Athletes in nearly all indoor and outdoor sports continue to wait for updated government rules that will allow them to resume their favorite activities at a pre-pandemic pace.
Lately, only a few non-contact sports are permitted decrees issued by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and the rules of the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
While other countries have regulations allowing festivals in minor touch sports such as basketball, volleyball, baseball and soccer, and even close contact sports such as combined martial arts, Guam remains subject to strict bans, with consequences for non-compliance.
MORE: A look at the news in 2020, the year that replaced everything
Three sets of rules governing the game were released in December. Only golf, tennis, sport fishing and swimming have been designated in the ordinances as allowed non-contact games, with protective measures in place. All other games in Guam are limited to non-contact and non-competition education according to hygiene and distance rules. Organized competitions, occasions and spectators are not yet allowed.
Still, congregations grew from 10 to 15, beaches, parks, and pools reopened, and gyms, fitness centers, and dance studios were allowed to continue at 50% capacity.
“Public fitness supports gambling in Guam, but we have to do it in a way that protects the public,” said public fitness spokeswoman Janela Carrera. “We inspire physical activity in an environment that does not transmit COVID-19 and in a way. “
Sports leaders can expand their own plans and submit them to public fitness for review, he said.
Guam Major League Baseball Commissioner Roque Alcantara Sr. , who is also director of the parks and recreation department, said baseball coaches and managers have him for updates.
“Once I get the recommendation from Public Health and the governor, we will be in a position for baseball,” he said. “Everyone called, especially because they saw that the Paseo stadium was painted. There is grass growing and I have staff running in the box this week. “
Alcantara said the Guam U-15 national baseball team has an upcoming festival in Mexico and is ahead of training.
MORE: A Brief Look at 2020 in Guam
Stephen Roberto, owner and lead instructor of Purebred Jiu Jitsu Academy, said he had lost most of his students since mid-March. He said he spent more cash equipping his with sanitation and protection devices than he made in 2020.
It is for non-contact categories at 50% occupancy.
Last year was destined to be the most productive year for Purebred since its opening in 1996, Roberto said. Then the pandemic hit Guam. He said that it may appear that COVID-19 was the end of the sport, but he sought to assure other people that it is not.
“I look to the government that genuinely examines the science of this disease and respects it, and also respects the role that physical fitness plays in illness and death,” he said. “I hope that the government will allow us to open up and allow other people to make that decision, help them to return and avoid death and disease. I hope you can respect the fact that a healthy and active lifestyle is the most productive way to live, physically, mentally and spiritually.
“For some people, jiu-jitsu is essential. It is their medicine. “
Other sports like soccer already have plans for when the restrictions are lifted.
The president of the Guam Basketball Confederation and the head coach of the national team, E. J. Calvo works with one of the governor’s medical advisers to expand into men’s team training.
Guam will face its biggest games in February, when it faces Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong in the Philippines to qualify for the FIBA World Cup Asia.