It was a different kind of opening day for workouts on local high school campuses Monday, but from all indications the local athletic directors, coaching staffs, and athletes made the best of their opportunities amidst the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements. Monday was the first day the Georgia High School Association allowed weightlifting and conditioning for athletes since the pandemic shutdown of activities in the winter of 2020. Schools across Bartow, Coweta, Fayette, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Hall counties were lifting weights, running sprints, and participating in other conditioning activities Monday. Nearby Cherokee plans to begin Wednesday and the majority of schools in Atlanta, Cobb, and Fulton plan to begin next week. Student athletes and coaches were not only limited to 20 or fewer in their workout groups Monday, but each person was pre-screened with a series of questions. Body temperatures were checked and there were no communal water sources. Athletes were required to provide their own water bottles. There were also cleaning periods throughout the day allowing weight room equipment to be sanitized between groups of athletes. Based on social media posts, there was excitement at each of the local schools as altered summer workouts began. The enthusiasm is obvious.

Woodland High School’s McKenna Trapheagen was named by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last Friday as the girls cross country Athlete of the Year. The recognition was inclusive of all GHSA schools and all classifications. The release also included Athletes of the Year in girls and boys basketball, cheerleading, boys cross country, football, fast pitch softball, girls and boys swimming, volleyball, and wrestling. Trapheagen, a senior who has signed to run cross country and track at Georgia Tech, posted the fastest time at the Georgia High School Association state meet. She completed the course in Carrollton in 18:27.67 to win the Class 5A classification for the second consecutive year. During her four-year high school career, her Lady Cats teams won two state titles (2016, 2018) and had a pair of state runner-up finishes (2017, 2019).

For those ready for amateur sports to return in Bartow County, Thursday’s announcements from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp continued a forward move for reopening the state. His announcements made way to allow more public activity including the resumption of amateur and professional sports teams beginning June 1. Kemp is extending the public health emergency in Georgia through July 12, but will allow an increase in the number of people at public gatherings. The moves also include the reopening of bars and restaurants, limited sporting operations, and some summer classes for schools. The governor said he made the decisions based on “favorable data,” but most of the moves include strict guidelines. Beginning June 1, pro sports teams will return to activities following guidelines set forth by their respective sports leagues. Amateur sports must follow guidelines for non-critical infrastructure organizations already set forth in previous orders. Kemp’s announcements also included his plea and advice to Georgians to heed the advice of public health experts, continue hand washing, wearing masks where appropriate, and continued protection of the elderly and medically fragile. “Please continue to follow the public health advice as you engage in these activities,” Kemp said. The governor also noted that state officials will enforce the guidelines if people do not comply. "We realize a lot of these things are not easy, sometimes people may not understand them for the most part in the high 90 percent of people they have been trying to comply with guidelines, and we've been giving them guidance," Kemp continued. "For the other people, we've been issuing verbal warnings, but if we have large crowds that are out of control, we will take much stronger action than that." "We're not going to put up with people putting Georgians' health in jeopardy," Kemp added.

Following Thursday’s 50-minute remote meeting, the Georgia High School Association board of trustees voted to all sports activities to resume conditioning June 8. The announcement is a promising sign that fall sports will occur in Georgia despite the recent shutdowns over concerns of COVID-19. The step forward in the return to action will include several guidelines to limit what athletes are permitted to do and how long they will be allowed in the facility at each session. The workouts are for conditioning only, which means athletes can’t use balls and other equipment. The workouts are to be supervised by a coach and will be conducted in groups of 20 or less while maintaining social distancing. There will also be a 15-minute window between sessions to allow for cleaning and athletes are required to use their own water bottle. Competitions, including scrimmages between schools, remains prohibited at this time and it was stressed that all summer workouts are voluntary. Masks or face coverings are recommended, weight equipment must be sanitized after each workout, and athletes will not be allowed to use school showers or locker rooms. ‘’As the data related to COVID-19 continues to improve, restrictions may be reduced after input from our health care professionals and guidance from our Governor,’’ Hines stated in a message to the GHSA’s member schools. “Please make every effort to follow the recommendations and restrictions included in the guidance provided.’’ The GHSA suggests athletes and staff be tested or screened for COVID-19 before each session, though the organization did not require an “infectious disease prevention plan” at this time. That decision was left up to individual schools. The current GHSA plan also notes that high school sports will resume at the normal time for the upcoming school year. Football will begin on July 27 and other fall sports will begin August 1.

