The fate of youth sports across California has been determined by state officials on Friday, February 19.
State health officials have decided that outdoor high-contact sports can resume in areas of the state that meet certain health standards.
Counties that have case rates at or below 14 cases per 100,000 residents will be allowed to resume outdoor sports on February 26, according to officials.
While the state's new guidelines for sports is finally a straightforward response to the issue, most counties don't meet the requirements.
In addition to this new update, the "Let Them Play" movement, which has been advocating for the continuation of youth sports, is heading to the courtroom on Friday.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two high school seniors who claim unfair treatment by the state towards student-athletes.
The movement is hoping to get a temporary restraining order that will allow youth sports to start practicing and competing again.
"Every day makes a huge difference," a high school football coach and advocate of the Let Them Play CA group from San Diego, Marlon Gardinera, told FOX5. "There's a finite amount of time to get the fall sports in before we need to make for the winter and spring sports."
The hearing was initially scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, but was pushed to Friday when the state asked for more time.
The lawsuit against the state was filed on behalf of Nicholas Gardiner and Cameron Woolsey. The complaint alleges that while the state's pandemic restrictions prohibit youth sports, there is no real data to back up that specific restriction.
The hearing will take place on Friday at 2:00 P.M.
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