New state rules allow youth sports to kick off Feb. 26

Organized youth sports, which have been on a time-out for the past year during the pandemic, can resume Feb. 26 under new guidance from the California Department of Public Health.

But popular “high-contact” sports — including football, rugby and water polo — can be played only in counties with an adjusted daily case rate of 14 per 100,000 population or fewer. Athletes and coaches must be tested weekly and post their test results within 24 hours of competition.

Public Health officials said the new guidance is warranted since research shows that outdoor activities present “significantly lower risk of transmission relative to comparative indoor activities.” Still, officials said, competition between different teams also increases transmission across groups and outside of communities, which contributes to the potential spread of the disease.

For both indoor and outdoor sports, the guidelines require face coverings to be worn by coaches, support staff and observers, as well as athletes on the sidelines. Observers at sporting events must maintain a distance of at least six feet from people who are outside of their household. The guidance also calls on schools and leagues to limit spectators of youth sports to immediate household members.

Personal items and equipment as well as drink bottles must not be shared.

Teams are not allowed to participate in out-of-state games and tournaments.