The Georgia High School Association's Board of Trustees will meet electronically on Thursday, May 21 at 3 p.m. with Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines scheduled to address the expected plan to return to activities. LINK TO VIEW MEETING: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/ghsa/evt57924126cd

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released guidelines for a return to high school athletics Tuesday. The steps divide sports into three categories based on risk. They also recommend that practices and competition start in three stages or phases until a full return to action can be attained. High school sports locally and Georgia High School Association (GHSA) activities were halted in mid-March before being completely shut down by the end of the month. The GHSA is one of 51 member associations of the NFHS. The NFHS report, called “Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities,” was generated by the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. While the recommendations are influential they are not mandatory for GHSA and other member organizations. The NFHS Guide is available here — https://nfhs.org/media/3812287/2020-nfhs-guidance-for-opening-up-high-school-athletics-and-activities-nfhs-smac-may-15_2020-final.pdf The guidance document was developed by the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), a 15-member advisory committee composed of medical doctors, certified athletic trainers, high school coaches and officials, research specialists and state high school association executives that regularly develops position statements related to medical aspects of conducting high school athletics. Football, wrestling, boys lacrosse, dance, and competitive cheer were identified as “higher risk sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants.” Basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and soccer fall in the moderate risk category of sports while sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment are labeled lower risk. The NFHS return to activities recommendations include preseason conditioning and guidelines released by the White House last month. COVID-19 screening information, face coverings, group sizes, and showering and dressing specifications, and hydration. Guidelines for equipment sanitization is included along with information regarding the sharing of towels and clothes. Other details covered in the report include transportation to and from contests, sideline/bench expectations, plus three categories or “Tiers” of individuals who should be in attendance at events. “Until a cure, vaccine or very effective treatment is readily available, or so-called ‘herd immunity’ is confidently reached, social distancing and other preventive measures such as face covering will be a ‘new normal’ if workouts, practices and contests are to continue,” the NHSF stated in its Points of Emphasis. The NFHS also laid out various scenarios that each association must consider in an unpredictable return to games and contests. “Due to the near certainty of recurrent outbreaks this coming fall and winter in some locales, state associations must be prepared for periodic school closures and the possibility of some teams having to isolate for two to three weeks while in-season,” the NFHS stated. “Testing regimens, specific guidelines regarding mass gatherings, and response to a student or team member testing positive for COVID-19 (including contact tracing) are all currently under review and guidance will come from CDC and state and local health departments,” the NFHS stated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently advises a two-week quarantine for anyone coming into contact with an infected person. Phase 1 of the NFHS recommendation limits workouts to “pods” of five to ten students with six-foot distance requirements both indoors and outdoors. Phase 2 continues the ten-person limits indoors but allows for up to 50 gathered outdoors for workouts while Phase 3 increases gathering sizes up to 50 individuals both indoors and outdoors.

A report from WJCL-TV 22 in Savannah indicates there is a chance high school sports activities may return as early as July 6. The Georgia High School Association continues to work towards a return to sports here in the Peach State. The GHSA cancelled all spring sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March. While Executive Director Robin Hines says there is no concrete news to report, the GHSA is optimistic high school fall athletics will start on time for the 2020-21 school year. "I am in the process of gathering as much information as possible to narrow down a date that we may be able to begin some type of face-to-face work with our student athletes," says Hines. "We will be looking at local, state and national information to attempt to make the best decision going forward. I am hopeful that we can implement a measured return to training with guidance in June." As of now, all GHSA activities remain suspended until further notice. WJCL 22 News, an ABC affiliate in Savannah, has obtained one of the proposals being considered by GHSA officials concerning high school football. The plan calls for high school football practice to begin on July 6 with five days of mandatory heat acclimation practices. Teams would be allowed to practice in helmets and shorts two hours per day. From July 13-24, teams would be allowed to work out in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts for two hours per day. Teams would be allowed to hold their first full-pad workout on July 27. Under the proposal, teams could participate in two fall scrimmages between August 6-15. The 2020 regular season would kick off on August 21. Again, no formal decisions have been made on a timeline and plan moving forward. Hines adds in a post on the GHSA website, "All of the information needed to make such a decision is not available but we are working toward this goal. Social distancing, reduced numbers of athletes and coaches per session, disinfecting facilities as well as standard hygiene practices will certainly be a part of any return to sport training."

