OSAA's Updated Information on Mask Wearing

Please read this recently released information from Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) regarding  and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wearing masks indoors.

OHA Clarifications

Following last week’s release of OHA’s statewide rule regarding indoor masking requirements, the OSAA staff has been gathering information from schools and communicating with OHA regarding specific questions as Fall sports and activities prepare for competitions.  The following are the latest OHA clarifications pursuant to (OAR 333-019-1025):

• Students are not required to wear a mask indoors when practicing or playing a competitive sport at any level, including cheerleading and dance/drill.  Students not actively participating (i.e. on the sideline during an indoor competition, etc.) are required to wear a mask.  Students are required to wear a mask when in the weight room. 
• Coaches and contest officials are required to wear masks indoors during practices or competitions.
• Spectators at indoor interscholastic events are required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.  Spectators may remove their masks indoors if they are actively eating or drinking. 
• Capacity limits are not required for indoor events but increased physical distancing and ventilation can help limit the possibility of spread, especially when case counts are high in the community.
• Masks are encouraged but not currently mandated by the state for outdoor practices or competitions for students, coaches, officials, or spectators.  Check with your county for any local restrictions.
• Students are not required to wear a mask indoors when playing an instrument that requires the mouth.  Choir students are required to wear a mask during indoor practices but are exempt from this requirement for performances.

As stated previously, the OHA rule does not prohibit a school or school district from applying a more restrictive requirement.  That would be a local school decision.  Schools are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel and/or PACE with any questions regarding liability.

Communication when Hosting Events and Adhering to Host School Policies

As stated throughout the pandemic, and during last week’s Fall Administrator Workshops, communication with your own school community and opponents regarding any specific mitigation policies for masks, contact tracing, physical distancing, capacity limits, etc. that your school or county has in place will be more important than ever.

It is understood that if a local government's laws are more restrictive than statewide laws, then schools must adhere to whichever law is more restrictive.  Hosting OSAA member schools must communicate with their opponent about any more restrictive measures in place locally prior to the opponent traveling to the host site.  Note that a school, county, or facility may institute more restrictive requirements and a visiting school and its supporters must adhere to the more restrictive measures in place from their hosting opponent.

Governor’s Vaccination Mandate

We will review the official language regarding yesterday’s announcement of the Governor’s vaccination mandate when it becomes available and get information out to the membership accordingly.

The OSAA will continue to advocate and seek further clarification on these rules and the OHA’s interpretations.  We will communicate more information to schools as it becomes known.