State releases guidelines for youth sports Youth sports competition effectively suspended
The California Department of Public Health released new guidance documents providing information and restrictions for youth sports. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, CDPH has effectively suspended youth sports, including school-based, club, and recreational youth sports. The newly released guidance will allow for youth sports training, conditioning, and physical education under specific circumstances outlined in the guidance documents.
Guidance and more information can be found in the youth sports guidance document available online at: https:// files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/ guidance-youth-sports-en.pdf. Further guidance released by CDPH can be found online at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/ PROGRAMS/CID/DCDC/ Pages/guidance.aspx.
“Tulare County continues to experience increases in the number of new cases and hospitalizations related to the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer. “Team and group sports draw people together from multiple households, posing a risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19.”
The guidance for youth sports establishes a consistent set of rules that apply to all youth sports programs — including school-based, club, and recreational programs. Outdoor and indoor sporting events, assemblies, and other activities that require close contact or that would promote congregating, such as tournaments and competitions, aren’t permitted at this time. Youth sports and physical education are permitted only when physical distancing of at least six feet and a the same small group of participants can be maintained. Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent possible. Adult amateur team sports also are not permitted.
CDPH has provided a Youth Sports Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, available online at: https://www. cdph.ca.gov/programs/ CID/DCDC/PAGES/ Covid-19/youth-sportsfaq.aspx.
For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov