  WIAA Support  |  UW Madison IRB
WIAA Sports Medical Advisory Committee (McGuine) Return to Play PowerPoint
Impact of School Closures on Sports Cancellations - Dr. Tim McGuine | Virtual Video Presentation

NFHS Guidance for Opening High School Athletics & Activities

NFHS Statement on Risk of Covid-19 During HS Sports

Other Resources
Cardiopulmonary Considerations
NCS4 Covid-19 Considerations for Sport Venues & Events
Marshfield Clinic Athletic Training Recommendations 
WACPC Summer Guidance
Wilson Ball Disinfecting Recommendations
Spalding Ball Cleaning Recommendations
Guidelines for the Prevention, Investigation, and Control of COVID-19 Outbreaks in K-12 Schools in Wisconsin - UPDATED 12/17/20

People at Higher Risk

It is important that anyone who is at risk in certain age groups or with health concerns should not attend events.  People at higher risk for severe illness should stay home and away from large groups as much as possible. This includes public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:

• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant

Anyone who is sick should stay home. Don't go to work or school, and don't run errands. People who have been to an area where coronavirus is spreading within the past 14 days should not attend the event.

People should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Disinfecting sport balls

The link to the DHS Youth Sports guidelines:  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm

CDC information relating to Youth Sports:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html

The following is a link to CDC information that provides guidance for groups and businesses:  Group and Business Plan & Response

The link below will connect you to the NCAA website for their latest information:  NCAA Coronavirus Resources

The following is information for schools from the Wisconsin DPI and CDC:
DPI Information on Coronavirus
CDC Coronavirus links
CDC Pandemic Flu Checklist 
Protecting Yourself and Others

Wisconsin Outbreaks and Investigations:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services - COVID-19
Guidelines for the Prevention, Investigation, and Control of COVID-19 Outbreaks in K-12 Schools in Wisconsin
Outbreaks in Wisconsin