Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is clearing the way for high school sports to return this fall. A new order will be relased Friday, and will take effect August 21.
Spectators will be limited to parents and close family members of the players, marching band and drill team members. DeWine says the decision to resume sports will be made by district superintendents, and will be based on the rates of infection in their communities.
"If you want your kids to play football, if you want them to participate in soccer or whatever - most important thing you can do is wear a mask. Because the community spread is going to be directly reflected into that school."
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has agreed that those districts that don't feel comfortable playing traditional fall sports now, can play in the spring. Specifics have not been released yet. Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted says the association will also monitor games.
"They will have site inspectors at contests to ensure that the rules are being followed. And failure to comply with these rules can result in forfeits of athletic contests and disqualification from competiton for the season."
DeWine says districts that are offering online-only classes will be allowed to resume sports. Later this week he will issue an order and guidance on the performing arts.
