California Department of Education releases guidebook for the safe reopening of state's public schools

The California Department of Education released a guidebook Monday for the safe reopening of the state's public schools.

You can read the guidebook here.

HOW DOES THE GUIDEBOOK ADDRESS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS?

The 55-page guidebook makes two mentions of high school sports. They're listed below.

"Physical education (PE) and intramural/interscholastic athletics should be limited to activities that do not involve physical contact with other students or equipment until advised otherwise by state/local public health officials."

"Districts will need to consult public health experts for when these [sports related activities] activities may be safely resumed. Districts are encouraged to be in touch with their local lead of the California Interscholastic Federations"

WHAT THIS MEANS?

These are guidelines and not mandates. How closely the recommendations are followed will depend on the school district.

We previously published a road map for what it will take for high school football to be played in Southern California. Ultimately, each school district in California will make a determination on when and how contact sports can return at the high school level.