Tennis, cross country back in action; other sports coming soon

The first sports competition of the school year for Heritage and Paloma Valley high schools was held on Tuesday, with both girls tennis teams in action. The two schools are meeting in a cross country meet today as well.

And according to an announcement on Tuesday by the Riverside County Health Department, competition in moderate- and high-contact sports may soon follow. Sports in counties with COVID-19 case rates of 14 or fewer per 100,000 residents may begin competition, and Riverside County’s rate has now dropped to 16.

It will still be up to the individual schools to determine which additional sports, such as football, may be contested. Heritage and Paloma have already announced tryouts for boys and girls soccer, baseball and softball.

The new guidelines also apply to youth sports and adult recreational sports. Programs must obtain consent from parents of youth on the risks of transmission by participating. In addition, weekly COVID-19 testing for all players and coaches will be required for specific groups, according to a county news release.

Youth sports may be attended by immediate household members, with physical distancing and face coverings required.

The Heritage girls tennis team defeated Beaumont 11-7 on Tuesday. Paloma Valley lost to Temecula Valley.