By Mahoning Matters Staff
Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday contact and non-contact sports at all levels may continue for the fall and spring seasons, under new state guidelines expected to be issued tomorrow.
DeWine said during a Tuesday briefing on the state’s coronavirus response the guidelines hold “no big surprises.” But the success of the incoming sports seasons will hinge on local communities’ ability to contain the spread of coronavirus by sticking to health guidelines.
The order would limit sporting event spectators to family and close relations of the athletes, band members, drill teams or other participants, he said.
The guidelines also allow schools to delay their fall sports seasons until the spring. Some Ohio school districts have already chosen to delay; others are undecided, DeWine said.
“Success in sports is going to be measured by wins and losses and all the other things we measure sports by,” the governor said, but also “how well we can keep the COVID away from the teams and from the athletes.
“We’re empowering our young people, we’re empowering our parents, we’re empowering the schools to take all the evidence, all the information, and make the best judgment call.”
The guidelines also allow schools to delay their fall sports seasons until the spring. Some Ohio school districts have already chosen to delay; others are undecided, DeWine said. “Success in sports is going to be measured by wins and losses and all the other things we measure sports by,” the governor said, but also “how well we can keep the COVID away from the teams and from the athletes.
“We’re empowering our young people, we’re empowering our parents, we’re empowering the schools to take all the evidence, all the information, and make the best judgment call.”
The opposite is also true, he said.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said site inspectors would be on-hand at contests to ensure rules are being followed — “everyone involved must be accountable.”
Health guideline violations could result in forfeits or team disqualifications, he said.
