High School Sports Update: February 1, 2021

High school students in the Kent School District will have the option to join in-person training starting February 15.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has opened this period for student-athletes to train with their high school teams in preparation for the upcoming seasons. The WIAA used the Sporting Activities COVID-19 Guidance (PDF) from January 11 by the Governor’s office to update the Roadmap to Recovery that allows in-person training with strict requirements based on region COVID case data. 

Student-athletes will remain in specific pods throughout the three-week conditioning program (February 15 - March 5).

Due to shortened seasons, practices and contests could be scheduled on Saturdays and during traditional break periods such as Presidents’ break (February 15-19) and spring break (April 5-9).

Safety is the highest priority in training sessions. All coaches and student-athletes will follow health and safety guidelines set by KSD, WIAA, and Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC).

Strict adherence to these guidelines will help us continue in-person training.

• All participants will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to any activities.
• Masks are required at all times.
• Physical distancing will be required of all participants, and students will be working in pods of six or less with each pod distanced from the others during the conditioning-only sessions.
• Hand sanitation required upon entry and exit, and frequently during training.
• Students will not share personal equipment or water containers.
• Along with screening and safety protocols, the social-emotional and mental health, physical wellness, and academic progress of students will be our core focus.

Students must be cleared through Family ID and approved by the building athletic director prior to participation. 

• Students should register for their season 1 sport they plan on participating in.
• If the student will not participate in a season 1 sport, the student should register for general conditioning.
• Registration opens on February 3.
• Registration for Season 2 and 3 will be announced at a later date.

Students must follow the KSD COVID-19 Student-Athlete Commitment Pledge (PDF).

North Puget Sound League (NPSL) Plan

The NSPL plan from January 14, 2021, allows for a conditioning/season prep window through March 6, 2021. Events are subject to change based on school district approvals and COVID-19 metrics.

Due to shortened seasons, practices and contests could be scheduled on Saturdays and during traditional break periods such as Presidents’ break (February 15-19) and spring break (April 5-9).

Season 1 Sports (March 8 - April 17)

• Football (begins March 1)
• Cross country
• Girls soccer
• Volleyball
• Girls swim/dive
• Boys and girls golf

Season 2 Sports (April 12 - May 22)

• Baseball
• Fastpitch
• Boys soccer
• Girls tennis
• Track
• Boys swim/dive
• Judo

Season 3 Sports (May 17 - June 26)

• Boys basketball
• Girls basketball
• Wrestling
• Gymnastics (begins May 10)
• Dance*
• Cheerleading*
• Bowling
• Boys tennis
• Boys water polo (club)
• Girls water polo (club)

Middle School Sports Update: February 1, 2021

Middle school sports seasons will be communicated once middle schools are able to return to in-person learning.

Sport Risk Categories

Sports risk categories have been determined by Governor Inslee, the Department of Health, WIAA, and NFHS.

Low-Risk

• Cross country
• Golf
• Swimming and diving
• Tennis
• Track and field
• Sideline/no-contact cheerleading and dance

Moderate-Risk

• Baseball
• Bowling
• Gymnastics
• Softball
• Soccer
• Volleyball

High-Risk

• Basketball
• Football
• Water polo
• Wrestling
• Cheerleading and dance with contact.

Resources

• Olympic Sports and Spine offers Baseline Concussion Screening: Appointments are available for students participating in basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling.
• The WIAA Return-To-Play Guidelines lists requirements for all athletic teams to participate in sports, along with sport-specific guidelines as each sport has unique circumstances to consider. Guidelines have been developed in consultation with Washington Department Health officials, medical communities, the national governing body for education-based athletics (NFHS), and state committees of coaches and athletic directors.
• Considerations for Youth Sports Administrators (CDC): Follow these tips to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help protect players and staff from COVID-19.

Information & Season Start Dates Subject to Change

Please keep in mind that the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve with each passing day. We will continue to follow guidance from the King County Health Department and work to get our students participating in the activities they enjoy. We must be prepared to alter and adapt our education-based athletic seasons based on the safety of all our participants.

We will regularly update our staff, families, and community through the website and our school athletic directors. We encourage you to keep checking back for the latest information.

Student Eligibility Requirements

To clarify questions regarding athletic participation in Kent Schools, students enrolled in the KSD will be able to participate in extracurricular activities at the school in which they were enrolled for the 2020-2021 school year. All WIAA eligibility requirements for education-based athletics and activities will be strictly adhered to.

Register Online

Register athletes online using FamilyID. This secure platform provides families with an easy, user-friendly way to register students for athletic programs.

Parent & Student Athletic Handbook

View the Kent School District (KSD) Parent and Student Athletic Handbook and Middle School Athletic Handbook to learn what it takes to be a successful athletic participant through code of conduct, eligibility standards, and more.

Participation History & Physical Examinations

Complete a current Participation History and Physical Examination form before participating in athletics. Physicals are valid for 24 months from the date of examination and may not expire during the season in which the student is participating.

• Middle School: A current physical examination must be completed prior to participation in grades 7-8 and must be dated after June 1 of the sixth-grade year.
• High School: A current physical examination must be completed prior to participation in grades 9-12 and must be dated after June 1 of the eighth-grade year.

Health Resources

• Concussions: View the concussion in youth sports fact sheet to learn about symptoms, common treatment options, and preventative measures athletes can take while participating in sports.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: View the sudden cardiac arrest information sheet to learn about causes, common treatment options, and preventative measures athletes can take while participating in sports.

Student Accident Insurance

We offer student accident insurance through Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. with services ranging from student health and accident plans to prescription drug discounts and even interscholastic tackle football coverage.

For more information about insurance offerings, or to enroll, visit the Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. website or call 1-800-827-4695.

Claims

If you are already enrolled in the student accident insurance program, you may submit a claim using the Student Insurance Claim form.