Athletics

COVID-19 Athletics Plan

York Country Day School is awaiting a decision from the PIAA about the fall athletics program. Voluntary athletic activities will begin for fall sports starting the week of July 26, 2020. The following is a summary of measures which will be put in place based on the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and multiple healthcare providers. 
  • All coaches and athletes will sign a community pledge before participating in athletic activities.
  • All athletes, coaches, and staff will attest to daily home screenings before athletic activities. Screenings include temperature and symptom checks.
  • Athletes must come dressed for workouts wearing a face covering. Locker rooms will not be available until further notice.
  • Coaches and athletes must wear face coverings unless they are outdoors and can consistently maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet. Athletes are not required to wear face coverings while engaged in workouts, but must wear face coverings when on the sidelines and anytime 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible.
  • Athletes must bring their own water bottle to workouts. Hydration stations will be available for refilling.
  • Athletic training procedures will be adjusted to limit time in close contact and allow for physical distancing to be practiced.
  • Athletes will remain with their assigned coaches and in small groups for the duration of training sessions. Teams will not be combined for training.
  • Coaches will phase athletes into activity by completing an acclimation period of strength and conditioning and individual skill work at workout sessions before advancing to team drills.
  • Team huddles, hand shakes, and high fives are not permitted.
  • Disinfection procedures will be set in place to ensure clean equipment after each workout.
  • All head and assistant coaches will be trained and provided with adequate supplies to meet the guidelines

The full Athletics Health and Safety plan can be obtained and reviewed by contacting the YCDS Athletic Department. Any preseason activity prior to the PIAA official fall season start date of August 17, 2020, is voluntary. Winter and spring sports will begin off season workouts at a later date, yet to be determined.

The athletic department will continue to monitor local developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic to adjust athletic policy as needed to protect all athletes in our care. 
 
    • Mr. Uriah Goldfinger, Director of Athletics

      ugoldfinger@ycds.org