State officials expected to release guidelines allowing opening of high school sports camps

Davidson Field, the home of the Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor football teams. The press box is named in honor of former Daily Pilot sports editor Roger Carlson. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Orange County high school athletic officials, coaches and athletes are expected to receive guidelines Monday afternoon for the potential start up of athletic camps about three months after sports were put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

State officials indicated Friday that schools could open and high school camps could start later this week if they met the required criteria and followed guidelines.

Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of instruction, said Friday he would announce on Monday the California Department of Education’s document, which will have guidelines and provide recommendations for schools as they work with their local public health officials and communities on the next steps, according to a release from the state.

Officials with Newport Mesa Unified School District last week indicated that high school sports for the summer had been cancelled. But athletic directors in the district will meet Tuesday to discuss the matter, according to Estancia Athletic Director Nate Goellrich.

“In regard to the NMUSD (ruling) of last week, we expect an edit from the district after a series of meetings this coming Tuesday,” CdM football coach Dan O’Shea said Sunday. “In addition, we were thrilled with the announcement from the governor on Friday ….. fingers crossed for a football re-start. Best case scenario we would start on July 6 in whatever modified format that is healthy and follows county guidelines.”

The press conference is expected to address safety guidelines which will be in place including social distancing and face coverings during camps, which helps teams prepare for the fall season.

The question of when the fall sports season will start remains up in the air. Most football teams in Orange County are scheduled to start the season on Friday, Aug. 21. CIF Southern Section commissioner Rob Wigod has said all options are on the table.

Irvine Unified School District Athletic Director Mark Cunningham, who is also an assistant football coach at CdM, said Irvine officials will wait until the press conference to confirm whether the summer camps, scheduled to start Monday, June 22, can go on as scheduled and if they do, implement required safeguards.

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