by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
On October 28, Gov. Ralph Northam amended Executive Order 67 to allow Virginia’s public schools to begin athletic play in December.
According to Virginia High School League (VHSL) director of communications Mike McCall, the governor signed a fourth amended executive order which includes changes to Section 12 related to recreational sports. The changes allow VHSL to enact its Championship + 1 schedule. In addition, VHSL has released its “Guidelines for Return to Participation” for school divisions which provides guidance to ensure safe reopening of sports and activities.
“Keeping our student athletes safe is critical during this pandemic,” said Gov. Northam. “I know I join many parents in looking forward to the safe return of school sports. VHSL has been a tremendous partner throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and diligence they have put in development of these guidelines for returning to play.”
The amended order does not change the number of attendees permitted at a sporting event, which cannot exceed the lesser of 50% of the occupancy load or 250 persons. For sports played on a field, attendees are limited to 250 persons per field.
In Northumberland County, athletes and coaches are preparing…