The latest release from the Georgia High School Association regarding the organization's COVID-19 response. May 6: I just want to touch base with everyone although there is no concrete news that I can provide. I am in the process of gathering as much information as possible to narrow down a date that we may be able to begin some type of face to face work with our student athletes. We will be looking at local, state and national information to attempt to make the best decision going forward. I am hopeful that we can implement a measured return to training with guidance in June. All of the information needed to make such a decision is not available but we are working toward this goal. Social distancing, reduced numbers of athletes and coaches per session, disinfecting facilities as well as standard hygiene practices will certainly be a part of any return to sport training. Again, no decisions have been made at this time. I appreciate your patience, I know you are ready to get back to normal and providing for your athletes. Be safe and let me know if I can do anything for you. Robin Hines GHSA Executive Director

In an update on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Georgia High School Association activities, executive director Robin Hines told the "Georgia Prep Sports: From a Distance" video podcast Monday the he is "still hopeful for a normal fall." Hines said the association hopes to open activities "at some level" in the summer -- possibly in June. GHSA shut down sports activities March 12. “I’m still hopeful for a normal fall,” GHSA executive director Robin Hines told the “Georgia Prep Sports: From a Distance” video podcast Monday. The executive director said there is no plan to allow some areas impacted less by the virus spread to open sooner so as to not provide an advantage to those teams. He said he hopes to provide “one blanket statement” reopening activities across Georgia. Hines also warned students against getting together to hold practices while the statewide stay-in-place order remains in place. He added that the state would have to see a “great reduction in the number of coronavirus cases” before a decision is made.

The Bartow County Parks and Recreation Department released an update Friday regarding their facilities and programs during the current COVID-19 situation:

