Dear MCC Rebel Nation,
I have a few updates that have been made this past week in regards to guidelines based on the Minnesota State High School League, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education & the Governor’s Executive Orders as it pertains to spectators. I would like to say that everything that we do at MCC is in the best interest of all our athletes safety and health while still following the required guidelines. The ultimate goal is to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to play the game they have grown to love. Everything else is secondary. I can guarantee that when you travel to other towns things will look different. Gyms are different which means spectator limits are different. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email with any questions in regards to MCC’s spectator limits or expectations. 507-836-1737 or james_wajer@mcc.mntm.org
Spectators:
This Event and Facility Management Guidance and Information document is based directly on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education. Documents used in the creation of this Guidance and Information:
• Minnesota's Stay Safe Plan (Updated 1/6/21)
• COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults (Updated 1/5/21)
• Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year (Updated 12/16/20)
• 2020-21 Planning Guidance for Minnesota Public Schools (Updated 12/1/20)
Member Schools have the right to enact more restrictive limitations for their events and venues.
Definitions used in this document:
• Participants include athletes, performers, competitors, student workers, and
coaches/advisors.
• Spectators include anyone present who is not a participant.
• Event includes all indoor sports, concerts, plays, competitions, performances and any
other similar events that have spectators.
Spectator Management:
• Spectators must be separated from the competition by a minimum of 12 feet.
• Spectators must be separated by at least 6 feet between households/spectator groups
• For indoor events where 12 feet can’t be maintained between participants and
spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count.
• If spectators and participants can be clearly separated by at least 12 feet, then
participants do not need to be included in the total capacity count.
• Spectators are only allowed at official events
• Schools must extend arrival times for longer than their typical duration to minimize the congregation of spectators waiting. They must establish staggered admission-times, entry-times and durations to minimize overlap and congregating of spectators at choke-points (e.g. access points, security check-points, admission areas, concession areas).
Conference games will start at the following times:
7th grade - 4:30 pm, 8th grade - 5:30 pm, “C” - 5:00pm, “B” - 6:15 pm if preceding “C” game
or 6:00pm if there is no “C” game, Varsity will start approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after “B” game. Spectators should not arrive until 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Spectator Capacity Requirements:
Indoor attendance capacity attendance is the lesser of:
• 25% of the venue capacity or
• 150 attendees
● Murray County Central has four sections of bleachers in our gymnasium. The south section will be where the athletes and coaches will be socially distanced and seated. The north section will be where spectators will be seated. In accordance with guidelines we have room for 28 spectators for home and 28 spectators for away meeting social distancing guidelines. If you are from the same household we could sit up to 56 spectators in each section. We will be removing spectators after each “squad” game. If you have a student-athlete on multiple squads then you can remain seated in your spot until the end of that squad. Conference Requirements: 2 spectators per participant not to exceed capacity limits above. A parent list will be created for each squad that will be sent to the conference opponents that will be used for entrance. If Dad/Mom will not be able to attend the game then you can substitute a sibling or other adult to replace Dad/Mom at the gate. If you bring your son/daughter as a 3rd party they will not be allowed in so plan accordingly.
- 2 spectators per participant.
- Cost for all spectators regardless of age will be $5.
- Correct change is mandatory and/or change will not be given.
Indoor Events:
• School districts and charter schools must require advanced reservations and/or ticketing (i.e., on-line, app-based, email, will-call). Walk-ins, impromptu purchases or admittance will not be allowed.
• All attendees at an indoor event must be registered in advance with name, email and/or phone number.
• Concessions will NOT be offered
Indoor Events:
• All spectators at all indoor events must wear a mask/face covering. The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota State High School League have approved the following mask/face coverings: paper or disposable mask/face coverings, cloth mask/face coverings, or neck gaiters.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using two layers of fabric when making a cloth mask/face covering. Mask/face coverings that are made of thinner single-layer fabric may not be as effective for blocking droplets that come out when speaking, coughing, or sneezing and should not be used unless there are no alternatives.
• A mask/face covering must cover the nose and mouth completely. The covering should not be overly tight or restrictive and should feel comfortable to wear.
• Any mask/face coverings that incorporate a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh mask/face coverings, or mask/face coverings with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are not sufficient face coverings because they allow droplets to be released from the mask.
• Mask/Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations under Executive Order 20-81
Sincerely,
James Wajer
MCC Activities Director