“We’re trying to accommodate both the health and the practical considerations that must go into any decision for the athletes, coaches and fans,” Husted said. “We understand the uncertainty and the anticipation of that hopefully forthcoming new guidance in the near future.
“I can tell you as the governor alluded, I think there’s nobody in Ohio that wants to get this accomplished more than I do. We are working thoughtfully though to make sure we get these plans accomplished in the right way.”
DeWine and Husted also addressed confusion that was apparent from some on social media about a month-old ODH order that permits contact sports to play if every player on each team involved with a game tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of the start of each contest.
DeWine renewed the order on Saturday, and some turned to social media over the weekend and complained that the best schools couldn’t check such large programs.
“There has been some confusion about this, in that the renewal of the order somehow represents the plan for return to play this fall (for high school),” Husted said. “I want you to know that’s not the case. That’s not the case. We’re still working with the OHSAA to finalize (a return to play) plan (for contact sports). We’re still considering many options, because we want student-athletes to return to play.”
DeWine confirmed Tuesday the order isn’t designed for high school or youth sports.
“We just continued the old order,” DeWine said. “… When or if you’re trying to keep COVID out someplace, or outside a particular group, the more testing you can do, the better.
“We don’t have the ability to do that kind of mass testing today. …We don’t have the capability of that today so it’s simply not on the table to do that all.”
About two dozen school districts throughout Ohio have suspended all fall sports. Nationally, athletic associations in 32 states have postponed the start of fall sports. Ten states (including Illinois) have postponed fall sports to 2021.
“The 8 (my) young people were worried about games at school and our grandchildren were worried about the game,” DeWine said. “We perceive how very, very game it is for young people.
«… (There are) huge sporting benefits. There is a wonderful frustration among parents over uncertainty about school and uncertainty about the sport. It’s something that frustrates me. »»
By Bryant Billing
Contact Bryant Billing at 937-538-4818, or @SidneyOHSports on Twitter and @BryantBillingSDN on Facebook.
Reach Bryant Billing at 937-538-4818, or follow @SidneyOHSports on Twitter and @BryantBillingSDN on Facebook.
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