MDH releases CDC guidelines for youth sports in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding youth sports activities.

In the document, the guidelines, in general, recommend the following:

• Social distancing,
• Masking when appropriate,
• Encouraging and enforcing norms of health etiquette,
• Promoting health checks and screening of participants and staff/volunteers,
• Enforcing stay at home when sick expectations,
• Ensuring policies are considerate of staff, volunteers and participants at highest risk of complications.
• Following routine disinfection of high-touch items (E.g. balls, racquets, bats, other equipment).

"In support of the National Youth Sports Strategy aims, we recognize that sports provide opportunities for youth to develop or maintain fitness, specific skills, mental well-being, and social-emotional health," MDH said in the document. The department adds that although it supports youth engaging in sports, it needs to be done in a way that will keep everyone involved safe.

The guidelines also breakdown each sport's environment, as different needs and guidelines are attributed as so:

• Football/soccer field: No more than four pods of less than or equal to 10.
• Baseball field: No more than three pods of less than or equal to 10.
• Ice rink: No more than two pods of less than or equal to 10.
• Basketball/volleyball court: No than one pod of less than or equal to 10.

For more details regarding youth sports guidelines, click here.