Full- and close-contact sports can resume in Nevada

CARSON CITY – Full- and close-contact sports for community leagues and associations may resume with appropriate testing and mitigation measures in place under a new directive signed Monday by Gov. Steve Sisolak.

The new rules take effect Tuesday following a re-evaluation by the governor’s medical advisers. It covers sports such as football, rugby, wrestling, cheerleading, basketball, hockey, group dance, group cheer, water polo, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts.

Sports organizations, clubs, associations and leagues must implement a COVID-19 testing and mitigation plan prior to resuming competitions, games, matches, or league play, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Organizers of full-contact sports “are encouraged to work with their local health authority on developing a testing and mitigation plan,” per the statement.

The new guidance doesn’t apply to individuals participating in full-contact sports that are not organized through a recreational league, club, or other association, for example, those playing in a pick-up basketball game.

The ban on full-contact high school sports was lifted in mid-February. Restrictions on non-contact sports were eased last fall after a more than six-month absence due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

Adult, Youth Sports Guidance: March 30 by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Scribd