KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The parents of middle and high school winter sports participants in Kansas will be allowed to attend sporting events this winter as long as it's in accordance with local health department guidelines.
The Kansas State High School Activities Association Board of Directors reversed course Tuesday, voting, 54-24, to allow “up to two parents/guardians per participant(s) family as allowed by local board of education or health department restrictions.”
The decision follows a recommendation from parents and other state leaders.
Starting Thursday, Dec. 10, Kansas will allow spectators for middle and high school winter sports. @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/AElXRekxYt
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladd0) December 8, 2020
The ban will be lifted beginning on Thursday and remains in effect through Jan. 28, 2021.
KSHSAA defines participants as players, coaches, student managers, cheer squads, dance teams, pep bands and student journalists.
All schools are expected to require facemasks and ensure spectators adhere to social distancing, in accordance with previous KSHSAA instructions.
Only players at the time they are competing and referees are allowed to be without a mask at winter sports events in Kansas.
KSHSAA had recommended delaying winter sports until January last month, but also changed its mind until public pressure a week later and allowed winter sports to begin but without fans.
The full board meeting can be viewed on KSHSAA’s YouTube channel.
