Basketball coaches and scouts line the wall at Bishop Gorman High School to observe players during the Fab 48 Tournament on Wednesday, July 26 2017. L.E. Baskow
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 | 11:08 a.m.
The Southern Nevada Basketball Coaches Association has responded to a request from Gov. Steve Sisolak looking for suggestions on how to safely bring back youth and high school sports as the state gradually reopens from coronavirus closures.
The group, comprised of Las Vegas area high school coaches, released a four-stage plan starting with one simple premise: “While many are going to be excited to return to play there are others who may be apprehensive. If a player, parent, or family is not comfortable returning to play — don’t,” the plan states.
The state is moving into the second phase of its reopening on Friday, and that phase will eventually include sports and recreation, Sisolak said. State leaders are working with the local districts to announce plans.
The association wrote the returning to play will be a group effort between school, parent, coach and player, stressing that “players must be responsible to adhere to, and respect the social distancing requirements and contact guidelines that have been established.”
Common practices like sharing practice jerseys or water bottles would be strictly prohibited — in both the short and long term. Other changes include: No high-fives, disinfectant wipes to frequently clean equipment and installing hand sanitizing stations.
“The (association) remains steadfast in our commitment to the safety of our players, coaches, referees, families, and communities. It is imperative that everyone understand their role and demonstrate a commitment adhering to the return-to-play guidelines which have been created based on federal, state, and local directives and guidance with the intent of providing a safe environment to get back on the field,” the group wrote.
The first phase, which the group advocates for starting immediately, will keep participants a minimum of 10 feet apart, includes no contact drills, and features staggered practice times to maximize social distancing. Groups would be limited, meaning gathering an entire team for practice would be initially difficult.
The second phase brings group training capped at eight participants, or enough for a scrimmage with four players on each team. Gyms would be capped at a 30 person capacity.
The third phase would bring controlled scrimmages and practice games, but prohibit travel or overnight games. (Most of club basketball is weekend tournaments).
A full return to play and practice comes in the fourth phase, with some limitations. Removing a water jug for team use will become a permanent move, for instance. Also, social distancing standards that will be commonplace in the new normal will also be part of sports moving forward, such as how the bench is organized in basketball to where parents sit in the bleachers.
“If there is hesitation in returning to play — don’t; just because you can, does not mean you must,” the group wrote.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
