The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

After the way the winter sports season came to a stunning conclusion back in March and the events that have followed in the months since, uncertainty abound as to whether or not play would resume in the fall. Thankfully after a thorough review of the current situation and a significant number of protocols put in place, a fall sports season is underway.

On July 27, 2020 Montana High School Association (MHSA) Executive Director Mark Beckman and the Executive Board released a list of directives and policies to be implemented by member schools that would allow fall sports to take place.

The release made in conjunction with the National Federation of High School Associations stated that “The resumption of sports and other activities is crucial to the growth, development and mental and emotional wellness of our Montana youth.”

Several factors went into determining what was to be included in the return to play directive including ‘consultation with national, state and local experts from the CDC, NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), the Governor’s directives, state and local health departments and input from state activity associations across the country. For the resumption of fall sports it was directed that schools follow these policies along with the Governor’s directive and directives from local health departments.

For a complete list of the directives and policies regarding COVID-19 protocols as related to fall sports in general as well as sport specific requirements visit the MHSA website https://www.mhsa.org/coronavirus.

One thing that was very clear in communications with coaches of Chinook, Harlem and Hays/Lodge Pole is that the kids want to play. They aren’t complaining about anything and have all made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to get their season in.

Currently, Cross Country set up is being allowed to have multiple teams compete but with very different procedures being implemented to ensure all safety measure are being addressed.

As things stand now the football post season looks to a go but there is some speculation regarding the post season for volleyball. As it currently stands, multi team events are not allowed and this has forced teams to cancel traditional pre-season and mid-season round robin type tournaments.

The situation is very fluid and changes for the good or the bad can come at anytime. It is best to check with the school office of the team you are following for the most up to date policies and schedules.

The number one priority is for the kids, coaches, fans and officials to be able to enjoy, in some capacity a fall sports season. Safety for the players, coaches, officials and volunteers being at the top of the list.

Fan attendance varies from school to school and county to county across the state and again it is best to check with the school office before each contest to ensure compliance with the rules set forth.

Some schools are allowing a set number of people to attend with the majority being allotted to the home team and a smaller amount being limited to the visiting team. Some schools are allowing just two tickets for each student athlete for a home contest and not allowing opposing teams any.

In each case if you are traveling to a road contest check with the school you are visiting as to their specific requirements, number of visitors being allowed and forms that need to be filled out prior to the start of the contest.

The Chinook school system has implemented the following procedure and it seems to be similar to what other schools have adopted in the Class B and Class C ranks.

‘Chinook schools will try to accommodate fans as best we can. Please adhere to the guidelines. MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR contests. Help us PROTECT THE PLAYERS. In order to help the flow of traffic at the gate and to assist Blaine County health in contact tracing all fans are asked to sign up ahead and submit contact info. If we hit capacity at our facilities pre-signed up fans will have priority. Full guidelines are in the accompanying document. Contact tracing and sign up link https://forms.gle/CFPn8kKfb1A6c8eJ7’

The Sugarbeeters first road contest of the season this past Saturday was at Park City High School. The protocol for visitors stated ‘Park City will be allowing visiting fans (maybe a limit of 50). Masks will be required. Possibly no concessions available. Please fill out the Contact tracing form if you plan to travel to Park City. This helps the host to know projected visitor attendance.’

The motto the Chinook volleyball team adopted, ”Whatever it takes” seems very fitting in the kids’ desire to play, and certainly extends to many athletes throughout the state.

As far as our local schools are concerned as it relates directly to their specific sport, some changes have been made to the divisions.

Class C volleyball will notice the biggest change as the Northern C is combining the 6C-East, 6C-West and 7C of the previous years into two nine team districts.

District 6C will include Chinook, Centerville, Geraldine/Highwood, Fort Benton, Big Sandy, Hays/Lodge Pole, Box Elder, North Star and Chester/Joplin-Inverness. The District 7C will consist of Augusta, Belt, Cascade, Dutton/Brady, Heart Butte, Power, Simms, Sunburst and Valier.

In Northern B volleyball their remains 12 teams with five making up the District 2B. They include Harlem which co-ops with Turner, Malta, Glasgow, Poplar and Wolf Point. The District 1B has Fairfield, Cut Bank, Rocky Boy, Great Falls Central, Choteau, Cut Bank, Conrad and Shelby.

Northern B Football consists of Harlem, Conrad Glasgow, Malta, Wolf Point, Fairfield and Cut Bank. Class C Football again consists of an A and B subdivision with some modifications this year. The ‘A’ subdivision includes Belt, Cascade, Choteau, Fort Benton, Great Falls Central and Rocky Boy. Teams making up the ‘B’ subdivision include Chinook, Hays/Lodge Pole, Chester/Joplin-Inverness, Shelby and Simms.