NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) recently released its Return to Sport Guidelines to state high school athletic associations across the country, including the TSSAA.

“The NFHS SMAC believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of high school students across the nation to return to physical activity and athletic competition,” said the release from the organization.

The statement goes on to recognize that conditions for resuming activities vary widely between regions and states.

“While we would typically have reservations regarding such inequities, the NFHS SMAC endorses the idea of returning students to school-based athletics and activities in any and all situations where it can be done safely.”

The new NFHS guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of students being exposed to COVID-19 through social distancing, the use of face coverings and enhanced sanitation practices

As with other organizations, the NFHS has adopted a phased approach to reopening, limiting the number of athletes that can be present at workouts and events, requiring thorough record keeping to assist in contact tracing and providing clear guidelines related to cleaning.

To see the full list of NFHS Guidelines, click here.

The document serves as a baseline and recommendation for organizations within the federation to form guidelines that best fit the needs of their communities.

“Since NFHS member state associations are a well-respected voice for health and safety issues, the NFHS SMAC strongly urges that these organizations engage with state and local health departments to develop policy regarding coordinated approaches for return to activity for high school, club and youth sports,” says the NFHS release.

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has encouraged schools and school systems to use these standards in cooperation with local health authorities to develop guidelines best suited for their current status.

“What has become very clear is that policies enacted at the state, city, and local levels may ultimately determine whether or not [schools/school systems] are able to engage in the specific types of activities described in this document. As a result, TSSAA is not in a position to develop policy regarding coordinated approaches to activity,” said a memo released to TSSAA member schools.

The organization went on to recognize the importance athletic programs hold for many students.

“We know these are important issues, but our most urgent focus is on safely returning kids to activities this summer. Preliminary research strongly suggests that school closure and cancellation of activities is having a significant impact on the physical and mental health of students. It is our hope that this guiding document will help schools design specific plans that maximize opportunities for their students to return to activities while minimizing the risk for COVID-19 exposure.”

For updated on high school athletics and the TSSAA, visit them at their website and on their Facebook.