High School Sports Could Move Forward In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — While expressing disappointment over the Big Ten's decision to postpone fall sports, Gov. Mike DeWine refused to commit to a course of action on high school sports in Ohio.

During a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, the governor said he was "saddened" to hear the Buckeyes would not be playing football this fall, though he respected the conference's decision. When asked if this would impact the state's decision on high school sports, DeWine was evasive.

"These decisions don't happen in a vacuum," he said. DeWine also promised to have more guidance on fall sports "very soon."

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has canceled a cross country tournament scheduled for this summer and promised changes to the upcoming football season, including a truncated scheduled. All teams would now make the playoffs, which would begin Oct. 9 and conclude Nov. 21.

“To both ensure we can offer students the opportunity to participate in education-based athletes but do so with their best interests in mind, we believe this modified plan offers a positive solution by addressing many of the concerns of our member schools,” said Jeff Cassella, president of the OHSAA Board of Directors and athletic administrator at Mentor High School.

In some hard hit counties, like Cuyahoga, local health officials have recommended school districts halt in-person practices and suspend fall sports. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health argued extracurricular activities — including sports — are not conducive to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

"The data clearly indicate that the current level of community transmission of COVID-19 is significant. Consequently, we need to limit our activities and do all we can to prevent spread by wearing facial coverings, maintaining social distancing, increasing handwashing and high touch surface cleaning, staying home when ill, working remotely when possible and following state public health orders," the board said.

However, lacking clear state guidance, many districts in red counties have decided to push forward with sports and other extracurricular activities.