OHSAA to lift no-contact rule for some sports in late May

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

Credit: David Jablonski - Staff Writer

The Ohio High School Athletic Association will lift the no-contact rule for the sports of baseball, golf, softball, swimming and diving, tennis and track and field on May 26, according to an update sent to superintendents, principals and athletic administrators Friday.

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The news comes one day after Gov. Mike DeWine announced low and no-contact sports could resume May 26.

Coaches have been limited to virtual contact with their student-athletes since sports were shut down in March but now will be able to do in-person coaching in those sports.

However, the spring sports season remains cancelled and will not be conducted during the summer.

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“This decision was made looking at every possible option at the time,” the OHSAA memo from Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass read. “It simply is not possible to put spring sports in place for everyone at this time. We have continued to use every possible avenue to be involved with ‘reopening’ Ohio’s sports and, while our communication has been acknowledged, we still do not have a seat at the table for the reopening.”

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The OHSAA will wait to make a decision on other sports because DeWine has not identified which sports fit into the category of low/no-contact sports.

“Under the current decision, all other sports have not been identified as being able to start,” the OHSAA memo read. “Please tell your other sport coaches to remain patient as we will make updates as soon as the Governor’s office provides more information on what sports will be permitted, and every intent is to align with the Governor’s orders.”

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