More Changes Announced for Athletic Guidelines

Published January 20, 2021

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has extended athletic guidelines first updated in November with a few additions. The guidelines are a result of Governor Lee’s order and were originally set to expire January 19. They have been extended through February 27.

The Governor’s order now allows for grandparents to attend events as part of the family unit as well as allowing teachers to attend. However, restrictions remain for cheerleaders, dance teams and pep bands.

In addition to masks being mandated for all attendees, the guidelines are listed below:

1. The ticket allocation per participant (up to 4 depending on the level and facility) remains the same and can now be used for immediate household members and/or grandparents. Faculty and staff can attend games as well as long as the allowed capacity is not exceeded. Middle school participants will receive two to three tickets based on gym capacity.
2. Household members must sit together and be socially distant from other family groups. This means students in attendance must sit with members of their immediate household. No student sections are allowed.
3. No cheerleaders, dance teams or pep bands are allowed at games.

For those unable to attend games, some high school events may be streamed through the NFHS Network.