What you need to know about youth sports under Minnesota’s Stay Safe guidelines

(St. Paul, MN) – Southern Minnesota sports lovers will finally get their fix, as the state gives the go-ahead to resume activities under new guidance from health officials.

On Friday, the Minnesota Department of Health released guidance on sports participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting Wednesday, June 24, youth sports games and scrimmages can resume for outdoor sports.  Indoor sports games and scrimmages can resume starting on July 1.

Organizations are required to have a COVID-19 preparedness plan that integrates MDH guidance and social distancing requirements.

Here’s additional guidance issued by MDH:

• Coaches, staff, and spectators are asked to wear a face covering at all times and practice social distancing.
• Adults and children should wash or sanitize their hands often.
• Avoid sharing water bottles, community snacks, or towels.
• Encourage use of dedicated personal equipment, such as bats, mitts, rackets, etc.
• Find new ways to show sportsmanship (i.e. tip your hats instead of handshakes).
• Adhere to social distancing recommendations when participants aren’t playing, such as in dugouts or on the bench).
• Practice social distancing from other household during player pick up and drop off.
• Friends and family should not attend practices to avoid crowding.
• Maintain health checks and screening of participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Organizations should require participants and family members to stay home when sick.