Coronavirus: Contact sport practices, training can resume today in Ohio

Contact sport practices and training can resume for all sports today in Ohio.

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted made the announcement June 18 during a press conference held by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

This was the second phase of resuming athletic competitions in the state.

The announcement was made the same day Governor DeWine stated the COVID-19 cases in Montgomery, Greene, Clark and Warren counties were “worrisome.”

Locally, the Centerville freshman football team suspended its training after the district was made aware on Friday that a player tested positive for coronavirus, according to Centerville district spokesperson Sarah Swan.

>>Centerville freshmen football team suspends training after positive COVID-19 test

Regulations have been set by the governor and the Ohio Department of Health.

Only intra-club and team scrimmages are permitted for contact sports.

Competitive games and tournaments are not yet permitted for contact sports, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

>>DeWine announces new guidelines for non-contact sports, skills training for all sports

Here are the guidelines for contact sports:

For players, coaches, athletic trainers and officials

• Players, coaches, athletic trainers and officials must stay home if they are experiencing symptoms.
• Athletic trainers must wear a face covering when working with an injured player except for when it is prohibited by law, health reasons or there is a practical reason for one not to be worn.
• It is recommended that face coverings are worn when not on the field or court except for when it is prohibited by law, health reasons, or there is a practical reason for one not be worn.
• It is recommended that hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette is promoted. Flyers and signs can be found here.
• A parent or volunteer is encouraged to make sure teams of young children are practicing social distancing.
• Players who are at a high risk of developing complications from COVID-19 should be identified.

For spectators

• Spectators must stay home if they are experiencing symptoms.
• They must practice social distancing and not congregate before or after practices and games.
• It’s recommended that spectators wear face coverings except for when it is prohibited by law, health reasons, or there is a practical reason for one not be worn.

During practices, games and tournaments

• Social distancing must be maintained except when a player is on the field or court.
• Physical contact is only allowed within the rules of the game during practice.
• Activities where players are close for an extended period must be limited.
• There must not be any congregation before or after practices and games.
• It is recommended to put players into small groups that remain together through practice.

For equipment

• Equipment and personal items should be separated and should not be shared, whenever possible.
• If equipment must be shared, it needs to be sanitized.
• Water bottles, food and drinks should not be shared.
• Competing players should not use the same equipment if possible.
• It is recommended to have enough supplies and items to minimize the need for sharing.

For facilities and venues

• Time should be given between practices to allow teams to leave buildings before a new team arrives.
• Time should be given for proper sanitizing for shared spaces such as benches and equipment.
• It is recommended that good hygiene and respiratory etiquette is promoted.
• Hand sanitizer should be available at convenient locations.
• Ventilation systems or fans to increase circulation are recommended.

For confirmed cases

• An individual must be immediately isolated and medical care should be given to anyone who develops symptoms.
• Suspected cases or exposure should be reported to a local health district.

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