The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Washington Officials Association will begin “to encourage compliance with the Governor’s order to wear facial coverings during all activities, the WIAA and WOA will be implementing facial covering procedures and penalties to be used in all football games beginning Friday, March 12,” the association said in a press release.

The release stated:

The improper wearing of facial coverings will now be a pre-snap penalty with the progression of warnings and consequences to be enforced as follows:

• The first offense by the team – The coach will be reminded that all players must properly wear their facial covering and, if the offending player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

• The second offense by the team – The team will be penalized with a sideline warning and, if the offending player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

• The third offense by the team – The team will receive a 5-yard penalty and, if the offending player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

• The fourth offense by the team – The team will receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty charged to the head coach and, if the offending player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

• The fifth offense by the team – The team will receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty charged to the head coach. The coach will be ejected from the contest for two unsportsmanlike penalties. If the offending player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

• Any subsequent offenses by the team – The team will receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty charged to the head coach and, if the player is on the field, they will be sent off for one play.

If officials notice a player not wearing their facial covering properly during or after the play, the assumption will be made that the facial covering was worn properly at the snap and a reminder will be give to the player to replace it.

Proper wearing of a facial covering requires coverage of both the nose and mouth. Frequently asked questions and answers regarding facial coverings can be found in the summary of guidelines on the WIAA website.