COLUMBUS, Ohio — During a press conference Thursday, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced additional reopenings in Ohio for sports and activities.
Low Contact Sports
After previously announcing reopening dates for golf, tennis, racket sports and other no contact or low contact sports, the state included several more in the plan.
Bowling alleys, batting cages and miniature golf can reopen on May 26 under specific guidelines— the same date as gyms, recreation centers and fitness centers, Husted said.
Contact sports
Husted also announced that the Ohio High School Athletic Association has worked out a plan with the state to allow skills training and conditioning for high school athletes for all sports, including contact sports such as football, basketball and lacrosse.
The training allows athletes to prepare for their season and helps condition athletes, reducing the risk for injury.
Husted said that while training will be allowed to resume for contact sports on May 26, tournaments, scrimmages, games or competitions will not be. Competition at this point is strictly limited to no contact or low contact sports.
“I know we’re all enthusiastic about the day that competition for all sports can resume and the conversations are ongoing. They are ongoing with the Ohio High School Athletic Association and others about how we can do that and when we can do that,” Husted said. “But, for now, we’re focused on the next step of preparing for that day through skills training.”
To allow the training to take place, Husted said that a change in the current health order will be adjusted to allow school buildings and facilities to reopen for skills training and non-contact sports.
