COVID-19 ‘guidance’ in place for football

HOPE – The Arkansas Activities Association has issued “guidance” and “considerations” to all public school athletics departments that reflect similar requirements from last year.

Hope Public Schools Athletics Director Phillip Turner said Thursday that Hammons Stadium will be used this season in keeping with AAA information and district policy.

“The football ‘considerations’ from the AAA are the same as last year,” Turner said. 

Home game seating at Hammons Stadium beginning Aug. 27 against Little Rock Mills will be utilized based upon local policy under AAA guidance, Turner said.

“We are going to do 75 percent capacity instead of 100 percent capacity,” he said. “There is a mask mandate inside the stadium. While there will not be a six-foot social distance policy, fans, please be responsible and mindful of these regulations so we all can enjoy this football season.”

Bobcat Clinic Director/District COVID-19 Contact Gretchen Carlton said fans should use common sense when attending large-scale gatherings.

“Anyone who has been around a known positive case, and/or has symptoms should stay at home and follow the game on radio,” Carlton said. “The district has COVID-19 protocols in place which have been publicized and should be observed.”

Home games are broadcast on KHOA-FM/107.9 and livestreamed on myhope1079.com as well as hopeprescott.com.

Home game seating will be general admission on a first come basis and ticket sales for games will be announced, Turner said.

Contact Turner at 870-777-3451 for other information. 

COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including:

--Required face masks.

--Families may sit together, but should be mindful of spacing.

--Fans will be allowed to stand along the field fence line, but should be mindful of spacing.

“If you are not wearing a mask, and you are asked to put your face mask on, security and staff will ask you to leave if you do not comply,” Turner said.

All COVID-19 protocols are expected to be in place for junior high and ninth grade games at Hammons Stadium, he said.

The 2021 Bobcat Football schedule is as follows:

Aug. 27 – Little Rock Mills, Home, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 – Nashville, Away, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 – Ashdown, Away, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 – Prescott, Home, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 – DeQueen (Homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 – Hot Springs, Away, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 – Open Date.

Oct. 15 – Lakeside, Away, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 – Camden, Home, 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 – Texarkana, Away, 7 p.m.

Nov. 5 – Magnolia, Home, 7 p.m.