BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — The excitement is back: Local schools’ plans for their fall sports programs are moving forward, due to the announcement from Gov. Mike DeWine last week (Aug. 18).

“All sports, contact and non-contact, can move forward this fall in Ohio,” DeWine said. The governor said there will not be any surprises in the order, and any decision to postpone high school fall sports until spring will be left to individual school districts.

However, DeWine said, “There will not be spectators other than family members or those close with the child. It will be up to the school to determine how that is implemented.”

On the risk factor in approving a fall start for school sports, DeWine said, “These decisions are not made in a vacuum. We’re going back to school; there’s a risk. We’re playing sports; there’s a risk.”

Four school district superintendents or athletic directors in the Sun Sentinel and West Shore Sun coverage area commented on the decision: Bay Village, Westlake, Avon and Avon Lake. There were no comments from the school districts of Rocky River or North Ridgeville.

Following are the comments in their entirety:

Bay Village — Matt Spellman, athletic/activities director

“… during his live update, Gov. Mike DeWine shared his recommendation on fall athletics, including high school sports. During his press conference, he stated that his order will allow for all fall sports and activities to move forward. Gov. DeWine also discussed the possibility of districts moving fall sports seasons to the spring as approved by OHSAA.

“We as a district are acknowledging Gov. DeWine’s verbal recommendations and look forward to reviewing his official order … with our district leadership, Board of Education and Great Lakes Conference leadership team. Our middle school and high school athletic teams and activities will continue with current phases until a formal decision has been reached.”

“Phases” refers to the following guidelines:

Boys and girls golf: Phase 3 — Full practices and competitions (up to 50 people outside)

Girls tennis: Phase 3 — Full practices and competitions (up to 50 people outside)

Boys/girls cross country: Phase 2 — Dual or tri-meet competitions (up to 50 people outside for practices)

Volleyball: Phase 2 — Practice limited to teams by level (varsity, junior varsity, freshman) with a hold on competitions

Boys/girls soccer: Phase 2 — Full practices (up to 50 people outside) with a hold on competitions

Football: Phase 2 — Full practices with no contact (up to 50 people outside) with a hold on competitions

Westlake — Superintendent Scott Goggin

“Our goal is to develop plans for our student athletes to safely compete in athletics. Westlake has fall practice and completion schedules planned. Last year, we had student athletes from spring lose the opportunity to compete. For our fall athletes, we would like to have the option to move competition to spring if there is an interruption or cancellation of any of our fall seasons. The governor’s decision gives us flexibility.

“We will know more and be able to plan more appropriately when we receive the governor’s guidance documents.”

Avon — Superintendent Michael Laub

“We know how important activities are for students. The arts, music and athletics and clubs provide opportunities for students to grow and belong to something. Allowing these activities to happen, as long as we can do that safely, is great news for our students!”

Avon Lake — Superintendent Bob Scott

“As I write, I am listening to the Marching Shoremen drum line practice, and I know they are excited to be able to perform. The balancing act that school officials are having to perform seems daunting until you look at the face of a student. This is worth the effort. It is uncharted water, but we have a great staff, students, parents and community members and can find a way forward.

“Whether anyone agrees or disagrees with the guidelines, it allows us to make decisions and move forward. For that, all of the people involved are grateful.

“Avon Lake has been following the OHSAA guidelines for practicing and scrimmages all summer and since the Aug. 1 fall season opening. We will continue the fall athletic season using the governor’s new guidelines. As always, the key will be implementing the guidelines for safety with fidelity.

“Adding to the complexity of the situation is the difference in district and county recommendations that have already modified schools’ ability to compete. Beginning and maintaining this process will be an elaborate task, but we have an opportunity, staff and students, to show that in-person activities can happen without negative consequences beyond the ordinary.

“Given this, I am happy that our young men and women are having an opportunity to compete. Avon Lake will monitor our participation closely and will make modifications as needed, including suspending the activities if that is what is required for student and staff safety.”