OC High School Coaches Navigate Return-To-Play Guidelines

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — On Monday, the California Department of Public Health released guidance for youth sports activities to re-open including school-based, club and recreational programs. Yet another sign of life for returning to sports, and getting the kids off their devices and back onto fields of play.

In March, schools and sports ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, from little league to the big leagues. The fall of 2020 looks to be about the same, and club athletes have lost their entire summer season of playing in college showcases. These are pivotal recruiting times for junior and senior athletes, hopeful for college looks.

The new state mandated guidelines, released Monday, will ensure that young athletes can get back to the fields and courts "in a manner that is as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic." The guidance document may be found at COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.

In Orange County's San Juan Capistrano, football coach Pat Harlow of JSerra fame has a unique perspective on returning to play amid coronavirus. He is recovering from a bout with COVID-19, the LA Times reports.

Harlow first fell ill over Father's Day weekend, the told the LA Times. That was Saturday, June 20. At last, over a month later, he says he's "feeling better."

In late July, the CIF and CIF Southern Section released a return to play potential schedule. The new return to play guidelines gives coaches and teams legitimate plans on how to proceed with the reopening of youth sports.

As a survivor, Harlow knows how important it is to take coronavirus seriously.

"I love how everybody on social media is a medical expert," Harlow told the Times. "It's very serious."

Harlow discussed his recovery, and the fact that "most recover" from COVID-19.

His concerns aren't so much for the student-athletes, but for the educators and coaches with pre-existing conditions. "It's one of those things people don't understand until someone they know has it or they get it," he told the Times.

This is a challenging time for young athletes, especially those entering their junior or senior year of high school. This year, more than ever, sharing game film with prospective college coaches will be problematic.

Youth sports and physical education will be permitted only when the physical distancing of at least six feet can be maintained and a stable cohort such as a class is maintained, according to the state guidelines.

Activities should take place outside "to the maximum extent practicable." This recommendation fares better for those involved in outdoor sports: football, soccer, baseball, field hockey, water polo or lacrosse than indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball and wrestling.

Tournaments, events and competitions or any outdoor or indoor youth sports activities "requiring close contact" are not yet permitted under the state’s guidance.

Does your young athlete play in a southern California youth sports league?

If so, before they return to play, the league must ensure that they meet the proper safety protocols as outlined in the COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.

This involves a strategy to conduct proper cleaning, disinfection, and physical distancing during play and while on the sidelines.

Youth sports organizations will spend the next several weeks training all staff on how to follow safety procedures. Those will include enhanced sanitation practices and provide information to families regarding safety guidance and requirements.

For more information about the COVID-19 Industry Guidance read: Schools and School Based Programs - Youth Sports

Tell us about your young athlete, how they are handling these unprecedented times, and their hopes for the 2020-21 school year in comments or by emailing your Patch editor.