PARMA, Ohio — Nearly a week after initially suspending its extracurricular activities, Parma City Schools is reversing course.
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In a message posted to its Facebook page on Sunday night, the district announced it would be resuming all extracurricular activities beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 11. In doing so, the district says it will continue to adhere to safety protocols in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19):
"We must limit groups of gatherings to no more than ten, including the coach(es) or sponsor(s), to remain consistent with the County’s recommendations. Activities will follow the guidelines of the OHSAA’s Phase I description. Further, we are not at all confident that we will actually be able to have a season, particularly for contact sports. Recent cancellations at both the collegiate and high school levels remind us of the difficulty in securing the safety of our student athletes. We resume activities, then, because we do not want our teams to lack the conditioning of their conference peers if, at some point, we can resume competition."
The school district added that it believes moving some or all fall sports to the spring is a "viable option" and that doing so would allow the district to allow the same opportunities in a safer environment.
"We are working with other school districts equally concerned about student safety to petition the OHSAA to allow such movement. We will continue to update you about our progress."
On July 31, the Ohio High School Athletic Association reaffirmed its plans to move forward with its fall sports seasons. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is expected to issue new guidance regarding sports in the state later this week.