County executive announces middle school, some high school sports can resume amid COVID-19

High school football and basketball players are still benched.

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St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page announced on Wednesday that certain youth sports can resume play amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Earlier this month, Page announced new restrictions on youth sports, citing a high positivity rate for COVID-19 among high school students. The restrictions sparked protests, with parents gathering outside of Page's home in Creve Coeur and chanting "Let them play."

Beginning Monday, children ages 14 and younger—or those in middle school—will be able to resume playing high-contact sports with some restrictions. The county executive listed football, basketball, ice hockey, and wrestling as high-contact sports. 

Also going into effect Monday, high school students can resume moderate-contact sports including soccer, baseball, cheerleading, rowing, dance team, floor hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and racquetball. Two spectators per athlete will be allowed for outdoor sports. 

High school football and basketball games are still not permitted, but Page said that they're working on a plan to resume play, potentially later in the fall. 

"We realize that any limitation on youth sports is difficult for our young athletes, their parents, and their friends," Page said. "To better capture advice and experience from a wide variety of stakeholders, our health department has recently broadened its group of advisers. We're speaking with athletic directors representing public and private conferences, as well as medical professionals, youth and club sports officials, sports enthusiasts, and parents. We're getting lots of feedback from everyone. We fully expect this broad group of advisors to help us take steps to improve the safety of high-contact sports among high school students."

Page also announced a recommendation—not a mandate—that middle schools in the county could resume in-person learning. "The recent data gives us the confidence to encourage in-person learning for school districts in addition to virtual learning opportunities for middle school students," he said. 

You can watch the full briefing below: 

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