By Nate Martinez

Starting with three Offensive Skills Clinics over spring break in March and April, Utah Jazz Camps and Clinics will return to in-person programming for the first time in over 12 months. The spring break clinics will be held in Farmington, Provo and St. George.

Having shifted exclusively to virtual options due to COVID-19, these offerings will give kids a chance to safely return to the gym to continue working on their game.

“Running virtual clinics for the past several months has been awesome. It has given us a chance to connect with kids around the globe. Coaches were able to offer great feedback and help for each participant,” said Camps and Clinics Manager Gary Seljaas. “At the same time, there is nothing like being in the gym!”

The return of in-person clinics will include several COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all involved. “We’ve developed a plan that helps us feel very confident that we can do it safely and effectively,” added Seljaas.

Among the protocols that will be in place are the following: reduced capacity, no shared equipment, heath screenings, and modified curriculum.

Capacity at each clinic will be determined by the number of hoops in each facility. A maximum of six kids per hoop will participate in each clinic. This will allow for more spacing between participants and coaches.

There will also be a focus on no shared equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own basketball, water bottle, and towel. A ball will be provided for those who don’t have their own. All basketballs and other equipment will be sanitized throughout the day.

Prior to attending, each participant must complete a health screening questionnaire to verify that they have not been diagnosed with, shown symptoms of, or been in contact with anyone with COVID-19. Temperature checks will also be done at the door as participants enter the gym.

Curriculum will also be modified to reduce close contact between participants. The spring break clinics will not include scrimmaging to further reduce the risk of infection.

Asked what to expect as kids attend the clinics Seljaas added, “We feel good about being able to offer these clinics safely. It is so important for kids to stay active, especially during the pandemic. We look forward to offering a safe and memorable experience as kids are able to recieve great coaching and improve their game.”

Thanks to their partnership with adidas, Utah Jazz Camps and Clinics continue to include the camp colorway of the adidas D.O.N. Issue #2 shoes, adidas/Utah Jazz jersey, adidas basketball, and adidas socks as part of the registration package. More details and sign up information can be found at utahjazzcamps.com