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Selma City Schools (SCS) hosted a virtual “Chat and Chew” Tuesday night in which SCS leaders discuss sports and other extracurricular activities this fall as the school year begins virtually.
“As we consider how we reopen schools in a safe manner, we also have to consider other activities such as sports, band cheerleading and so forth,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams.
Selma High School Athletic Director Katasha Turner kicked off the meeting by sharing the Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) guidelines with those tuning into the virtual meeting.
The AHSAA released guidelines last week, detailing the required protocols for playing sports this fall.
According to Turner, the AHSAA has allowed schools to begin fall sports like, Football and Volleyball, either this week or on August third, allowing time for the 13 days of required practice before teams can play.
To be eligible for fall sports, Turner said students must be in good academic standing, complete a current physical, concussion form, birth certificate, insurance card and sign a SCS Extracurricular waiver.
The SCS Extracurricular Waiver is a release of liability from the school system making sure students and parents understand the risks that come with participating in sports or other extracurricular activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williams said the waiver was necessary because SCS cannot guarantee student’s safety while participating in sports and extracurricular activities.
Turner said that Selma High has already been implementing safety precautions, making sure the school’s athletic facilities are cleaned regularly and screening student athletes for virus symptoms.
Tuner added that during football and volley ball games this season, all players, coaches and referees will be required to wear a mask as will visiting teams who come from areas where no mask mandate is required.
‘We’re doing everything that we can to make sure our students are safe, our coaches are safe and our facilities are safe,” said Turner. “We’re doing all these screenings and cleanings on a daily basis.”
SCS’s Chat and Chew Sessions are an effort from the school system to keep parents informed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
There are several scheduled Chat and Chew Sessions scheduled for the coming weeking including a scholar chat this morning at 11:30.
The full Chat and Chew schedule can be viewed at selmacityschools.org.