Training, workouts can resume May 26

Game on!

Well, not quite. But that day is getting closer, based on an announcement by Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio High School Athletic Association on May 21 that stated high schools may begin individual skills training May 26 at school facilities.

“Skills training for all sports may resume on May 26th — including contact sports — as long as safety protocols can be followed,” DeWine said. “Information on protocol can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov. Tournaments, games, competitions for contact sports are still prohibited for now.”

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted cited a joint effort between the state and the OHSAA, to allow training for all sports.

The announcement comes on the heels of a memo sent by the OHSAA on May 15 that lifted nocontact regulations on

sports such as baseball, softball, golf, swimming and track.

The announcement on May 21 lifts restrictions on all sports, including football, basketball and wrestling.

“Use of these facilities is up to the local school district

and subject to their rules of operation as well,” Husted said. “For all of the student-athletes out there, I know you are anxious for more certainty about your future. We will get back to you on those issues as soon as we can, working in conjunction with the athletic

association. For now, there’s a reason for optimism, so let the training begin.”

All athletic events — from the canceled winter sports tournaments to the canceled spring sports season — have been at a stand-still because of the novel coronavirus since March 12.