LEXINGTON, Ky. — Plans have been announced for a return to school, so now it is time to talk about high school sports.

What You Need To Know


  • Phased return to sports begins June 29

  • Safety measure implemented.

  • Fayette County spells out expectations for parents and athletes.

Fayette CountyPublic Schools will begin a phased return for outdoor sports and extra-curricular activities beginning June 29.

Fall sports practices will begin for high schools on June 29 while middle school and all other high school sports will start July 6. The sports beginning at the end of June include cheerleading, cross country, dance, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball. 

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff, and we believe we have taken all the steps necessary to ensure a safe return to campus,” said Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk.

A task force of various school district leaders developed the protocols and procedures that aligned with plans from the CDC, the Governor's Office, and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. The KHSAA released its guidance on May 29, it was revised June 11 and spells out what schools and districts must do to keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

“Although their plans allowed groups of 10 or fewer to participate in on-campus conditioning as early as June 15, our work team felt strongly about taking additional time to ensure all of our schools were fully ready to safely resume practice before welcoming back our more than 5,200 student-athletes,” said Fayette County Public Schools High School Chief 

Other safety measures the district has taken or is in the process of completing include:

  • Installing signs for designated work out areas around campus, and drop off and pick up points to avoid congregation of students and families before, during, and after practice sessions. 
  • Adding outdoor sanitizing stations.
  • Working with Kentucky American Water Company to procure individual water bottles for each athlete.
  • Ensuring an adequate inventory of face shields, masks, and no-touch thermometers.
  • Training coaches.
  • Developing practice schedules to ensure adequate space for teams and social distancing guidelines.

“Although we will not be back together for another couple weeks, we have instructed our coaches to make contact with their teams so student-athletes can be conditioning at home until we return to campus,” Caulk said.

District leaders have asked families to prepare for the return of school athletics and spelled out some expectations for both families and athletes.

Family Expectations

  • Ensure the child is healthy and check their child’s temperature daily.
  • Provide a full water bottle for each training.
  • Carpooling with other teammates is prohibited.
  • Adhere to social distance requirements based on state and local health guidelines. Entering the practice area or assisting the coach/director with the equipment before or after training is prohibited.
  • Wash child’s clothing after every training session.
  • Sanitize all equipment/instruments (e.g. cleats, ball, etc.) before and after every training.
  • Notify the coach/director immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason.
  • Be sure your child has the necessary sanitizer with them at all times.

Athlete Expectations

  • Temperature should be taken daily.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after training.
  • Bring your own water bottle to every practice.
  • Bring hand sanitizer to every training for personal use.
  • Wear mask before and immediately after all training.
  • Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment, water, snack, or bag.
  • Practice social distancing by placing bags and equipment at least 6 feet apart.
  • Wash and sanitize all equipment before and after every training.
  • Refrain from group celebrations, including high fives, hugs, handshakes, etc.