Return to Play Protocol
Updated 2-7-22: In collaboration with the district physician, the district has updated the Return to Play protocol for students who test positive for COVID-19.
When a student tests positive for COVID, the parent/guardian will receive a “Student Assessment for Return to Play After COVID-19” form. This form will assist the school in determining the student’s return to physical activity/athletics, depending upon the severity of the student’s symptoms, if any.
All parents/guardians must complete the assessment form. If a student's symptoms are mild or the student has no symptoms, the student may return to physical activity when they are cleared to return to school. The student no longer needs to see a medical provider for return to activity.
If the student's symptoms are moderate or severe, a medical provider must complete the "Return to Play Medical Form." The student may return to physical activity/athletics when this form is submitted to the school.
Parent Information After COVID-19 Infection
Upon a child's return to school, they must provide the “Parent Assessment Form”. This form will indicate whether the child can return to play (asymptomatic/mild) or must see their PCP (moderate/severe).
If the child has experienced a moderate or severe case of COVID-19, the child must see their PCP to return to physical activity and submit the Return to Play Form, including both physical education and interscholastic athletics. Upon their return, the student will have to follow the Gradual Return to Play (See Below)
- Student <12 years old return to play as tolerated.
- Student >12 years old had asymptomatic/mild COVID and has already advanced back to physical activity on their own, without abnormal cardiovascular signs/symptoms. Return to Play Protocol IS NOT required.
- Student >12 years old had moderate/severe COVID and Return to Play Protocol IS required.
Gradual Return to Play Protocol:
(Note: If the patient has already advanced back to physical activity on their own and is without abnormal cardiovascular signs/symptoms, then no further evaluation is necessary. COVID-19 disease history should be documented.)
When should children and adolescents return to play?
1) Completed isolation and minimum amount of symptom free time has passed
2) Can perform all activities of daily living
3) No concerning signs/symptoms
4) Physician clearance has been given, if indicated
At what pace should children and adolescents return to play?
5) <12 yo: progress according to own tolerance
6) 12+: gradual return to physical activity
- Asymptomatic/Mild symptoms: Minimum 1 day symptom free (excluding loss of taste/smell), 2 days of increase in physical activity (i.e. one light practice, one normal practice), no games before day 3. A mask is required for ALL physical activity, including games or scrimmages, until 10 full days from positive test or symptom onset has passed.
- Moderate symptoms: Minimum 1 day symptom free (excluding loss of taste / smell), and a minimum of 4 days of gradual increase in physical activity (one light cardio workout on own, two light practices, one full practice), no games before day 5. A mask is required for ALL physical activity, including games or scrimmages, until 10 full days from positive test or symptom onset has passed.
When should children and adolescents pause return to play?
If patient develops any chest pain, shortness of breath out of proportion to upper respiratory infection, new-onset palpitations, or syncope when returning to exercise, immediately stop and go to primary care provider for in-person exam and consider referral to pediatric cardiology.
Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics
If you have questions about the district’s protocol, please contact your school’s office. If you have questions about your child’s ability to resume activities after testing positive for COVID-19, please contact your health care provider.