OHSAA tells school it’s proceeding as if fall sports will occur

The Ohio High School Athletic Association sent an update to schools on Tuesday night after the Ohio Department of Health's latest announcement about the resumption of full-contact sports.

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That announcement called for COVID-19 “testing of all players, coaches, athletic trainers, support staff, and officials before travel and competition.”

Here’s the memo from interim executive director Bob Goldring, who replaced Jerry Snodgrass on Monday:

“First, for clarity, the OHSAA Office is proceeding as if fall sports will occur, meaning practices will begin on August 1 and we will conduct our usual series of tournaments in 10 fall sports. As you all have seen during this pandemic, those plans can be modified or cancelled quickly. In working with the Governor’s Office, we are currently in the process of preparing a guidance document on the restart of interscholastic athletics. That document is in the editorial stages, so we will be sending that to you once it is approved. Further, we are planning to share a student-athlete acknowledgement/pledge document that we hope you will consider using. This educational tool will provide student-athletes with information on their responsibilities in participating during the pandemic.

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“Earlier today, the Ohio Department of Health issued a Director’s Order providing guidance through July 15, 2020, for contact sport competitions. Competitive games and tournaments are now permitted for contact sports. During this period, practices and open gyms with another team or club and inter-club/team play are also permitted so long as all teams involved agree to comply with the requirements set forth in the Director’s Order. Lt. Governor Husted emphasized that this order is extended for a short, trial basis and that the responsibility is with all of us to continue exercising safe practices to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

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