Atlantic School District Activities/Athletic Director Andrew Mitchell, reviewed the District’s Baseball/Softball Return-to-Play plans during a school board meeting Wednesday night. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, earlier this week, released guidance procedures and provided a frequently asked questions list for the upcoming baseball and softball shortened seasons. Mitchell said Atlantic’s plan is “A fluid plan. This is not set in stone. I think we were one of the first schools to do something like this.”

Mitchell said as part of the plans to adhere to DOE guidelines, the district has ordered metal signs from JJ Graphic Design that should be in-place by the first practice. The signs, which should be arriving still this week, will indicate persons with any COVID-19 symptoms should not attend practice or games. They will be installed at the Little League Diamond. Mitchell says the signs have drawn the attention of other district’s.

Yard signs will also be spread out asking people to practice social distancing. Coaches will need to have a plan for players to keep their equipment outside of the fence and dugout, thereby maintaining the social distance guidelines during practice and using dugouts for games only.

The guidelines state also, players should use their own gloves, helmets and bats as much as possible. Mitchell says softball should be covered, but baseball may need to order more helmets. The District will develop practice plans to address potential situations involving social distancing between players. Coaches will sanitize equipment before and after each practice and game. Mitchell says Atlantic will either use a contact spray or another product, in addition to using paper towels to wipe down equipment and areas, if needed.

Mr. Mitchell said the DOE documents have been shared with coaches and staff. Superintendent Steve Barber said a permission slip has been established, outlining the risk of being involved in baseball and softball. Players and parents of players will need to sign-off on the form. Mitchell said the district appears to be “ahead of the game, with what other district’s are doing.”