Any other So Cal high school cross country coaches have races this weekend where there are clear plans on whether the runners are racing with or without masks?
California has been one of the last states to allow high school cross country races this academic year. The first races were finally permitted in early February. When CIF-Southern Section issued COVID protocols in late January they clearly said that masks were to be worn by cross country athletes "other than when engaged in competition." In other words, CIF said masks were not required during the race.
A couple days ago on February 16, L.A. County Dept of Public Health released a "Protocol for Youth and Adult Recreational Sports Leagues" that states:
"All participants, coaches, support staff, family members and visitors are required to wear an appropriate mask that covers the nose and the mouth at all times, except while swimming, showering, eating/drinking, or engaging in solo physical exertion (such as jogging by one’s self)."
We have our first cross country meet of the year this Saturday and our A.D. says the runners will have to race in masks, as LA County DPH takes precedence over CIF. This would be killer for the kids to wear masks during a 3-mile race. Any other So Cal coaches have races this weekend where there are clear plans on whether the runners are racing with or without masks?