AZ Athletes Should Get COVID-19 Shots, AIA 'Strongly Recommends'

PHOENIX, AZ — High school athletes and coaches in Arizona have two choices this fall; get a COVID-19 vaccination, or prepare for another year of mask wearing and quarantines.

That's the message passed down by the Arizona Interscholastic Association Monday, in its COVID-19 related recommendations.

In the blueprint, the association says that it "strongly recommends" that all members of the athletic community, including athletes and coaches, get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Those that do get jabbed will be able to resume normal in-season activities without wearing masks or social distancing themselves.

The only exception to that rule is in places where such steps are required, the association said.

"The AIA strongly recommends that all members of the athletic community who are able to receive COVID-19 vaccine are vaccinated," the association said in the release. "Fully vaccinated people have a reduced risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated people, from being infected with SARS-CoV-2, or having severe infection with SARS-CoV-2."

Additionally, those that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can "resume normal competition schedules that require travel outside the school's local community; and can refrain from testing and quarantining during an episode of exposure to the virus if the person is asymptomatic, the association said.

"The recommendations established prior to having an effective vaccine will remain in place for all unvaccinated people," the memo said. "These considerations include promoting behaviors that reduce the spread of illness, maintaining a healthy environment, maintaining healthy operations, and having protocols and procedures in place for when someone gets sick.

"These recommendations should also remain in place while there is still substantial or greater community spread for all members of the athletic community as no vaccine is 100% effective."

The 2021 fall sports season kicks off on Aug. 24 for badminton; Aug. 29 for girl's volleyball; Sept. 1 for cross-country; Sept. 1 for golf; Sept. 2 for football.