ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The youth sports guidelines in St. Louis County are changing again with games and competitions between teams allowed for sports considered "moderate-frequency of contact." Middle school students and those under the age of 14-years-old can play games in all sports, with social distancing, face masks and some other restrictions on spectators still in place.
County Executive Dr. Sam Page made the announcement during his morning press conference on Wednesday saying the changes will take effect starting Monday. He also says the county health department is working on a plan for helping middle schools get students safely back into the classroom.
He says the change was made because county health data shows transmission rates among children to be dropping, especially in high school-aged kids.
#BREAKING: St. Louis County Executive @DrSamPage announces competitive games will be allowed for St. Louis County children in high and moderate contact sports.Expects guidelines for allowing high school sports like football to be released in 2-3 weeks.
— KMOX St. Louis News (@kmoxnews) September 23, 2020Clarification: Middle school students can play high contact sport games starting Monday...high school sports in 2-3 weeks.
— KMOX St. Louis News (@kmoxnews) September 23, 2020Two spectators per athlete will be allowed at outdoor games.
Page and St. Louis County are facing a lawsuit and protests over the restrictions that were announced a little over two weeks ago.
Related: WATCH: Hundreds protest St. Louis County's decision to temporarily ban games for most youth sportsRelated: Lawsuit filed against St. Louis County hopes to bring youth sports back
Here is the full list of moderate-contact sports from the county, which can begin games starting Monday: Baseball, cheerleading, crew/rowing, dance team, fencing, floor hockey, field hockey, racquetball, soccer, softball, team handball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball.
Page says a decision on if high school football and other high-contact sports can also resume will be made in the next few weeks.
See the previous guidelines that were released on Sept. 9, here:
St. Louis County Orders Youth Sports Guidelines – 9/9/2020 by EntercomSTL on Scribd
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
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