ST. PAUL – State Rep. Nels Pierson, R-Rochester, said he is pleased the Minnesota State High School League on Thursday lifted its prohibition on spectators for events in public schools this fall.
Two spectators per participant now will be allowed to attend events in public school facilities. Participants include athletes, performers, competitors, student workers and coaches/advisors. Social distancing guidelines – including a 6-foot separation among spectators – apply.
Pierson said it was appropriate to update attendance guidelines for high school sports because they were arbitrary and inconsistent with state policies regarding indoor gatherings amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am happy for student-athletes who now will have friends and family at their events, and I am equally happy for parents who now will get to watch their kids participate,” Pierson said. “The big thing is parents and athletes continued to speak out about this issue and the state responded accordingly. I thank the people who raised awareness to this issue and also thank the MSHSL for having an open ear. It is just one small step toward safely re-opening our state, but it is a step forward nonetheless and it certainly represents an important development to a large number of people in our area.”
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