COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine, while saying a detailed announcement is coming Tuesday, seems to be leaning toward allowing high school sports in Ohio this fall.
The governor, who said he will restrict attendance at games during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Thursday, “This is a decision that will be made by parents and schools.”
DeWine said he was working with the Ohio High School Athletic Association and talking to coaches around the state on a plan that will allow for prep sports, including contact sports like football, soccer and volleyball.
Some non-contact sports, including tennis and golf, have already started. Soccer and volleyball can begin games and matches Aug. 21 with football one week later.
“We will get more into this on Tuesday, but our goal is to have this decided by parents, schools and local health departments working together,” he said.
He repeated a frequent theme that reducing spread of the coronavirus in communities is essential.
“If you want your son and your daughter to be in school, to play sports, participate in extracurricular activities … all these experiences that are great for children … the ability of that school to stay open and have sports is directly related to what’s going on in that community,” DeWine said.
The governor said attendance will likely be limited to parents, but said he wanted the athletes to “have their seasons.”
He said coaches around the state have shown “great leadership” and he expects them to continue working with athletes on participating safely on and off the field.
Columbus City Schools officials announced Thursday morning it was suspending all extracurricular activities, including sports, to try to help slow the spread of the virus.
Similar decisions have been made in other largely urban areas.
