Officials in Orange County, Calif., have announced the suspension of all youth sports after confusion over conflicting guidance issued by state and county departments.
“At this time, youth sports activities including practices will be postponed until further direction is provided from the state. Currently, there is no scheduled time by which the state will reopen youth sports,” stated a press release from the county that was reported on by Voice of OC.
The move comes after general counsel for Orange County, Jeffrey J. Riel, wrote a letter to the Orange County Department of Education, wherein he clarified state orders regarding youth sports, including high school athletics conditioning activities.
“On July 6, 2020, the Orange County Department of Education communicated directly with CDPH (California Department of Public Health) through an Essential Services Inquiry. CDPH has confirmed that at this time youth sports, including conditioning activities, are not permitted,” reads Riel’s letter.
The county had previously allowed youth sports to resume on June 15, assuming that safe social distancing practices were followed.
Riel’s letter asserted that state health department guidelines do not yet allow for youth sports to resume.
The California Department of Public Health has now sent out emails to municipalities that clarify that youth sports are not allowed at this time. The department has yet to issue guidelines on when or how youth sports will be allowed to resume.
