We all knew as we started to venture out from pandemic-inspired quarantine that we were heading into unknown territory. Among other things, schools, youth sports organizations and parents wanted to know how they could help kids return to play while also keeping everyone safe from COVID-19 exposure.
We also knew that would be a work in progress, and that recommendations would change as we learned by doing and as public health officials monitored status of virus infections. We have watched as states and regions took different approaches to sports and then modified their decisions based on results.
The latest in youth sports requirements from Rhode Island
Here in SquadLocker’s home state of Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo has just announced some updated restrictions that affect youth sports as well as other public activities. The stricter rules are meant to combat the state’s rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Because this information is crucial for everyone involved with youth sports here in Rhode Island, we thought it would be helpful to recap those new rules here.
Short-term changes
On October 30, Gov. Raimondo imposed temporary restrictions that affected sports activities in two ways:
- All indoor sports facilities would be closed for one week
- Spectators would be banned from outdoor sports events for two weeks
Play-related changes
On November 5, the governor laid out revised requirements that apply to all youth and amateur sports:
- Limited number of spectators
- Masks are required, including for game play
- Mandatory clear record keeping and contact tracing
- Travel out of state is prohibited
She also announced revised category listings that define which sports are now considered low, moderate or high risk. These categories affect if and how organizations must manage practices and play. The lists cover all competitive sports, in season or not. Here are the new risk/sport categories:
Low risk (competitive play and hosting inter-state tournaments are allowed)
- Track and field
- Individual swimming
- Golf
- Weightlifting
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Sideline cheer
- Cross country
- Archery
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Singles figures skating
- Solo sailing
Moderate risk (competitive play is allowed, but inter-state tournaments are not)
- Basketball
- Ice hockey
- Volleyball
- Baseball and softball
- Soccer
- Field hockey
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Swimming relays
- Girls lacrosse
- Water polo
- Fencing
- Competitive group cycling
- Non-competitive dance and individual competitive dance
- Team sailing
High risk (no competitive play, no inter-state tournaments)
- Wrestling
- Football
- Boys lacrosse
- Competitive cheer
- Rugby
- Boxing
- Competitive martial arts
- Pairs figure skating