With all high school sports across Bartow County and the state of Georgia cancelled for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, local coaches are having to find unique ways to connect with their players. In order to get an idea of what is going on with some of our local athletic programs, Bartow Sports Zone reached out to several local coaches with three general questions: 1. What are some things you and your staff are doing to aid your players with strength, conditioning, morale, and nutrition during this disruption? 2. With this lengthy disruption, how do you envision summer schedules and workouts to change if they are allowed? 3. What message do you have for your players, parents, boosters, and fans as this “shelter in place” mandate continues? Cass football head coach Steve Gates: We are having our position coaches keep in regular contact with their players just as we would be doing with normal morning meetings to prepare for Spring practice. Technically, we are still in the off-season and want kids to go be kids and get away from football. With the current situation, however, we can accelerate that process with no other activities going on at this time and get after it on their own. I know for a fact several Colonels are doing just that! In the summer, we will normally be on a three-day-a-week schedule. However with the possibility of only six to seven weeks to prepare for the season, we will likely go to four days per week. We have a new offense to install. I love the challenge! Be patient and be active. I’m asking our players to be in the best shape possible. Fatigue is undefeated. If (players) show up out of shape, they will struggle tremendously grasping new terminology and concepts. Coach Gaddy and the defensive staff will be going full steam but offensively we will have to be extremely focused mentally. As for the parents, boosters and fans — hang in there, some are struggling financially, needing daycare for their children, etc. but keep in mind, we shall get through this! This is not a battle, this is a war! Adairsville football head coach Eric Bishop: Coach Scoggins, our strength conditioning and nutrition coach, has been communicating with all our student athletes, not only football players, in two ways.  The first on Schoology and second thru Hudl with two different workouts for each day of the week. One workout is for those that have access to weights. The second is a body weight, cross-fit, style work out for those that do not have access to weight lifting equipment. He has also been fielding questions on conditioning and nutrition on an daily basis. In my opinion we are still too far out to anticipate how our return will look.  I have basically asked our staff to sink their time and energy into things we know what and how the outcomes will be. We are putting a lot of time an energy into a new software program that we plan to use in the future for weights and conditioning for all athletes going forward. The message I would send is simply this and it is something we talk about all time at AHS — It is not what happens to you, but how you react that is the most important.  We also talk a lot about “not trading what you want right now for what you are going to want once we return to normal daily routines.  I really do believe that high school sports will be a big part of our return to what we call “normal.”  I don't think anyone has looked at this as a way to cut corners or get an unfair advantage. Cartersville head football coach Conor Foster: Our coaching staff is always concerned with meeting the needs of our student-athletes, our families, and our community. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus hasn't changed but the ways in which we meet those needs have. We have divided the team into small groups with each coach being responsible for hosting weekly on-line meetings with their small units. During these meetings we discuss academic issues as well as any physical, mental, and emotional needs that our young men and their families may be facing. As a program, we are talking about dominating the things that we can control. For example, we are encouraging our players to make a daily checklist of activities to make sure they are taking ownership of their academic and athletic success. We have had great discussion groups and our leadership council will begin to host mini-lessons with their teammates. Our coaching staff is also hosting offensive and defensive staff meetings to discuss personnel and to create an installation plan. We have weekly position meetings to review film and to preview new installation plans for the fall. Lastly, our coaches have done a tremendous job of self-scouting, future opponent scouting, and pursuing new information through professional development. My primary concern when we return will be preparing our young men to safely compete. With respect to limited time, conditioning, weight lifting, teaching safe blocking and tackling techniques, and safe acclimation to the heat will be at a premium. How we approach each of those issues will be dependent upon our timetable for return. Right now, we are preparing to have a full summer schedule and once the GHSA has given us more information we will adjust our schedule accordingly. I am so thankful and proud to be a Purple Hurricane. In light of our current pandemic, I am reminded of the way our community steps up, steps in, and selflessly serves those in need. Times are tough for so many, but I am forever grateful to be a part of a community that loves beyond circumstance. And, when the time is right, our community will once again rally behind its beloved Cartersville Purple Hurricanes football program. I want our players to know that they are loved and cared for. I want to encourage our young men to stay safe and to respect social distancing guidelines. When we return to football, our young men will have a tremendous opportunity to provide our community some much needed hope and a small sense of normalcy. Lastly, I want to encourage our coaches to continue to love and guide our families, our students, and our athletes because as this pandemic worsens our job as mentors, leaders, and servants will be needed more than ever. Woodland head football coach Tony Plott: Our coaches are staying in contact with their position groups. We are sending out weekly workouts for the guys. We also use Remind, a communication software, to send out motivational and inspirational messages. In my opinion, I think we will be shut down until July. I would anticipate the GHSA sending out a revised schedule for us in the coming days. I also think we will be allowed to add another scrimmage in the Fall. In return, I don't think we will be allowed to participate in summer 7-on-7 or padded camps and I would agree with that position. I love our kids. Be patient. Stay safe and follow the guidelines for social distancing. If you or your family needs anything, please let me know. I will do all I can to help! Adairsville boys basketball head coach Alex Disbrow: I’m staying in constant communication with our guys. We are taking a wait and see approach as far as summer workouts are concerned. Our summer plans are in place, but I am sure we will have to edit those when GHSA provides our guidelines. Adairsville head baseball coach Billy Roper: We check on our players weekly. We’re trying to make sure they are staying on task with their digital learning and reminding them to practice safety and social distancing. Right now, I’m not sure what the summer holds but we will adapt. Cartersville boys basketball head coach Mike Tobin: We have been emailing and sending info out on social media. We have provided them with a shooting workout as an option if they have a hoop at home and the desire to improve. We are still hopeful that we will be able to start individual and team workouts in June. As for a return and summer schedule, we will cross that bridge when we get to it. If we are unable to play the scrimmages we have scheduled we will still have very productive skill improvement sessions. In many ways, those may be more beneficial than the scrimmages. Everyone please continue to wash your hands and follow the social distancing recommendations. Cass boys basketball head coach Sean Glaze: I’ve been reaching out via text messages and phone calls to check in regularly. I want to make sure our players and their families are okay. I hope we can still have summer activities in June to work on strength and skills. It is also important that we have time together again as a team. Honestly at this point, however, I have no idea how this summer for sports will look. We still have the same goals as always. So while we are not physically together right now, we are still a team to care for one another and encourage each other to prepare both mentally and physically for the season we strive to enjoy.

