Among the many things the coronavirus pandemic has impacted, few have been as controversial as policies regarding youth and high school sports. Students and community look forward to sports as a way to come together but COVID-19 is having a major impact on all fall sports, especially football and volleyball.

While many schools across the country have moved to remote learning and will not have a fall sports season at all, Tyrone and surrounding school districts have thus far been able to keep their doors open and athletes on the field. However, many restrictions are required to make these events possible.

“We will not be selling season passes and we will not be handing out staff passes so our game personnel can maintain an accurate number of individuals attending the event and so we can remain under the allotted numbers. This is subject to change at any time,” said Tyrone Athletic Director Luke Rhoades.

Current state regulations allow a maximum of 250 people at outdoor sporting events. Indoor events may only have 25 people or less.

For varsity football games the district will only admit parents of senior players, band members, and cheerleaders with tickets issued by the school to Gray Field for football games. No fans will be able to attend indoor volleyball games at this time.

The following policies for ticket distribution to the home football games have been set by the district:

Each senior band member will receive two tickets for entry to the stadium at 6:20. Parents will enter at the main gate and present their ticket. Once the band performance is over and following the National Anthem and Alma Mater, the band parents will exit the field at the gate behind the band concession stand. This should be at approximately 6:50.

Each senior football player and cheerleader will receive two tickets for entry to the stadium at 6:50. Parents will enter at the main gate and present their ticket. Parents are asked to sit on the home side.

These policies will keep the district in compliance with the regulations while allowing as many parents to watch the games in person as possible.

“Please understand this is not ideal for anyone involved but our hands are tied based upon the 250 occupancy and the directive from District 6,” said Rhoades via email. “If any D6 school fails to follow these mandates, there will be serious sanctions both from D6 and the PIAA. We also ask that you sit on the home side, obviously, and unfortunately, there will be plenty of room,” said Rhoades. 

At this time, there are no visiting fans are permitted at away games, according to Rhoades.

As for other outdoor sports, parents of athletes will be able to attend so long as the number of people at the event does not exceed the 250 person limit.

In addition, face coverings must be worn by all attendees at all times at district sporting events.

Those in the seating areas must adhere to social distancing requirements; six feet apart for anyone not from the same household.

Also, spectators cannot enter any field of play or bench area at any time.

Other fall sports will be handled as follows:

JV / Junior High Football: The school will set aside tickets for each player’s family to purchase at the gate and the number will be based upon the numbers of players for each team. Parents or guardians will be required to show ID in order to purchase the tickets. Tickets will be $2 for adults and $1 for students. If occupancy is below 250 based upon the travel numbers from the other teams, tickets will then be sold to the public.  Parents can purchase all allotted tickets at one time in cases where another parent may be running late.

Varsity Soccer: Tickets will be sold at the gate, $5 for adults and $3 for students. The number of tickets sold at the gate will be based upon the team numbers, in order to remain at or under 250. Tickets will be set aside tickets for the parents of each team member to buy at the gate up until the start of the match. When the match starts any remaining tickets will be sold to the public.

Junior High Soccer: Tickets will be sold at the gate, $2 for adults and $1 for students. The number of tickets sold at the gate will be based upon the team numbers, in order to remain at or under 250. Tickets will be set aside tickets for the parents of each team member to buy at the gate up until the start of the match. Once the match starts tickets will then be sold to the public. The athletic office asks that parents of the junior high girls are respectful of the 250 number and they leave after their match so the junior high boy’s parents can attend.

Cross Country / Tennis / Golf: Spectators are permitted up to the 250 number. District security officials will count and manage these sports as necessary.

Junior High / JV / Varsity Volleyball: There will be no spectators at this time. Senior parents will be able to watch the game from a separate viewing venue.

In order to ensure that fans can still see Tyrone home games, most home sporting events will be live-streamed on Tyrone’s Eagle Eye YouTube channel and/or Facebook page.