CHAPEL HILL — The N.C. High School Athletic Association will let schools move to Phase 2 of its reopening guidance Monday.

Some guidelines from Phase 1 will remain in Phase 2, but some restrictions regarding summer conditioning and workout activities will be lifted or changed.

In Phase 2, athletes will be allowed to share sports equipment, like balls, within small groups. Wearing protective equipment remains prohibited.

Equipment must be disinfected frequently and before another group of student-athletes or coaches use it.

The association will not longer require first responders be at each workout, although it encourages them to be included whenever possible.

Workouts remains limited to no more than 90 minutes. Attention to heat and humidity factors is required.

Assistant NCHSAA commissioner James Alverson said those who did not start team workouts during Phase 1 should gradually return to activities.

“We have to consider the condition of students who may have been physically inactive this summer,” Alverson said. “The Phase 2 guidance is intended to help continue or begin to navigate a gradual reopening of high school sports, while helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The NCHSAA Board of Directors understands that implementation decisions schools make this summer regarding sports and other co-curricular activities will potentially impact the upcoming school year.”

The NCHSAA went on to say in an email statement to all coaches and staff that participation in summer sports activities are not required.

If students and coaches are not comfortable returning to team workouts, the school can vote to postpone on-campus activities.

The fall sports season has been postponed to at least Sept. 1.