With the updated MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order going into effect on Thursday, May 6, we are providing the following updated guidance for your review.

• Antigen Testing Order Extended: The updated MDHHS order for weekly testing in organized athletics has been extended until May 31, 2021. Schools will continue to test spring sport athletes weekly unless individuals have had a positive COVID test (PCR or antigen/rapid test) in the past 90 days or individuals are fully vaccinated. MMHS will continue its testing on Monday mornings from 7:30-8:30 am in the library.
• Weekly Antigen Testing & Vaccinations: The updated order no longer requires fully vaccinated individuals to participate in the MDHHS weekly testing program.  An individual is considered to be fully vaccinated by the MDHHS definition two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).  Fully vaccinated individuals are not subject to local health department (LHD) quarantine requirements when someone is deemed to be a close contact by the LHD.
• Vaccination Cards: Athletes that have been vaccinated, will need to bring a copy of their vaccination cards with them to the library on Monday morning during weekly antigen testing from 7:30-8:30 am. If you do not have a copy, bring the card and a copy will be made for you.
• Previous Positive COVID Tests & Future Weekly Testing:
• Effective April 23, per MDHHS guidance, individuals who have recovered from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis with either a PCR test or antigen (rapid) test in the past three months (90 days) and remain symptom-free may participate in spring sports activities without weekly testing. An antibody test is not sufficient.
• For a previous positive antigen or PCR test, there should be documentation from the lab or medical provider of that PCR test.

Update from MHSAA – May 5, 2021

• Face Mask Requirements:
• Contrary to current media reports, there is no change to face mask requirements for MHSAA spring sports from what has been done since March.  Face masks must be worn for outdoor activity (practice and competition) in our only spring contact sport, Girls Soccer.  This includes all participants, coaches, and all other team personnel; note that someone being fully vaccinated does not alter the MDHHS face mask requirements.
• For our non-contact spring sports of Baseball, Golf, Softball, Tennis and Track & Field, participants must wear face masks except when involved in active outdoor participation (in the game, during the round, during the match, during the race/event, during active practice activity). Coaches and all other team personnel must wear face masks at all times, including participants when on the bench, in the dugout, between individual events, etc.
• Remember that if any spring practice or competition moves indoors, all individuals (participants, coaches, team personnel) must wear face masks at all times.
• Spring Sports Spectators: Spring spectator limits have not changed which remain at 50% of the fire marshal capacity (if applicable) with a maximum of 1,000 outdoor spectators.

– If an outdoor event has more than 100 spectators, face masks are required for spectators. 

– If an outdoor event has less than 100 spectators, face masks are no longer required. 

• Summer Activity & Future Guidance: This updated order is in effect until May 31, 2021.  The MHSAA continues to advocate for school-based, summer athletic activity to be allowed without required testing by MDHHS.  MHSAA summer regulations begin on Monday, June 7 and schools should continue to plan summer activity based on this current MDHHS guidance:
  • Outdoor, non-contact activity can take place without face masks.
  • Outdoor, contact activity can take place with face masks (soccer, football, lacrosse).
  • Indoor activity can take place with face masks.

We will continue to communicate with MHSAA and MDHHS for further directives on testing beyond May 31 and other safety protocols and requirements for summer activity both indoors and outdoors and will provide updates as they become available.

The MHSAA will continue to encourage individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible. They feel the clear pathway for a return to “athletic normalcy” is to have as many individuals fully vaccinated as possible.