SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Summit County Public Health is encouraging schools to postpone the start of competitive play for fall sports, in addition to other recommendations in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among students, coaches, officials and spectators.
After reviewing the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s guidance on fall sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic, SCPH determined it provides practical recommendations, but encouraged additional guidelines for fall sports.
SCPH encouraged schools across the county to consider delaying the start of competitive play until Oct. 1.
Health officials also recommended schools shorten the competitive play season for sports including basketball, cheerleading and competitive spirit squads, field hockey, flag football, football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.
When it comes to spectators, SCPH recommends schools implement a two person per athlete limit or consider eliminating spectators all together.
“Summit County Public Health understands that sports are an important factor in the development of children, these are uncertain times and we are asking you to consider making adjustments to the Fall sports season to protect the health of your students/coaches and their families. In Summit County, we have already seen situations where teams and coaches have been exposed and been required to quarantine. We appreciate your willingness to review our considerations,” SCPH wrote.
