High-risk sports prohibited according to updated guidelines

High-risk sports, out-ofstate sports activities, large in-person road races and multiteam sporting events are prohibited in Connecticut according to updated sector guidelines released by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. The guidelines, released on Friday, apply to all youth and amateur sports across the state.

The pause on team sports, which the state announced on Nov. 19, will be lifted on Tuesday. Low- and moderate-risk sports can begin practicing then, and can hold competitions starting Feb. 1, mirroring guidelines issued by the state Department of Public Health to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference last week.

The CIAC announced Thursday that winter high school sports teams could begin practicing starting Tuesday, though competitions could begin no sooner than Feb. 8.

High-risk sports — which includes wrestling, 11-on11 football, boys lacrosse, competitive cheer, martial arts, rugby, boxing and competitive dance — are prohibited from holding competitions, and can only participate in conditioning and non-contact skill building. Also prohibited are out-of-state sports activities, including conditioning, and all interstate activities.

Large in-person road races, unless virtual, are postponed until at least the spring. Traditional multiteam sporting events (described as more than two teams) are also prohibited.

Much like the DPH’s recommendations, all participants, spectators and coaches of both indoor and outdoor sports are required to wear masks. Participants do not need to wear masks during activities which they would not have close contact with another person, such as individual running or tennis singles, according to sector guidelines.