Some low-risk youth sports resume across Long Island

The sports allowed to resume include baseball, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, cross country and crew.

News 12 Staff

Jul 6, 2020, 10:13 AM

Updated 1,396 days ago

Share:

It's time to get ready to play ball! New York State has given several sports deemed lower risk the green light to resume Monday.
Sports included on the list are baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, field hockey, gymnastics, paintball and no-contact lacrosse. 
New York State implemented mandatory guidelines for tournaments, practices, camps, meets and clinics to open mainly for employees and coaches. Masks must be worn when staff is not able to social distance, and health screenings must be performed.
At Express Lacrosse camp in Cedar Creek Park, those strict guidelines are for players too. Before they can enter turf fields, they must go to three separate health and safety tents. At the first they are asked to sanitize their hands. Under the second tent, a temperature check is performed, followed by a health screening questionnaire at the third tent.
Masks are required for the duration of the health screenings. Once players make it to the field, masks can be removed.
Mike Chanenchuk with Express Lacrosse said health and safety measures continue on the field.
"We have one coach for every eight players. We are making sure they are doing their training—their catching, their throwing, their ground balls keeping their proper social distancing."
Per New York State, each child is allowed two spectators. At Express Lacrosse camp, parents were asked to stay by their vehicles and away from the fields as there was not enough room to watch at a safe distance.
Many leagues are requiring their children, adult and senior players to bring their own gear and spectators their own chairs to reduce the amount of people touching the same surfaces.
Meanwhile at Mid-Island Gymnastics, the kids first go to their assigned squares and then proceed to warm up, while maintaining social distancing rules.
"The kids having been off for these 3 1/2 months, it's like they hit the ground running," says Mid-Island owner Joel Schaeffer. "They're doing things it's almost like they never left."
 
 


More from News 12
2:12
Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

2:31
Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

2:32
Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

1:53
Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:29
Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

0:44
Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

1:03
Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

0:22
Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

0:23
3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:54
Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!