ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Guidelines for some youth sports will go into effect next week, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said during his briefing Monday morning.
The youth sports that will be allowed starting June 29 include outdoor baseball, softball, soccer, outdoor basketball, outdoor volleyball, cheerleading, dance teams, outdoor field hockey, rugby and lacrosse.
Huddles, handshakes and high-fives will not be permitted. Also, no tournaments will be allowed to limit the spread of the virus.
"Having our youth travel outside of the St. Louis metro region poses a risk for COVID-19 spreading in our community or even being brought back into our community," Page said.
Players should wear face coverings when they are not playing. Spectators should also wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Each team should also sanitize their equipment as often as possible.
All players, coaches and referees should also undergo a health screening, including a temperature check, prior to starting the game.
Page also cautioned parents, coaches and players to assess their own individual risks.
"Some players, some kids may be at a greater risk. For example, kids with asthma or diabetes," he said.
Organizations should also keep an attendance log in case someone is diagnosed with COVID-19. It will allow contact tracers to follow up with anyone who may be exposed.
However, some high-contact organized youth sports will not be allowed, including indoor basketball, martial arts, flag and tackle football and wrestling, Page said. Practices of these sports will be allowed as long as they occur outdoors and social distancing protocol are followed.
Leagues and venues should promote handwashing and ensure handwashing stations are readily available.
More information about youth sports can be found by clicking here.
COVID-19 cases
There have been a total of 5,850 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 550 people have died, according to the St. Louis County Health Department website.
The county has opened two testing sites, one in Sunset Hills and another in Berkeley. Page has encouraged people to make appointments to get tested.
