Updated protocols for indoor sporting events werereviewed andtweaked Monday by Kingfisher’s board of education.

They include requiring all spectators to wear masks or face coverings at Kingfisher Public Schools indoor events and also limits the amount of fans who can attend.

“This is something that not only follows Governor (Kevin) Stitt’s executive order, but also follows the local health deapartment’s recommendations,” Superintendent Jason Sternberger told board members in presenting them with a list of requirements and recommendations.

Stitt last month signed an executive order that, in part, limited youth sporting events to four spectators per participant or 50 percent building capacity, whichever is lower.

While the order is set to expire Jan. 9, Sternberger said he expects it to be continued for at least another 30 days.

Kingfisher has hosted just one home basketball game, one home wrestling dual and one high school wrestling tournament to date, but that will soon change.

The Buckle of the Wheatbelt Invitational is Jan. 21-23 and, following that, six of Kingfisher’s last seven regular season games are at home.

If the attendance protocols are followed, Sternberger said capacity inside the APB would be just slightly above 31 percent, which is well below the governor’s recommendation “and right at what the health department suggests.”

Following is a list of protocols the board reviewed:

• All athletes willbe prescreened before home and away events through their respective coaches.

• A mask or face covering is required for all participants, coaches, workers, officials and spectators entering the facility.

• Seating has been arranged for home and away fans and student sections. Please social distance between families.

• Social distancing is necessary. Please stay at least 6 feet apart while in ticket lines, concession lines, restrooms, etc.

• Locker rooms will be accessible to teams only for pregame or halftime. Masks will be required in locker rooms, athletic training rooms, coaches’ offices and on the benches while not competing.

• For high school students: Each athlete will receive four tickets. You will need to present the ticket to enter and pay to attend. These tickets will be distributed to the student-athletes by the school administration and coaches. Anyone without a ticket will not be allowed into the building.

• Cheerleaders, up to eight, will receive two tickets each for spectators.

• All ticket takers and concession workers will wear a mask or face covering.

• Only necessary personnel will be allowed at the scorer’s table. Visiting teams will need to contact the athletic director for any other personnel accommodations deemed necessary.

• Coaches, players, administrators and pre-approved media only will be allowed on the court before or after the contest.

• Sportsmanship is paramount to the development of young people, but during this time, we will recommend no hand shaking between opposing teams, both before and after games, to reduce contact as much as possible.

• As soon as the event has concluded, please make your way to the exits. No congregating on the court or in lobby areas.

• All games will be broadcasted on kingfishersports. tv. We encourage everyone to stay at home and watch.

• Visiting fans will sit on the north side of the gymnasium and home fans will sit on the south side.

The district has purchased pre-printed tickets for the remaining home games and are color coded for specific dates to prevent an unused ticket to be submitted for a later game.

Visiting teams will be mailed their allotment of tickets prior to the date of competition.

For the tournament later this month, visiting teams will be limited to 30 tickets for spectators.

While KPS administration will do its best to enforce protocols inside the APB, board President Mike Copeland said fans need to do their part.

“We can only do so much,” he said. “But people attending the events will have to do some of these things themselves.”