Strict attendance mandate comes from Knox Schools, TSSAA
Action by Knox County Schools to significantly limit attendance to indoor sporting events by public high schools and middle schools — primarily basketball and wrestling entering January 2021, which were imposed in mid-December — has been mirrored by Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, which also will include all private schools.
In a Tuesday, Dec. 22, press release, TSSAA officials stated the following after Gov. Bill Lee issued Executive Order No. 70, which will limit such attendance at least through Tuesday, Jan. 19.
“Unfortunately, large scale attendance by spectators and students must be curtailed. Doing so means that bands, pep bands, cheerleaders and dance teams may not attend athletic contests while these restrictions remain in place,” the TSSAA release stated.
“In accordance with the new Executive Order, the only attendees permitted at practices or games, in addition to the student-athletes on the team, are players’ parents or guardians and immediate household members; first responders; coaching and team personnel; school, game and facility administrators; athletics officials; and media and athletic scouting personnel attending the event in their professional capacity,” the release further stated.
“Social distancing between persons from different households is required. While the Executive Order does not mandate the use of masks, the governor has encouraged masks, and the TSSAA COVID-19 Sports Regulations provision regarding the use of masks remains.
“These are minimum restrictions. Depending on the particular school, facility or community circumstances, school officials may require additional limitations on attendance.”
