Northwest Local Schools

Dear Mohawks:

Earlier this week, Governor DeWine issued an order permitting fall sports to move forward with their season. In conjunction with the Governor’s order, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) issued an order that provides mandatory requirements for the operation of high school/jr sports during the pandemic.

On Thursday, we met with the other Superintendents and Athletic Directors in the Southern Ohio Conference to determine compliance protocols for ODH directives. The following are procedures, some of which are specific to Northwest that will effect both athletes and spectators during sporting events:

• We are permitted 15% capacity of our venue seating. This will allow for the required social distancing.
• In order to comply with the ODH directive, for football games each athlete, band member, and cheerleader will receive limited tickets for distribution to individuals of their choosing. These tickets must be presented at the gate. The admission fee will be collected at the gate. Only those individuals with a ticket will be admitted to the game.
• For all other sports, tickets will be sold at the gate. The district still will maintain 15% seating capacity.
• During away games, the host school will issue tickets according to their seating capacity. Those tickets will also be given to players for distribution. The band and cheerleading squad will not travel to away games.
• Household members may sit together and must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from other household groups or individuals.
• Spectators are required to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering at all times. Social distancing must be maintained while individuals are standing in line for admittance or at the concession stand. There must be no congregating before or after games by players or spectators. Spectators should remain in their seats as much as possible during the contest. Standing along the fence will not be permitted.
• Spectators must conduct daily symptom assessments. Temperatures may be check at the entrance gate.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home. According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 includes fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Please follow all of the Governor’s and ODH orders and recommendations. Violations may result in forfeiture of games or the suspension of the season.

We are very encouraged and excited for the opportunity to have a sports season for our student athletes. We ask that everyone follow the orders and recommendations for the Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Health Department. Our goal is that all student athletes, band members, and cheerleaders remain healthy and have a successful season.

Go Mohawks!
 Todd Jenkins, Superintendent