High school student-athletes in Minnesota will be required to wear facemasks when the winter sports season resumes in mid-January.
On Monday, the Minnesota State High School League issued an updated plan for the start of winter sports, which includes a return to competitions on January 14.
Under the new guidance, basketball and hockey players must wear face coverings while in action, and those in in cheerleading, gymnastics, swimming and diving and wrestling will be allowed to temporarily remove their masks while performing certain tasks.
“These experiences are so important to students and they have been anxiously waiting to get these winter seasons started,” MSHSL Executive Director Erich Martens said. “By implementing these safety protocols recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and required by the Minnesota Department of Health, we have the best chance to provide safe seasons with reduced interruptions and also plan for full postseason experiences.”
Practice pods are capped at 25 under the latest guidelines approved by the MSHSL. Those practicing must wear masks, with some exceptions including for sports where a mask may cause additional safety concerns like gymnastics, cheerleading, swimming and diving, and wrestling.
Practices are scheduled to begin January 4.
