Play Ball: Being “Safe” Means Even More This Season

Des Moines Public Schools will compete in the high school baseball and softball season. Practices will resume on Monday, June 1. The high school activities directors at DMPS and other CIML schools are currently finalizing details for a season to begin June 15.

All baseball and softball teams at DMPS will be expected to strictly abide by the guidelines released earlier this month by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Public Health, as well as some additional safety measures.

Coaches and activities directors will be responsible for making sure all aspects of the health guidelines are being followed. Teams that do not abide by the health guidelines will have their season ended.

For games held at DMPS facilities, concession stands will be closed, seating will be limited, and all spectators will be required to wear face masks.

“This is a small step to re-engage some students with school and resume some level of our activities, but it is a step that we must all be very careful in taking,” said Dr. Thomas Ahart, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and resuming part of the baseball and softball season is not a sign that it’s going to be business as usual now or in the near future. As DMPS works on our plan to return to learning next school year, it’s clear that many aspects of school will be different in the months ahead as we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine.”