Rio Hondo League officials agreed to a schedule that will reinstate competitions in girls’ and boys’ water polo and football in the upcoming weeks, according to David Irie, San Marino High School athletic director, who attended a meeting on Tuesday morning.
Last week, the California Department of Public Health announced modified regulations that would allow outdoor play in counties with an adjusted COVID-19 case rate equal to or less than 14 per 100,000, provided athletes and coaches are tested for the virus weekly. The new guidelines take effect Friday. Los Angeles County reported 12.3 cases per 100,000 on Tuesday.
Rio Hondo League members are following a plan of action that will allow for the first football games to be played on Friday, March 19 if the thresholds are achieved. Water polo matches can begin as soon as March 3, according to Irie.
The meeting wasn’t without its share of bad news, however, as athletic directors shelved the girls’ volleyball season, deeming it unrealistic that the indoor sport could jump two tiers — from purple to yellow — in time to safely hold matches.
“It’s just not going to happen,” Irie said. “We talked about possibly playing games outdoors, but it would not be sanctioned by CIF.”
Season 2 sports that are contested outdoors — including boys’ and girls’ soccer, track and field, baseball and softball — are slated to take place from March through June and are likely to be played as long as the COVID-19 numbers remain consistent or continue to lower.
High School Football, Water Polo Cleared for Competition