In the era of the NCAA’s transfer portal and high-profile athletes moving almost ‘at-will’ from one college program to another, has the change impacted the mind-set of players and their families at the high school level? If so, are local coaches comfortable with the current Georgia High School Association rules and enforcement? In an article by Seth Ellerbee released Monday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GHSA executive director Robin Hines discussed the current rules for student transfers. It was noted that athletes transferring from one program to another has never been more high profile, but Hines was quick to point out his belief that the transfer rules GHSA has in place are “the best in the country.” See the full article here: AJC High School Sports GHSA consists of more than 460 schools and individual scenarios across a large geographical state can be difficult to monitor. That is why GHSA, which consists of only 14 people (half as directors of sports and half as administrative assistants) relies heavily on the self-policing of its member schools. At the local level, how do coaches in Bartow County perceive the organization’s ability and effort to manage this often high-profile issue? “Twenty years ago I don’t know that the GHSA did as good a job of policing things, but recently I think there’s far more of a spotlight on the issue,” said Cass boys basketball coach Sean Glaze. “That said, the issue is less about the GHSA and more about kids and parents who — with good intention or not — are trying to take an easier road to success by riding on the coat tails of other talent. If parents want something different for their child, they have a right to make a legitimate move to something they feel is better. I just believe our job as coaches is to do the best we can to teach skills, responsibility, toughness, teamwork, and character every day in a competitive and encouraging culture. If we do that, then the parents and kids who appreciate those efforts and values will be there.” Cartersville High football coach Conor Foster agreed that current GHSA policies are adequate and appropriate. “I believe GHSA is working to protect all stakeholders,” noted Foster. “The issue of transfers is fluid, and I appreciate the fact that the GHSA is researching, gathering information from other states, and reevaluating current policies to make the best decisions possible.” “I think it’s about as adequate as we’re going to get,” added Adairsville High baseball coach Billy Roper. “We can’t control how players and parents think and react in our programs.” Canes’ basketball coach Mike Tobin shared that sentiment. “The GHSA has adequate rules in place,” said Tobin. “Unfortunately there will always be people who try to circumvent the rules. The current rules are clear for eligibility.” Legislating the movements of people in the current sports landscape can be like “herding cats.” According to the latest information published by the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 40 million families move each year. That’s approximately 14 percent of the population. While people move for a variety of reasons — housing, jobs, and other family reasons — about 62 percent move to a different location within the same county. In more densely populated areas, that makes management of transfers even more difficult. Transfers have always created noise for programs and fan bases who struggle with accepting the changes. The moves are even more frustrating when they directly impact your own program. “Any time a family chooses to leave your program it can be disappointing,” said Foster. “Our focus, however, is to work with the people that desire to be (with us) and place the standard of excellence in the program above any personal desires or agendas.” Roper concurred, “When players move away it can be disappointing. I’d like to think everyone would like to play in my program. When someone chooses to leave, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. If it’s a legitimate move I’m okay with it, I would just like to see a stronger penalty for those caught transferring without legitimate reasons.” Left: Adairsville head baseball coach Billy Roper Right: Cartersville boys basketball head coach Mike Tobin “I’ve had it go both ways over the years,” explained Tobin. “Several years ago I had a family purposefully lie about their place of residence. Fortunately, through our investigation, we were able to determine that the family was being dishonest and we did not have to forfeit any games due to one family’s dishonesty. I’ve had several players transfer out and several to transfer in my programs over the years (at both Woodland and Cartersville). The GHSA’s “bona fide move” policy is good. We didn’t hear complaints at Woodland when students transferred in for the outstanding performing arts school. Students should be able to attend schools that will help improve their academic and athletic skills as long as they adhere to all the existing eligibility rules.” According to GHSA bylaws, players are immediately eligible after a transfer if they make a bona fide move and prove it. There also cannot be any evidence of undue influence from the receiving school. Coaches, players, boosters, fan-bases, or anyone connected in any way with the program cannot influence the