County Issues Guidance On Spectators At School Sporting Events

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The Westchester County Health Department issued guidance on the state requirements for spectators attending school and recreation sports.

Health officials said the most dramatic change is that student-athletes are now allowed to have two spectators at sporting events, as long as social distancing can still be accomplished and occupancy is still at 50 percent.

Prior to this change, only two spectators per player from the home team were allowed.

Schools and recreation centers still reserve the right to have stricter interpretations and guidelines.

County Executive George Latimer said the county is being consistent with state guidance.

"We understand that youth sports are family events," he said, "and the families of Westchester have been through a lot these past 12 months."

Latimer said the county wanted the families to be included and wanted the student-athletes to be supported by their families.

"We feel we can open youth sporting events a bit more and do so safely," he said.

County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said it is understood that parents want to see their children play sports.

"This is a huge part of our culture and parents should be involved in their children's lives," she said. "As long as social distancing is observed, and masks are worn, we can accomplish both goals — safety and involvement."

Here are the guidelines from New York State:

• For sports events (e.g. games), Responsible Parties must limit spectators to two spectators per player.
• Responsible Parties must ensure spectators maintain 6 feet of physical distance between individuals and/or family/household units at all times and all spectators must wear face coverings when they are in common areas and situations where 6 feet of distancing is not able to be maintained, so long as they are over the age of 2 and medically able to tolerate such covering.
• Responsible Parties may facilitate appropriate distancing through the use of markings on the ground or seating areas, and other signage.
• Responsible Parties must ensure that, among all spectators, no individual group exceeds the gathering limit that is currently in place for the region.
• Responsible Parties may facilitate appropriate gathering size through the use of signage and/or staff to ensure groups are aware of and adhere to guidelines.

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