Published Friday, Oct. 2, 2020 | 2:04 p.m.
Updated Friday, Oct. 2, 2020 | 4:11 p.m.
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Low and no-contact recreational and youth sports can return starting Saturday after more than seven months of stoppage because of the pandemic, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Friday.
Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, and swimming and diving, among other youth and recreational adult sports, can resume play this weekend and tournaments as soon as Oct. 24.
Physical distancing, masking and disinfection guidelines will apply.
“We’ve asked for very reasonable restrictions on youth sports as it relates to distancing, timing and masking,” Sisolak said. “I am confident that they will follow the regulations. And the coaches and the parents are role models. They’re not passive spectators.”
Full-contact sports, including tackle football, combat sports, rugby and wrestling, are still limited to no-contact conditioning and drills.
The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association retains control of regulations over high school athletics. It plans to start games in January with six-week seasons for sports contested traditionally in the fall, winter and spring.
Noting that smaller, distanced groups, outdoors, for a shorter direction of time are safer, the state guidance outlines rules for masks, testing and screening, sanitization and hygiene, exposure to known COVID-19 cases, safety plan documents, and spectators.
Among other protocols in the 16-page guidance document, team officials must designate a monitor at all practices and competitions to ensure physical distancing, masking and other protocols are followed. Organizations must have safety plans approved by the state or local authorities, with additional, separate plans for tournaments.
All adult officials must take a COVID-19 prior to the start of the season. Players are not required to test, but it is encouraged. Players and adult participants must do a temperature check before all team events.
If a coach, manager or player tests positive, the whole team must cancel all activities and quarantine for 14 days. If a household member tests positive, the team must cease all activities for two weeks and notify officials.
Spectators are allowed at games, subject to state limitations on gathering size, and guests must complete a symptom survey.
Masks are not required when actively exercising, but are encouraged to the extent feasible if physical distancing cannot be maintained.
The state document says risk mitigation efforts must be balanced with the overall well-being of Nevada’s citizens of all ages, and that young people have been negatively impacted by the loss of socialization through school and recreational opportunities.
“It is important that young people do not suffer in silence, and that their mental and emotional wellness be regarded as a top priority,” it reads. “It is imperative that we look for opportunities to allow Nevada youth to re-engage in activities that promote health and well-being.”
Sisolak said school-sponsored athletics must be treated differently from recreational sports.
“On the surface, there may not be obvious differences. However, when you add schools and academics into the equation, the factors you base your decisions on change,” he said. “We would increase exposure for educators and students. Can the district support and manage athletics right now at a time when budgets are tight due to the pandemic and already strained resources must be prioritized for academics and access to education? Should athletes be allowed when local school boards have determined that based on local conditions, education will only be provided by distance education with no in-person learning?”
He said he wants kids to be able to get out and play, and the restrictions are prudent.
“We are trusting and counting on parents, players and officials to make this program a success,” he said.
Youth sports have been on pause since mid-March because of the pandemic. Needless to say today’s news was welcome.
“We recognize that these are difficult decisions in light of the ongoing pandemic, but are thankful that the Governor and other elected leaders throughout the state place a high premium upon the emotional and mental well-being of our kids,” said Guy Hobbs, president of Nevada Youth Soccer Association in a statement.
Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown, a former collegiate and professional baseball player who is involved in youth sports locally, was also glad to see sports resume.
“From our youngest athletes to our senior softball players, playing sports will be extremely beneficial to their physical and mental well-being,” he said.