athlete or his/her family via texts, calls, social media messages, or in-person persuasion. Hines noted in the AJC article that managing the issue is difficult, but believes most schools maintain the expected high level of integrity. “It can get kind of complicated, but 99 percent of our folks do a great job of dealing with it.” GHSA Bylaws: A transfer student who has established eligibility at a former school in grades 9-12 shall be immediately eligible at the new school if:  (a) The student moved simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school, and the student and parent(s) or persons residing with the student live in the service area of the new school. This is known as a “bona fide move.” (NOTE: A move within the same service area does not constitute a bona fide move.) (1) The student may choose the public or private school serving that area.  (2) It must be apparent that the parent(s) or the persons residing with the student and the student have relinquished the residence in the former service area and have occupied a residence in the new service area.  (3) The following factors, although not conclusive, may be evidence of relinquishment of the former residence: Selling the residence and vacating it; OR vacating the residence and listing it for sale at a fair market value; OR vacating the residence and leasing it to another (other than a relative) at fair market value; OR abandoning the residence and shutting off the unnecessary utilities. NOTE: When a family claims multiple residences, the residence for which they apply for a homestead exemption will be declared the primary residence provided the family spends the majority of their time at this residence. (4) The bona fide move is validated when the student’s family maintains the new residence for at least one calendar year. A return to the previous service area within that year renders the student to be a migrant student. All hardship appeal processes are available.’ Recruiting/Undue Influence 1.71: Recruiting and Undue Influence is defined as the use of influence by any person connected directly or indirectly with a GHSA school to induce a student of any age to transfer from one school to another, or to enter the ninth grade at a member school for athletic or literary competition purposes, whether or not the school presently attended by the student is a member of the GHSA. (a) The use of undue influence to secure OR retain a student for competitive purposes is prohibited and shall lead to penalties being assessed against either school. NOTE: This violation may cause the student to forfeit eligibility for one year from the date of enrollment.  (b) Evidence of undue influence includes, but is not limited to:  (1) personal contact initiated by coaches, boosters, or other school personnel in an attempt to persuade transfer (2) gifts of money, jobs, supplies, clothing, or housing incentives (3) free transportation (4) free admission to contests (5) an invitation to attend practices and/or games (6) a social event (other than an official school-wide Open House program) specifically geared for prospective athletes (7) free tuition beyond the allowable standards found in by-law 1.82 (8) a coach asking a prospective student for contact information (c) Complaints or reports of violations of this rule will be investigated and handled on a case-by-case basis. If coaches are found to be in violation of the recruiting rule, a copy of the investigation will be forwarded to the Professional Standards Commission of the Department of Education.  (d) A school will be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate it could not reasonably be expected to be responsible for the actions of a booster who is found to have violated the recruiting/undue influence rules. 1.72 A student athlete transferring from one school to another shall be ruled ineligible for one year if it is proven that:  (a) The coach of the receiving school coached an out-of-school team or all-star team on which the athlete played prior to the transfer; OR (b) The coach at the receiving school acted as a private athletic instructor for the transferring athlete, regardless of whether the coach was paid for his services and/or expertise; OR (c) The student participated in a sports camp or clinic run by a member school and/or its coach(es). (d) The player who played for a coach at one school (GHSA member or non-member) and subsequently followed that coach when he/she moved to a GHSA school or changed schools within the GHSA membership. (This is not applicable to dependent children of the coach.) (e) The situations cited in this by-law are considered to be violations even if a bona fide move has occurred, and the hardship appeal procedures are available for the demonstration that undue influence has not occurred. 1.73: A booster shall be considered to be an extension of the school and must abide by all rules applied to coaches and other school personnel. The following persons or groups may be considered boosters: members of the school’s Booster Club; students; alumni; parents; guardians; or relatives of a student or former student; financial donors; donors of time and effort; personal trainers or coaches renting facilities.” Coming soon: Local coaches discuss how they are currently coping with separation from their athletes.