Winter sports begin during the COVID-19 pandemic

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New this evening -- winter sports are back!

Athletes from madison city schools hit the court tonight in non-regional games.

And while the game may look the same on the court -- it's definitely different off the hardwood.

Several precautions have been put in place to ensure this season happens.

Waay31's megan reyna joins us live outside james clemens high school.

She explains why school leaders and students are hopeful for a safe season, megan?

Capacity inside here -- at james clemens was at about 30 percent.

And i'm told by the athletic director -- it'll remain that way all season long.

While the stands may not be completely full -- there was still a lot of energy here tonight.

Nats whistle joyce says: "they're taking a lot of precautions just to be able to play this season and they don't even know if they'll be able to play a full season because of how bad the virus is."

Nats: "please wear a mask and social distance" whether it was a reminder over the speaker -- or a sign on a railing... it was clear we are still in a pandemic.

Nats just to enter the gym -- masks were required -- and tickets were digital.

Watts says: "the main thing for us, has been from the beginning, has been the level of communications from our coaches have maintained with parents and athletes."

When it comes to the athletes -- they played without masks-- but they were required on the side-lines where seats were spread apart.

Before the game started -- each player for both teams was screened for symptoms and temperatures were checked.

Nats athletic director jason watts is confident the measures put in place will help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Watts says:"i think people have been very understanding, a big help would be just limiting the number of stadium and gym capacity, that's done a lot, making things easy."

For team manager and high school junior erin joyce -- she's thankful this season is even happening.

Joyce says: "it's nice being out here and helping my team out."

Joyce is learning virtually and this gives her an opportunity to feel a part the james clemens family.

Joyce says: "there's still a lot of school spirit, like what we do now like if you walk into the smaller gym where the boys are or out here, you notice there are a lot of students from both schools coming out to support the players, the teams."

Watts says it's possible they may have hiccups like football season where games could be cancelled due to covid -- but so far -- he feels confident in all these safety measures.

Live in madison mr waay 31 news.