Cleveland, OH - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday that high school athletics - including contact sports - would be permitted to play this fall.
DeWine's administration will issue an order regarding all youth sports, including those within the Ohio High School Athletic Association and other intramural leagues.
DeWine says it will be left to state districts to determine if athletics can be carried out through the fall season, or if sports will be moved to the spring - or not played at all.
In terms of how many spectators will be allowed to attend events, DeWine says a small number will be permitted, and that spectators will be limited to family members or those close to the athletes. Schools will determine who will be allowed to attend.
In addition to local health regulation, the OHSAA will have site inspectors at games to ensure social distancing and other health and safety protocols are carried out.
The first wave of football games in the OHSAA'a abbreviated six-game season is set to play the week of Aug. 27.