The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent order requires athletes who are participating in Spring sports and are ages 13 -19 to test weekly for Covid 19 using rapid antigen tests. HPS is required to test all student athletes who want to participate in our spring sports programs beginning April 5.

The first testing date for high school athletes will be on the afternoon of Sunday, April 11. Middle school track athletes will be tested on Thursday, April 9 and then weekly on Mondays, beginning on April 12.

In order to be tested, student athletes must have the MDHHS Code of Conduct and the MDHHS Consent form on file with the athletic office in order to be tested.

Testing Locations

Weekly testing of high school athletes will take place the high school fieldhouse. Teams are scheduled beginning at noon each Sunday. 

Highlander Way track will be tested at the high school stadium right after school.

Parker track will be tested at the Parker stadium right after school.

FAQ’s

What are the testing requirements?  Student athletes must have the MDHHS Code of Conduct  and the MDHHS Consent Form on file with the athletic office in order to be tested. 

What is the age requirement?  All student athletes age 13-19 must test.  If a student turns 13 during the season, they will have to test each week after their birthday.

Are there any exemptions to testing? The only exemption for being able to participate without testing is if you have had Covid 19 in the last 90 days and can provide the athletic office with a copy of a positive test result. Athletes will have to start testing when their 90 days expire. 

What if a student athlete misses their testing date?  All Spring sport student athletes must test on their assigned dates. We must test over 400 athletes each week and do not have the flexibility for multiple makeup tests throughout the week.  Athletes may not participate in practice or games for the remainder of the week if they don’t get tested.  Students may obtain their own rapid test (performed during the same week) and once the negative result is submitted to the athletic office, activity may resume.

Does being fully vaccinated exempt athletes? No

Is there any cost?  No

Are tests rapid tests or PCR tests?  We will be administering rapid antigen tests.

What happens if an athlete tests positive?  The athlete’s parents will be notified on the same day of the test of a positive result and the athlete will be immediately quarantined. The athlete may not come to school or participate in any further activity.  The athlete will be required to obtain a PCR test at their earliest opportunity. If the PCR test is negative, the athlete will be permitted to return to school and practice. If the PCR test is positive, the athlete must serve the remainder of the quarantine period and contact tracing will be completed.

Who is administering the tests?  Trained HPS staff trained will be conducting the tests.  Coaches will be assisting with the process.  Student athletes will self-administer the nasal swab of each nostril which will take about 5 seconds

If I am quarantined, can I attend the weekly testing? No, you can not.  Contact your coach to be tested when you return.

If I am quarantined, will a negative student athlete rapid test get me out of quarantine?  No, once you are quarantined you must serve the entire time frame
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For more detailed information on the MDHHS testing program click this link: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_105410---,00.html