CIF won’t penalize football teams who played game but reiterates state guidelines

High school football season throughout the state is currently on hold. (File photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Following confirmation that four teams, including two from Orange County, played last weekend, CIF officials said penalties will not be assessed against the OC teams but made it clear that all high school competition, in accordance with regulations set by the California Department of Public Health, is prohibited.

Current CDPH guidelines state that competition for any sport cannot be held until at least Jan. 25 and that the current stay at home order due to the coronavirus pandemic must be lifted for that to happen. Teams are still allowed to go through conditioning drills.

CIF Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod addressed the issue Tuesday at a press conference. Also Tuesday, state officials warned all member schools to follow the guidelines or face penalties.

“We had confirmation that we had four member schools that played football contests last weekend,” Wigod said during the press conference. “I have had the opportunity to speak to the principals of all four member schools today …. so we’re continuing to work with them and get as much information as possible before making any ultimate determinations.”

Wigod announced his findings Wednesday and said that two Orange County teams will not be penalized. He did not mention the schools involved, but The Orange County Register/OC Varsity reported this week that the OC teams were Capistrano Valley Christian and Calvary Chapel Santa Ana, who played on Saturday.

“We have completed gathering the facts related to this situation, which included direct conversations with the principals and/or athletic directors at both schools,” Wigod said in a statement. “I believe they completely understand the relevant bylaws that are involved and I am confident that this will not happen again.

“Yesterday, the CIF state office issued a directive to the approximately 1,600 member high schools in the state of California further clarifying the elements of return to play contained in the Guidelines for Youth Sports developed by the California Department of Public Health, along with emphasizing the provisions contained in CIF Bylaw 22, conditions of membership, and how those apply to all member schools in our state. Therefore, as a result of these recent developments, we now consider this a closed matter.”

Capo Valley Christian Athletic Director and football coach Eric Preszler told OC Sports Zone in an Email that “At this time, we don’t have a comment.” Calvary Chapel Athletic Director Jon Hughes had not provided a response as of Wednesday night.

Wigod did not indicate in his statement Wednesday if any penalties would be assessed against the other two teams who played football games.

The memo from the CIF state office on Tuesday, said in part:

“The CIF takes this role and responsibility seriously. As  such, the CIF Federated Council, which represents the 1,605 school membership of the CIF, has enacted mandatory rules regulating the conduct of interscholastic competition.  

“The CIF and its Sections are bound by the orders, regulations and guidance of the Governor’s Office,  CDPH and the California Department of Education. The CIF and its Sections require and expect all of its member leagues, school districts, and schools to comply with the orders, regulations, and  guidance of the Governor’s Office, CDPH, and CDE.”

The memo noted that most schools have complied to the rules but added:

:” ….. The CIF has recently become aware that several member schools have competed in  interscholastic contests in contravention of the guidance of the CDPH and CIF rules. Any school  determined to have participated in or to be conducting interscholastic athletics events in violation of the state’s orders or CIF rules may be subject to CIF Article 22 sanctions including, but not limited to, fines,  suspension or dismissal from membership.” 

CIF Southern Section officials provided the latest update Tuesday and said that post-season championship events had been cancelled for football, boys and girls water polo, girls volleyball and boys and girls cross country have been cancelled but they are still hopeful that regular season and league contests can be played.

Counties must be in specific tiers in order for sports to happen. Football, while scheduled to start in March under the CIF plan, is currently in the moderate orange tier, which is two tiers below the current purple tier, the most restrictive.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com