Safety is priority at baseball, softball games

Fans of high school baseball and softball will be heading to their favorite teams' diamonds as games will be played starting on Monday, June 15. But spectators are strongly encouraged to take all precautions necessary to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Information released through the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union advises that no one should attend games if they have been in contact with anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within the last 14 days, or if they experience any of the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs or stand. Use of bleachers will be limited. Reasonable measures to ensure social distancing of all in attendance will be in place. No concession stands will be permitted at games.

Those attending games at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and the other War Eagle Conference schools are asked to use exact admission amounts for entry into games. Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn athletic director Mark Petersen said using exact amounts will help reduce the handling of money by those involved.

Precautions are also in place for players, most of which were released earlier by both governing bodies of Iowa high school athletics. Additional means of maintaining social distance include no shaking hands after games, and interaction with umpires by players and coaches should be limited and at a distance. Players will be allowed to wear masks if they wish while on the playing field.