Riverdale, Oakland reprimanded after softball scrimmage violates COVID-19 guidelines

Coaches and administrators from Riverdale and Oakland were given a "verbal reprimand" following a softball scrimmage Tuesday at Riverdale.

It also prompted Rutherford County Schools to send a reminder/clarification to area coaches concerning guidelines that were sent to athletic departments prior to re-opening campuses for athletic events at the beginning of June.

The scrimmage conflicted with the guidelines on how to properly handle the first phase of extracurricular activities on campuses for practice and conditioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event included the two softball teams, coaches, umpires and fans. There was no admission charged.

Riverdale softball coach Christy Bingham declined to comment, deferring to  athletic director Barry Messer, who had not return messages as of deadline. Oakland softball coach Charlotte Peay was unable to be reached for comment.

"The Director of Schools (Bill Spurlock) addressed the situation verbally with the Oakland principal during the process of gathering information," said Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans, who said the parties involved were "given a verbal reprimand, absolutely."

"The director then had our staff attorney follow up with administrators at both schools to ensure they understood the rules about scrimmages, spectators and the requirement to limit extracurricular practices/conditioning to essential personnel and students only. We have also re-emphasized the rules with all remaining principals and coaches and athletic directors to ensure everyone is clear."

At least two rules guidelines were not followed:

• Only participating students, coaches, trainers, teachers, etc., directly involved in the activity itself (are allowed). No spectators may attend.

• All exhibitions, camps, scrimmages, etc., involving multiple teams, groups, bands, or other entity are prohibited. 

The rule about "exhibitions" could have been misinterpreted, Evans said. He said a clarification has now been sent to coaches in order to clear up any potential confusion.

"Schools did express that there was some confusion as far as intra-county vs. inter-county (competition)," Evans said. "But, we do not want any scrimmages.

"We’ve clarified to see that this includes existing schools (within the county) and scrimmages outside county. It's not permitted. And spectators not permitted at any event."

Administrators received an email from Rutherford County Schools on Wednesday that included: "It is essential that all guidelines are followed closely for summer activities to continue to be allowed. Any failures could jeopardize the entire district's ability to continue holding events, and those who violate the guidelines may be subject to discipline up to and including termination."

“From my perspective, obviously there was a misunderstanding on exactly what was going to take place on their campus," said Oakland principal John Marshall, who said he was aware of a joint activity between the two teams but was unaware of the fans. "I have spoken with Coach Peay and all additional staff to ensure clarity moving forward on what the updated guidelines from the district are and I have full confidence that they will be adhered to and we are moving forward.”

Riverdale does not have a principal after Ryan Nance was reassigned in early June.

Evans said the number of fans at the scrimmage was irrelevant, given the guideline of having no spectators.

"We definitely don't want crowds, of course," Evans said. "We saw a picture (from the scrimmage) that someone had posted on Twitter. We're not sure how many were there. That's not the point. The point is there's supposed to be no spectators. Just the people that need to be there — the coaching staff, the trainer. 

"We want to keep it to as few as possible."

While the reprimands basically resolve the situation, Evans said Rutherford County Schools is taking the guidelines and the pandemic seriously.

"The purpose of this is to keep students and employees safe and to begin phasing in extracurricular activities in a responsible way," Evans said. "We feel the situation has been thoroughly addressed, and we plan to learn from the situation and move forward."

As far as TSSAA regulations, high school coaches are allowed to coach players from their team during this period as long as the teams are considered independent.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.