Russell County USD 407 Announces Winter Sports Spectator Protocols

Russell High School and Ruppenthal Middle School have announced the following spectator protocols for the upcoming 2020-21 winter sports season. These protocols apply to all events taking place inside Amos Morris Gym and the Ruppenthal Middle School gymnasium.

Masks/Face Coverings

In accordance with USD 407 guidelines, and Mid-Continent League policy, masks and/or face coverings will be required to be worn by everybody in attendance (including gate workers, table workers, concession workers, administrators, etc.) except those actively participating in the event.  

Social Distancing

Also in accordance with USD 407 guidelines, and Mid-Continent League policy, all spectators will be expected to maintain social distancing within family groups whenever possible. 

Restricted Seating Capacity

Following guidance from KSHSAA, attendance restrictions will be in place. At Russell High School, no more than 600 spectators will be allowed inside Amos Morris Gymnasium. At this point, ticket vouchers will not be used, but tallies will be kept at the gate. The seating capacity of Ruppenthal Middle School gymnasium will be limited to 200 spectators. These numbers do not include players, cheerleaders, officials or event staff, but do include pep band, student section, and anybody else present, but not directly involved in the contest. These seating capacity restrictions apply to all events at both USD 407 indoor facilities, and may be adjusted with little to no advance notice as necessary depending on recommendations and guidance from any of our governing bodies. 

Live Streaming of All Events

With attendance restrictions in place, USD 407 will offer live streaming of all events taking place inside Amos Morris Gymnasium and the Ruppenthal Middle School gym. Links will be available on the USD 407 website and its various social media channels. 

Please be reminded that these protocols have been developed and put into place with the safety, health and well-being of our students and staff as our absolute top priority. They have been put into place in consultation with best practices from the National Federation of High Schools, the Kansas State High School Activities Association, the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the Mid-Continent League and the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. We are well aware that there are very few people who truly get excited about having to wear a mask, or having to sit apart from our best friends, or about having to tell some of our fans in the high-risk category that it may be best if they stay home. But these protocols are simply what we have to do in order to allow our student-athletes the best opportunity possible to have a season, and participate in the activities they love. We thank our parents, supporters and fans for their cooperation in these efforts.

(Release courtesy USD 407 Russell County Schools.)