SALT LAKE CITY — Beginning on Saturday, club and youth sports across much of Utah will be given the green light when it comes to practice, training and, eventually, games.
As reported by the Deseret News’ Wendy Leonard on Thursday, much of the state will move to a low-risk category in regards to COVID-19 this weekend — from orange to yellow. Team sports will resume, with social distancing still an expectation, and gatherings that previously had been limited to up to 20 people will be allowed up to 50 people.
“Today’s announcement does move us closer to resuming our normal routines, which includes all of our student-athletes preparing for competition this fall.” — Utah State athletic director John Hartwell
“We are slowly opening the valve,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said. “We hope if we handle this right, we will not have a surge. Then again, if it happens, we will be ready.”
What impact, if any, will the state’s decision have on college sports, particularly those slated to start in the fall? Not much, at least through the end of May.
Both BYU and Utah State athletics confirmed that their respective facilities will remain closed through the end of the month.
“We’ve discussed contingency plans for a variety of scenarios. Currently all athletic facilities are closed and through the month of May,” Duff Tittle, BYU associate athletic director for communication, told the Deseret News. “Reconsideration of the closure period could take place if COVID-19 circumstances prompt a change in strategic directives from state leaders and the BYU administration.”
“Utah State Athletics, in concurrence with the University, will continue to examine our policies and procedures for a safe return for our student-athletes. Our athletic facilities will remain closed through the end of May,” John Hartwell, Utah State vice president and director of athletics, said in a news release.
Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah will remain under tighter restrictions, as will any athletics located in Grand, Summit and Wasatch counties, Salt Lake City and West Valley City.
The shift to a low-risk category across much of the state is a move in a positive direction, though, particularly for the future of fall sports, including football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball.
“We are encouraged by today’s announcement about moving to the yellow or low risk level in the state of Utah as it relates to the coronavirus,” said Hartwell. “... Today’s announcement does move us closer to resuming our normal routines, which includes all of our student-athletes preparing for competition this fall.”