Youth Team Sports: Practice, Drills Condemned In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Youth team sports are not allowed to resume in California amid coronavirus concerns, and the same goes for any team conditioning, practice or drills, according to Riverside County's legal team.

Despite the ability of coaches/instructors to modify outdoor training that allows for physical distancing and zero contact, Riverside County is discouraging any practices based on interpretation of state guidance.

"The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has specifically confirmed that no team sports, conditioning or drills are permitted under any of the current guidance," a July 9 letter from Riverside County Counsel Gregory P. Priamos reads. "The Day Camp Guidance published by CDPH may not be used as a means to facilitate team conditioning, practicing, or training for any organized or recreational team sports, including school, club, and travel teams."

Professional sports in California, however, are allowed to resume training and competition — without live audiences — as long as the county public health officer approves based on scientific data regarding COVID-19 cases and positivity rates, according to the CDPH.

None of Riverside County's pro/minor league sports teams are currently competing, but it's not clear how many are practicing in a modified safety setting with the help of coaches and trainers.

Yet the state doesn't allow any modifications for recreational team sports. "Recreational team sports are not permitted and will be subject to separate guidance," which has yet to be issued, according to the CDPH's "Industry Guidance" online portal.

The July 9 letter from Priamos said the county is troubled by an uptick in practices and training as local coronavirus cases continue spiking.

"The County of Riverside's public health officials are concerned about the number of schools, sports leagues, travel teams and clubs that are resuming practice, conditioning and play despite the State's orders," the letter reads.

Priamos and County Counsel Kelly Moran are listed as the attorneys to contact if violators are spotted.

Read the full letter here.

Related:

Coronavirus Cases, Deaths In Riverside County