'Out of time,' youth sports cancel remainder of season

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the earliest youth sports leagues will resume is the fall. File photo

As individuals and groups continue to react to the ever-changing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the status of youth team sports remains uncertain.

Both youth baseball leagues in Menifee announced in the last week that they will not resume their seasons, which were interrupted shortly after they began in March because of state and county health guidelines. Although large rallies and protests have been held throughout the state, large public gatherings are still technically prohibited – including youth team sports.

Menifee Valley Little League announced on its Facebook page Friday that it “has made the difficult decision to cancel our spring season. We appreciate all the support we have received along with everyone’s patience while the season was suspended. With COVID cases on the rise and youth sports still not being allowing to resume, we really had no choice.”

MVLL President Matt Stone explained the decision in an email to Menifee 24/7.

“All of us at MVLL are really disappointed that youth sports has not been given the green light to start back up, but we also understand the county is doing what they believe is best for everyone,” Stone wrote. “We have tried to hold off cancelling our spring season as long as possible, but we feel like after June 19, there just isn't enough time to effectively complete the games necessary for a season.

“We are holding out hope for a fall ball season, but we will see what happens in the next couple of months. MVLL sent out a survey about a month ago to try to get a feel of what our families thought about playing and a big majority of them said they are ready to play as soon as the county says it is safe.”

Menifee Pony Baseball made a similar announcement on its Facebook page June 12.

“This was an extremely difficult decision because we all love baseball,” the announcement read. “We all want to see our children and spectators back on the field and into the stands. Our first priority is the health and safety of our players, coaches, and the community.

“The current restrictions introduced to us through the County of Riverside and the City of Menifee have not changed and we are running out of time. In their latest update, and actually the first to specifically mention youth sports at all, youth sports is 'still not allowed to reopen or take place.'"

Both leagues are releasing information to parents about refunds.

The status of the fall season for high school sports also remains uncertain. In a news release this week, CIF Southern Section Commissioner Rob Wigod said an announcement by the CIF State office likely wouldn’t be made before July 20. Wigod earlier told Menifee 24/7 it is possible that the start of the fall season for football and other sports could be pushed back.

High school sports won’t resume until after high school academic programs have begun and local school districts consider it safe to do so, Wigod said.