Student-Athlete COVID-19 "Return to Play" Guidelines

UPDATED 2-9-2022

The Cabot School District is following the Arkansas Activities Association and the Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 policy. If you have a positive COVID result you can return to school in five (5) days if you meet the following requirements:

• You have no symptoms
• Your symptoms are improving after five days
• You are fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication

To view the specific changes regarding this new guidance, please click HERE

For Student-Athletes the Arkansas Athletic Association has additional guidelines which must be met.

Isolation: Positive COVID Test

Category 1: Student Athlete with Asymptomatic or Mild COVID Illness
Symptoms – Common cold like symptoms, GI symptoms, loss of taste/smell
● Parent/Guardian MUST sign consent form for resumption of participation
● This student athlete no longer will need medical evaluation/clearance required to return to
participation
● This student athlete will no longer have to complete a formal return to play protocol
● Recommend that 3 days post symptom onset or positive test/prior to returning to school the student
athlete can begin light cardiopulmonary exercises (walking, exercise bike) at a submaximal level
● Recommend medical evaluation if any new/abnormal cardiopulmonary (e.g., chest pain)

Category 2: Student Athlete with Moderate Illness or Cardiopulmonary Symptoms WITHOUT Hospitalization
Symptoms – Fever >100.4 for more than 4 days, flu-like symptoms (worse than cold-like) > 7 days
● Parent/Guardian MUST sign consent form for resumption of participation
● Strongly recommend medical evaluation/clearance, but not required
● Strongly recommend graduated return to play protocol, but not required
● Recommend no exercise for at least 5 days form symptom onset or positive test then can begin a light
phasing back into activity
● 12-lead EKG, ECHO should be considered if history of new/abnormal chest pain, pressure, palpitations,
syncope, dyspnea, with exertion, or concerns from previous medical history
● If EKG is abnormal, the student athlete should be referred to cardiology for further evaluation

Category 3: Student Athlete with Severe Illness or Hospitalization
Symptoms – Prolonged high Fever (>104), chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion
● Parent/Guardian MAY NOT consent to have the student athlete opt out of the COVID Clearance/RTP
protocol
● Medical evaluation and/or cardiology clearance required prior to return to activity
● Graduated return to play protocol required after medical clearance obtained
● NO exercise until medical evaluation
● Highly recommend 12-lead EKG, ECHO, troponins, or cardia MRI per cardiology recommendations.

This form can be found HERE. (Print this form and take with you to your PCP appointment)

Tips/Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get in contact with my coach regarding my child being in isolation?
*All our coaches contact information can be found at www.cabotpanthers.com/directory

Who can I contact if I still have questions?
* District Point of Contact Sarah McNally at 501-743-3551 ext. 1213 or email Sarah.McNally@cabotschools.org
* Nursing Coordinator Vonda Morgan at 501-743-3351 ext. 1206 or email Vonda.Morgan@cabotschools.org
* Email: covid19questions@cabotschools.org