August 1, 2020
Dear Mayfield Students,
Parents, Guardians and Staff,
Regarding athletics and
extracurriculars only.
Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Health issued an order allowing for the continuation of fall practices (click attached file).
Per our district legal counsel
the ODH order supersedes the recommendation of the County Board of
Health with respect to athletics and extracurriculars only. Therefore, all
practices will resume.
You will receive more
information from Keith Leffler and the coaches.
As I have said all along, my decisions are guided by the health experts, not public opinion. Please know this latest order from the Ohio Department of Health may rescinded. It is also possible that the Governor and/or the OHSAA will mandate/recommend another suspension. Please talk to your athletes about the fluidity of this circumstance and prepare them for another possible suspension.
It is also important to note that resuming practices does not guarantee seasons will take place.
Here is a summary of the DOH order.
= Non-contact
and contact sports may practice. Non-contact sports (golf, tennis,
volleyball, cross country) may compete against other teams.
= If
there is a season, contact sports (football, soccer) cannot
compete against other teams unless all players, coaches, trainers,
and support personnel receive negative COVID tests 72 hours prior
to competition. One negative test in the group prevents that team
from competing.
= Note:
The OHSAA is not allowing scrimmages at this time.
= Spectators
are not permitted at contact sporting events.
= This
order expires if the Governor declares the State of Emergency is over or
the order is rescinded by the ODH.
= The
rest of the order outlines necessary preventive steps that have been in
place for the past month.
You should also know this: If there were to be a fall season, I estimate that in order to run a full schedule of football and boys/girls soccer, there would be $240,000-$250,000 in COVID-19 testing costs at $150 a test. We have yet to determine how these fees will be paid.
There have been many rumors
that the Western Reserve Conference is attempting to cancel the
fall season because Mayfield may not be able to participate. This is
false. We voted "NO" to shut down the season last week
before the Cuyahoga County Board of Health put out
their recommendation and will vote no again this week.
Respectfully, participating in
practices and activities involving athletics and extracurriculars is a
choice. If you are concerned about your student practicing or
participating and choose not to participate - we respect your
decision.
Be well.
Keith Kelly, Superintendent