SETBACK FOR YOUTH SPORTS VIA STATE
Preps can’t return to practice, competition until Jan 1. at earliest
High school athletes across the state have been hit with another setback with the announcement Tuesday that the California Department of Public Health has postponed a long-awaited issuance of youth sports guidance amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) doesn’t expect any guidance allowing schools to return to full practice and competition until after Jan. 1 ... at the earliest.
The state’s 10 CIF Sections were scheduled to open Season 1 practices Dec. 12 with a return to play on Jan. 8.
“All full practice and competition start dates are officially on hold until updated guidance is issued,” State CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti said in a statement.
In an effort to get in a full season of play, the State CIF Office is removing all Regional and State Championship events from Season 1.
“By canceling Regional and State Championship events, more student-athletes will have the opportunity to participate in a larger season, rather than a truncated season with Regional and State postseason play for a limited number of schools,” Nocetti said.
The belief is this decision gives Season 1 sports the best opportunity to compete once they are allowed by the CDPH and local county offices of public health.
“We had to let schools know,” said San Diego CIF Commissioner Joe Heinz. “We’re committed to making Season 1 work. We have plans in place to maximize opportunities. Nothing is off the table. This situation is out of our control. We’re asking everyone to be flexible.”
That f lexibility most certainly includes pushing back the start of play and could include reduction of regularseason games and reducing playoff fields.
The CIF normally has three seasons — fall, winter and spring. There is now just Season 1 and Season 2.
Season 1 sports include football, boys and girls cross country, field hockey, badminton, gymnastics, boys and girls water polo and girls volleyball.
Boys volleyball, usually a spring sport, was scheduled for Season 1, but has been pushed back to Season 2 to avoid the loss of a second full season.
“The CIF is confident this decision is a necessary and reasonable action ... in light of the current crisis,” Nocetti said. “This revision to the CIF State 2020-21 Season Sports calendar offers our sections and leagues the f lexibility and needed time to plan for the return to practice and competition once updated guidance is provided by the CDPH.”