Perspective: Fridays with Doug

It is vital for fans, parents and athletes.

It can be purchased at Walmart or Walgreens or most any store, even online.

It can cost as little at $3.85 plus tax to 16.95 to close to $100 for the fancy ones.

The most important piece of sports equipment for the upcoming high school summer sports season probably isn't a baseball or softball. It isn't a bat or a hat. It is not a uniform. It won't even be used on the field of play.

The most important piece of sports equipment this summer may just be a thermometer.

I bought mine earlier this week.

With the start of the high school baseball and softball season just a few days away - games start Monday - it is important to get the word out about what is expected of those who play and watch.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union voted unanimously in late May to allow schools to conduct baseball and softball after Gov. Kim Reynolds gave her OK.

However, local school district can make a determination to cancel its season at any time. If concerns are raised regarding the number of COVID-19 cases, the respective county or state department of health can cancel the school's season or the entire baseball/softball season.

Fans, players and coaches should have their temperature checked at home before attending games. If a temperature of 100.3 degrees or above, they should not attend. If using common sense, any temperature above 99 should be a signal to stay home.

An accurate reading of a person's temperature is a vital tool in managing illness and a crucial signal for possible virus infection.

One should not use old glass thermometers that contains mercury. These types of thermometers were found in nearly every house and hospital at one time before digital thermometers were available. The mercury thermometers were difficult to read and so did not always provide accurate information.

The main reason they are not longer recommended is that mercury can poison you. This can happen when the glass breaks and mercury is released. If you do still have one of these thermometers, you should contact your local waste department and find how to dispose of hazardous waste properly.

There are glass thermometers available that do not use mercury, but most people prefer the digital thermometers that do not shatter.

I never would have guessed I would need a thermometer before I could do my job of covering high school sports, but then I never would have thought a whole season would be canceled because of a pandemic.

The playing of games is scary and something to look forward to at the same time.

If the Department of Public Health advises either school that the game is not to be played, it is considered a 'No Contest.” If a school chooses on its own to not play the contest, the game will be considered a forfeit.

People have continued to isolate themselves as much as possible so that will need to continue in the form of social distancing when in public.

The Iowa Department of Education has produced extensive safety guidelines for teams and fans to follow as well as media.

One guideline states players should, as much as possible, not share equipment, which may be a problem for many schools, especially smaller ones. The smaller school districts don't have the budget larger schools do and may be able to afford only a certain amount of helmets, bats, and balls. Sharing is inevitable.

Everybody wants to play, but there are hidden scenarios that are out there.

Being outside is different from the confined quarters of a gymnasium, but it is important to be wary.

It will be the responsibility of the home team to provide proper administrative supervision (not the baseball or softball coach) at contests to assure compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Governor's office, the Department of Education, the Department of Public Health, IGHSAU and IHSAA are being followed.

Players will be encouraged to ride with their parents to road games, especially considering only 12 people (a driver, a coach and 10 players) are allowed on a single bus.

If there is a positive test for COVID-19, the school will need to contact the county's department of public health, which will provide guidelines regarding the next steps.

Individuals should wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts. Players and coaches are encouraged to use sanitizing wipes after contact with any shared equipment. Players are encouraged to shower and wash their clothing immediately upon returning to home.

According to guidelines from the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health, schools must limit the use of bleachers for fans. Schools should encourage fans to bring their own chairs or stand. Fans should practice social distancing between different household units and accept personal responsibility for public health guidelines.

As long as social distancing guidelines are being followed, the local school district will determine the maximum capacity of a facility.

Everyone agrees this is a test for prep sports moving forward. If things go off without a hitch, the chances of having fall sports seasons increase.

If they don't ... well, let's not go there, yet.

More information on the COVID-19 stipulations can be found at ighsau.org and iahsaa.org.