VHS Issues Spectator Rules For Fall Sports

Bob Merkler, Verona’s director of athletics and special programs, sent out this email today about the new rules that spectators will have to follow at all fall high school sports because of COVID-19:

As we embark on our Fall 2020 seasons, please be advised that there will be revised rules and regulations for spectators to follow during these uncertain times. It is imperative that spectators adhere to the updated safety protocols provided by the State of New Jersey, Center for Disease Control, and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Association (NJSIAA). Safety protocols include wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, as well as washing and sanitizing hands. Please read the following to ensure that you are supporting our teams in a safe manner that helps us compete throughout the Fall. The guidelines provided by the Verona Public School District are subject to change. 

Spectator Guidelines from NJSIAA

• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 500 people.
• The 500 person cap does not include participants or individuals who are on the field of play.
• All spectators must follow social distancing guidelines set by the host school district or facility.

• All spectators must wear face coverings.
• All spectators must maintain social distancing by sitting or standing on the marked off locations.
• Marked off locations for spectators will be located in the bleachers and around the perimeter of the field including walkways and grass areas.
• Families may stand or sit together, but they must maintain social distancing from other spectators.
• Athletic Director, Trainer, and/or site manager will be on site to help maintain and enforce social distancing and mask requirements.
• These rules apply to all district and town facilities, both home and away.

• Food safety guidelines will be provided to Senior Night organizers and must be followed.
• Individual senior night walk out procedures will be discussed with individual teams prior to senior night.
• Game Ticket procedures listed in step 4 may be considered for use during senior days/nights for Fall teams.

• Parents of members of the band, cheer, and football teams will be given highest ticket priority.
• Walk-up/Game day sales will not be allowed. Please do not arrive at the game if you do not have a ticket in hand as entrance will not be permitted.  
• A ticket request form (Google Form) will be available to the parents of band, cheer, and football team members the Tuesday morning of game week for ticket requests.
• Ticket requests will be limited to 0, 1, or 2 tickets per family. A ticket request is required even if you do not plan on attending. Please check off 0 if not attending.
• Parents will be required to submit the ticket request form by 10:00 a.m. the next day (Wednesday).
• Tickets will be provided on Thursday to the coach or student-athletes for distribution to the families.
• Special consideration will be given to those families with childcare responsibilities (e.g. brother or sister is on one of the teams and unable to be cared for at home)
• Spectators will not be allowed to watch the game from the fence on Sampson Drive.

• Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Please do not arrive earlier.
• Social distancing on the line must be maintained at 6 feet or greater.
• An attendee must be in possession of a ticket in order to gain entrance. Individuals in possession of a ticket will be verified via a guest list as each seeks to enter into the game to ensure that the ticket requests match the number of orders.
• Each individual who enters must remain in possession of his or her ticket until he or she departs.
• Once an individual completes the entrance process, he or she should proceed to a marked off seating or standing location.

• Specific details will be provided to fans when the information is received.
• Spectators must respect and follow the guidelines set forth by the opposing district’s facility.

• An email must be sent to Bob Merkler, Athletic Director, [email protected], requesting permission to shoot photographs at the game. 
• Photographers will be limited to 4 per game.
• Photographers will be restricted to a corner of the field (20 yard line to end zone, corner of end zone to field goal post).
• Photographers will rotate corners at the conclusion of each quarter.

• A live streaming option for home football games will be provided via Carlos Mieles, a football videographer.
• Link will be provided at a later date as we approach the day of the game.
• Live streaming will be provided at a fee to the consumer.