A group of House Republicans and I sent a letter to Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Executive Director Erich Martens Tuesday, urging the MSHSL to allow a limited number of spectators, especially parents, to support their kids at high school events.

In the letter, we urge social distancing guidelines, masks and capacity limits to be considered and implemented to at least allow select numbers of players’ close friends and family to safely attend events.

Allowing a limited number of spectators, socially distanced and in compliance with local guidelines, to attend high school sporting events is something that should be pursued by MSHSL,” said Novotny. “Club teams and traveling teams not affiliated with the MSHSL have been playing for months, often with spectators in attendance, and there have been no confirmed outbreaks associated with those events. This decision should be left to local school boards and would be a tangible step we can take in a safe manner as we look to return to some sense of normalcy.

The letter coincides with the Oct. 8 start to high school volleyball matches taking place in Minnesota. That sport is among those the MSHSL has said spectators are prohibited from attending.