SWC COVID-19 ATHLETIC PROTOCOLS 
FALL 2020 

As we face unprecedented challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal of the South-West Conference (SWC) has remained unchanged: to provide the safest possible environment for our student-athletes, coaches and essential game personnel in all sports. The SWC strives to meet all requirements and guidelines set forth by the State of Connecticut and the CIAC emphasizing two priorities:

• Staying Safe: Health and safety remain our top priority. We will continue to make decisions that protect the health and safety of all student-athletes, coaches, officials and essential game personnel. 
•  Working Together: We will collaborate with all member schools, local health departments, the CIAC and the State of Connecticut in making decisions that are in the best interest of all fourteen schools in our conference (along with those who are joining our league for regional play this season). 

Due to COVID 19, the SWC will be adopting the following changes for the fall 2020 season:

• All players will arrive with face coverings which will be worn at all times when entering and exiting the field of play.
• All game personnel will be required to wear face coverings at all times including coaches, athletic directors, administration, event staff, and athletes who are not participating.
• Officials will not utilize a locker room and must wear face coverings up until the beginning of the contest and again at the completion of the contest.
• Teams should arrive at competitions prepared to compete.  They may not have access to the school or locker rooms at opposing sites.
• For contact tracing purposes all teams will provide a list of all who attended the contest if needed/requested.  
• Hydration stations and medical supplies will be the responsibility of both programs.
• There will be no ALL- League teams selected this Fall.
• See SWC Spectator Statement for information on spectators.

The most current CIAC Fall Sports Plan can be found by following this link:

https://www.casciac.org/fallplan/updated826.pdf

SWC Spectator Statement for Fall 2020

The South-West Conference encourages its member schools to follow the CIAC recommendation regarding fans aligning with all athletic decisions that have been made regarding health and safety of athletes and coaches this fall.   “The CIAC recommends that no spectators will be allowed at contests.  Schools should consult with their district and local Dept. of Health.” (CIAC 2020 Fall Sports Regular Season Guidelines, Updated 9/16/20)  

The SWC recognizes that the High School Principal, in consultation with the Superintendent and the local medical advisors may choose to allow fans at their school’s athletic competitions.  The SWC member schools unanimously agree that only fans from the host school will be allowed entry if fans are being allowed and notes that all state sector rules will be followed including mask wearing, social distancing and the following: “Indoor facilities will be limited to 50% capacity or 25 people (whichever is smaller) per field, court, pool, rink, etc. For indoor sporting events, capacity limits can be exceeded but only to include two competing teams, officials, and one parent/guardian per athlete.” (CT Reopens Sports, Fitness Centers, 8/14 update) “Outdoor Event Venues – 25% of Fire Capacity and distancing.”  (Sector Rules and Certification for Reopen, CT.gov 7/3/20)

Congratulations to the 2020 SWC

Scholar-Leader Award Recipients

The South-West Conference is composed of 14 high schools located in the southwestern part of Connecticut.  SWC member schools belong to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) and operate under the umbrella of the CIAC which governs high school athletics in Connecticut. SWC member schools also operate under the jurisdiction of the National Federation of High Schools which establishes the rules for most CIAC sanctioned sports.