Spectators Allowed At More Central Bucks Sports As PA Eases Rules

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School District will allow a limited number of fans at additional sporting events after the state announced new rules on crowd sizes Monday.

The announcement comes after Gov. Tom Wolf eased coronavirus-related restrictions on safe crowd gathering limits, allowing indoor venues to operate at 20 percent capacity and outdoor venues at 25 percent.

The Central Bucks School District decided last month to allow fans at some fall athletic events beginning Sept. 28 but that plan was nixed for some sports, like football, when a federal appears court ruled in favor of Gov. Wolf's restrictions on crowd sizes.

The decision to begin allowing some fans at indoor and outdoor venues "reflects a gradual adjustment to our lives as we learn how we can do things safely until we have a cure, or an effective vaccine is available," Gov. Wolf said in news release announcing the changes.

Spectators who fall into one of three "tiers" will be allowed at tennis, golf, field hockey, soccer, cross country, football, marching band, cheerleading and volleyball events. Student athletes will receive two athletic game passes they can give to family members.

Individuals will be assigned to tiers in order to determine who will be in attendance at athletic events:

• Tier 1 (Essential) - Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff and security,
• Tier 2 - Media
• Tier 3 - Parents/Guardians - 2 complimentary game passes per athlete
• Tier 4 - Student body/faculty members
• Tier 5 - Public spectators and vendors

Beginning Friday, individuals who fall within tiers 1, 2 and 3 may attend games.

Everyone attending the sporting events, including coaches, officials, athletes on the sidelines, staff and spectators must wear face coverings at all times.

During the game, fans must stay at least six feet away from each other, players and coaches. Spectators must stay at least 10 feet away from the sidelines and are asked to immediately leave the field at the end of the game; athletes will meet spectators at their cars.

"We will continue to monitor commonwealth regulations, adjust our procedures accordingly and inform our community when changes are made," Superintendent John Kopicki said.

You can find the full guidelines here.