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COLUMBUS – A state health order allowing all sports – from youth to high school to professional – to compete this fall has been signed.

Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes signed the order on Wednesday. The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

The order lays out some rules and best practices for athletes, coaches and officials. It allows local officials to impose restrictions beyond what’s in the order.

Here are some of the order’s requirements and suggestions:

• Face coverings are required for coaches, athletic trainers, volunteers, officials and spectators at all times and for athletes when they are not in play, with the same exceptions as the statewide mask order.
• A parent or volunteer must help ensure social distancing for younger athletes
• Among spectators, families and households are to be seated at least 6 feet from another family or household group.
• The order recommends school or organization officials should prioritize tickets to the participants’ family and household members.
• No congregating before or after games.
• No high-fives or huddles.

Read the order below.

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