After careful consideration, working with Manchester City Health Department and several meetings, the NHIAA and its XC Committee posted the plan for this year’s Division Championships scheduled to be held Saturday, October 31st at Derryfield Park. When reviewing these, please keep in mind, it is for this year only with hope of returning to normal in 2021.
To read the entire procedures click on this link: 2020 NHIAA Divisional Championship Information
Below are some of the highlights with some clarifying thoughts.
The plan begins with the announcement of no spectators allowed. This is the first line of the policy because it is one of the most important aspects of the plan. Less people = less congestion…everywhere! Remember, at least the kids can race! To help take the sting away regarding this development, WE WILL BE LIVESTREAMING!!! This has become one of our top priorities this season! We will be ready! The link will be available on the NHIAA website and of course this website!
Further, with the goal of limiting people in one area, each school is limited to 8 athletes (7 competing and 1 alternate) and 2 coaches per team, so 16 total athletes and 4 coaches per school. No other teammates (JV members) can attend either. Each school will be asked to socially distance by spacing out accordingly in designated areas. Each school will also have its own designated porta-potty! Thanks NHIAA!
The document focuses on the start and finish areas, beginning with the finish. This aspect of the plan mirrors what has been employed throughout the state during the regular season. Bottom line: Athletes are to finish the race and head back to team area to mask back up! Coaches, meet them at the team area NOT at the finish area.
Starting AREA!!! Yep, we are going with the waves! Keep in mind this is based on length of starting line, which at Derryfield is 240′ long. Divide that by 6 and we can fit 40 or so athletes safely distancing them 6′ apart. Division waves were set up following this and is subject to actual number of schools participating. The waves will be adjusted accordingly. We would expect D3 especially to be adjusted based on number of schools participating. The waves will be going off every 10 seconds to ensure both spreading out of the field while preventing overlapping of athletes.
Note: Teams will be called to the starting line by school announced over the PA system. Please do not report to the starting line until called. Once at the starting area, line up according to your waves and stay there! All strides and warming up should be completed prior to being called to the start. This will not begin until around 5 minutes prior to the scheduled gun time.
ENTRIES! Coaches remember, the absolute deadline for submitting entries via Direct Athletics is 6PM Sunday October 25th. Coaches are to enter a MAXIMUM of 7 athletes. Once entered coaches are allowed to replace athletes if necessary as well as shift athletes across waves. Wave assignments will be posted on October 27th. Please follow the procedures outlined below.
Schedule!!! Designed to ensure each Division has departed before the next one arrives. Also meant to have time to disinfect areas of contact. Critical to success is for teams to stay on bus or in cars until their arrival times if they arrive early. Keep in mind, no awards ceremonies, concession/merch stands. Tees will be available for purchase online.
Although different, at least it is a state meet attempting to preserve everything which is special regarding NH Cross Country!!! Stay healthy, observe all protocols, and good luck!
