With assistance from the Northern Ohio PGA’s Junior Tour guidelines and the USGA, the Ohio High School Athletic Association supports the recommendations outlined in this document which are meant to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging social distancing, limiting participation in administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment. These are not mandatory, but rather items for consideration for schools when planning for and participating in golf contests.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there might be additional steps in each school, city, and state to help prevent the spread of virus. Even when taking all precautions, there will still be risk of transmitting illnesses. Everyone should stay vigilant about the health of members of their teams. Lastly, the situation with Covid-19 is rapidly changing. These recommendations may quickly become outdated. Please keep up with the latest from the CDC and other local health officials.

2020 GOLF COMPETITION RECOMMENDATIONS

Prior to Competition:

• Host school remains in contact with host golf course and local health department to determine any guidelines/recommendations/requirements in place.

• Host school communicates any guidelines/recommendations/requirements to participating schools.

• Host school communicates with host golf course on local rules as it pertains to flagsticks/ball retrieval/bunker rakes/bunker rules/etc.

• Host school communicates local rules to participating schools.

• Determine whether paper scorecards or electronic scoring will be utilized. No waiver is necessary should you choose to utilize electronic scoring as a blanket waiver has been approved for this season.

• Determine whether temperature checks/other health assessments will be utilized upon arrival.

• Determine a practice range and greens schedule in order to maintain proper social distancing.

• Determine whether spectators need to be limited due to course layout/number of participants/course guidelines/local health department guidelines/etc.

• Create an accurate list of participants and groups should contact tracing be necessary.

• Determine format of play. Shotgun starts are permitted if social distancing can be maintained.

Arrival to Facility:

• Players/schools arrive as close to their practice time as possible.

• Players refrain from entering clubhouse unless communicated entry points and restrooms are stated.

• Maintain social distancing.

• Use masks when it’s necessary to be in the clubhouse or in areas of close contact.

• Conduct any temperature checks/other health assessments.

Practice Range and Greens:

• Maintain social distancing. Limit the number of people on the range/greens to ensure proper spacing.

• Only enter the practice area during designated time.

• Avoid as much contact as possible with non-personal items such as practice cups, range balls, etc.

• Do not permit anyone other than coaches/players to be near the practice areas.

• Use masks when it’s necessary to be in areas of close contact.

First Tee Procedures:

• Sanitize upon arrival.

• Maintain social distancing.

• Refrain from shaking hands.

• If paper scorecards are being used, sanitize after handing out or picking up.

• Use masks when it’s necessary to be in areas of close contact.

During the Round:

• Maintain social distancing.

• Follow all procedures on local rules regarding flagsticks/bunker rakes/etc.

• Refrain from using benches/ball cleaners/restrooms and any other common areas or touchpoints.

• Refrain from touching other player’s equipment or golf balls.

• Continue to sanitize throughout play.

• Coaches wear masks when in close contact to athletes.

• Athletes are permitted to wear masks at any time during play.

• Any lunches provided are pre-packaged and avoid concession lines/congregation.

Scoring Area:

• Maintain social distancing.

• Sanitize upon arrival.

• One group in a scoring area at a time.

• Confirm scores verbally rather than trading cards.

• Any rulings take place in a secure area away from the scoring area and maintain social distancing.

• Groups leave scoring area after scores are posted.

Post Round:

• No congregating in scoring area.

• Teams should return to cars/busses/other open area after score is posted.

• No awards ceremony.

Spectators

• Arrive as close to tee time as possible for participant they are watching.

• Avoid practice areas, tee areas, clubhouse, scoring areas, and other common areas.

• Maintain social distancing.

• Use masks when it’s necessary to be in areas of close contact.

• Only congregate with members of own household. Social distancing should be maintained between different household units.

• No congregating after competition.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Coaches:

• Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

• Consider conducting workouts in “pods” of same students always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

• Ensure social distancing as much as possible.

• Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each practice in case contact tracing is needed.

• Sanitize equipment as often as time permits.

• Consider wearing a mask when working in close contact with athletes.

Students:

• Consider making each student responsible for their own supplies.

• Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout.

• Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices.

• Athletes should carry personal hand sanitizer in their bag.

• Athletes should tell coaches immediately when they are not feeling well.

• Cloth face coverings/masks are permitted, if an individual prefers to wear one. Cloth face coverings/masks are not required.

• Bring your own water/food.

Parents:

(A family’s role in maintaining safety guidelines for themselves and others):

• Make sure your child and immediate household members are free from illness before participating in practice and competition (if there is doubt stay home).

• Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

• Disinfect your student’s personal equipment after each contest or practice