TOPEKA — Kansas high school basketball games will not utilize a jump ball to start games in 2020-2021.

Games will start with the visiting team having possession for a throw-in. After the possession arrow is established it will be used for the remainder of the game, including overtime.

No player captains will be used when officials meet with head coaches prior to the contest. 

Coaches must have a mask on if they want to talk to an official. Officials should not talk to coaches without a mask.

Administrators and coaches are responsible for making sure masks are being worn.

Officials should stand 6 feet away from the player and bounce the ball to the player inbounding the ball. 

Hand sanitizer should be available. Players coming into a contest should use hand sanitizer prior to entering. Those leaving the court should sanitize hands as they get to the bench. Officials should hand sanitize at time outs, between quarters and halves.

Masks should be worn by bench personnel. The number of people on the bench should be limited as much as possible and socially distanced. This may mean using rows behind the bench for substitutes, managers, stats personnel and trainers.

TEAM BENCHES

Social distancing should be practiced when possible. 

Limit the number of bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.

Allow only essential bench personnel which includes: players, coaches, ATC, and one manager/statistician.

Place team benches opposite spectator seating.

Additional chairs or rows may be added to allow bench personnel to observe social distancing of 6 feet or greater.

Create separation between the team bench and spectator seating behind the bench.

Limit contact between players when substituting.

Personnel not in the game should adhere to any required local/state face covering requirements.

Local county health departments may have additional guidelines which must be followed. 

PREGAME

The five starters on the visiting team will be introduced first. They will move to the free throw line area on their end of the court until all starters are introduced.

The five starters from the home team will then be introduced and go to their free throw line area on their end of the court until all starters are introduced.

There will be no pregame handshakes or fist bumps.

POSTGAME

When the game is concluded players will utilize an appropriate sign of respect and sportsmanship directed to their opponent and then exit the court to their team bench. Please develop and utilize an appropriate sign of respect and sportsmanship that does not include handshake or other physical contact; suggestions include head nod, wave, chest thump with fist,

salute.