UIL Releases Guidelines for Summer Marching Band Practices and Rehearsals

SAN ANGELO, TX – UIL officials on Wednesday released updated guidelines for Summer Marching Band Practices and Rehearsals. 

 This guidance goes into effect immediately until August 1, 2020 as the UIL continues to work with state officials and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications.

Deciding Whether to Offer In-Person Practices and Rehearsals:

According to the UIL, all schools should take their local context into account when making decisions related to summer practices and rehearsals on campus.  

Although these plans do not require any further approval by UIL, schools are required to develop plans for the 2020-2021 school year, and may choose to do so for summer activities as well. 

Following a release from Gov. Greg Abbott regarding Executive Order GA-29, regarding face coverings, applies to all UIL activities effective July 3, 2020.

Requirements for All Practices and Rehearsals

This includes all 2020 summer activities and in-season activities for the 2020-2021 school year. As the public health situation changes, and/or if subsequent Executive Orders are issued by Governor Greg Abbott, these guidelines may be further modified.

1. For the purposes of this document, masks and face coverings include non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth. Face shields may be superior to cloth face coverings in many circumstances, given improved ability to see mouth movements and improved air circulation.
2. All employees, parents, visitors and students ten years of age or older must wear face coverings or face shields upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted and when not actively practicing, unless an exception listed below applies. 
3. The face coverings requirements do not apply to a school in a county that meets the requirements of paragraph 11 of Executive Order GA-29, unless the local school system chooses to implement these requirements locally. Even in these circumstances, the wearing of face coverings or face shields is strongly encouraged. 
4. Exceptions to the wearing of face coverings or face shields include:

•  Any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
• While a person is consuming food or drink
• When a congregating group of persons maintains at least 6 feet of social distancing
•  Any other reason or circumstance indicated under Executive Order GA-29

For the purposes of marching band rehearsals and practices, schools must require students, staff, and visitors to wear face coverings when entering and exiting facilities and practice areas, and when not actively practicing.

Face coverings must be worn anytime six feet of distance cannot be maintained unless it is not practical to do so while practicing. Schools may, for example, allow students to practice while playing wind instruments. However, schools must require students and staff to wear face coverings as they get into positions that allow for safe spacing. 

Required Screening, Additional Requirements, and Operational Considerations:

Schools must follow TEA screening requirements and screen staff members before allowing staff to participate in UIL activities. Schools may consider screening students for COVID-19 as well. These protocols mirror the guidelines issued by TEA for school operations.

If a student or staff member has been screened by the school for purposes of participating in instruction, there is no reason to screen separately before allowing the staff or student to participate in UIL activities. 

• Attendance at practices and rehearsals must be optional for students and in compliance with the rules for Summer marching band practices and rehearsals. In addition to on-campus options, schools should consider providing students guidance for practicing at home or remotely away from school. This can include virtual practices, emailed or otherwise electronically delivered practice instructions, or any delivery model approved by the local school district.
• Attendance records shall be kept, however, students shall not be required or allowed to make up missed days or practices.
• Students should report to practices and rehearsals in proper attire and immediately return home to change clothes or shower at the end of the session.
• Schools should have hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations readily available in the practice and rehearsal area. Students and staff should be encouraged to use it frequently.
• All surfaces in practice and rehearsal areas should be thoroughly disinfected throughout and at the end of each day.
• No clothing or towels may be laundered on site or shared during practices and rehearsals.
• There can be no shared water or food.
• Schools should plan for entry and exit procedures that reduce the number of students and parents congregating outside and/or mixing around the practice areas and parking areas. Consider staggering start and end times, assigning students to entries and exits to ensure even distribution of students entering/exiting at each entry point, providing guidance to students to enter one at a time and wait six feet apart outside the entrance.
• If the school is planning to offer transportation for summer activities, schools should follow all TEA guidance related to such transportation.
• Students and staff should maintain at least six feet of distance from all sides when not actively practicing or rehearsing. When actively practicing and rehearsing, students and staff should maintain at least ten feet of distance all sides when possible. Schools must require students who are not actively practicing to wear cloth face coverings.
• Indoor practices and rehearsals can be conducted up to a maximum of 50% capacity. This is subject to change pending new guidance or occupancy restrictions announced by the Office of the Governor.
• Schools should limit the total number of participants based on available space to allow for the appropriate distancing between students and staff.
• Any equipment should be thoroughly disinfected before and after each use. If a student uses a piece of equipment, that equipment should be thoroughly disinfected before another student uses it. Schools should limit the use of equipment to further reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met: 

•  at least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications); 
•  the individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and 
•  at least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

* Schools should consider having students remain within a single group or cohort in order to minimize the number of students and staff that must isolate if a case is confirmed. For additional information regarding Positive Cases and Staff or Students Showing COVID Symptoms click here. 

To see a complete list of guidelines regarding Summer Marching Band Practices and Rehearsals click here.