By Michael LEVITSKY

The state office of the California Interscholastic Federation – CIF – released an updated map detailing guidelines in order for student athletes to return to competition in different tiers, by county across the state, as authorized by the California Dept. of Public Health. Also shown is which sports are divided into Season 1 (winter) and Season 2 (spring) and which sports will be able to proceed with competition depending on their tier.

As of Jan. 5, Los Angeles County is still in the “widespread tier,” along with nearly every other county in the state except four, as California continues to struggle with COVID-19 cases. As it stands now, only cross-country, track and field, golf, tennis, swimming and diving, and snowboarding and skiing would be allowed to resume competition.

Physical conditioning and skill-building practices with social distancing and within stable cohorts is still allowed to continue for all sports. Competition between two teams will not be allowed until as early Jan. 25 at the earliest, according to the CDPH.

CIF-Southern Section commissioner Rob Wigod is scheduled to make an announcement on Jan. 19 on the next steps needed to be taken to resume Season 1 (fall sports). The schedule for spring sports remains unchanged under the assumption restrictions will be loosened as it is hoped the severity of the virus lessens. Glendale Community College has already canceled all fall sports for the remainder of the school year, and speculation is growing among some that high school sports may face the same fate.

Fifty-four of 58 California counties remain in the “widespread” tier, leaving many sports unable to resume competition.