HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL and water polo may resume action soon (Orange County Tribune photo).
Football in the spring may get a real chance this time. Pro football has tried and failed to bring the pigskin game to the days of March, April and May, but local high schools may do better.
The CIF-SS organization, which governs interscholastic sports for most of Southern California, announced today (Tuesday) that Orange County schools may resume the practicing and playing of football, as well as boys and girls water polo, as early as this Friday.
Prep sports were suspended in March of 2020 as the coronavirus closed schools and businesses across the nation, state and county, but now – a year later – it’s “play ball” again.
Orange County’s adjusted case rate of 11.9 per 100,000 people qualifies it to return to play certain outdoor sports. Many caveats will apply, however. They include:
- The wearing of face coverings by athletes when not participating (i.e., on the sidelines)
- The wearing of face coverings to be worn by coaches, support staff and observers at all times
- Weekly testing of athletes and coaches is “strongly encouraged,” preferably with results available within 24 hours of play.
- No contests against schools in counties not within the allowed limit of 14 cases per 100,000. For example, teams from Los Angeles County are permitted, but not those from San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Kern counties.
This list is not complete.
To our readers, especially coaches: If you have a new schedule of games for schools serving Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana and Westminster, please send a copy to us at orangecountytribune@gmail.com .
