Fall sports competition will be played without fans at host sites in the Yuma Union High School District.

The district issued a release Friday, saying, “With consideration to the health and safety of Yuma Union High School District student-athletes, coaches, and families, the school district will begin athletic competition without fans in attendance. This regulation applies to all YUHSD-hosted events.”

This includes football, volleyball, swimming and diving, golf and cross-country. The schools are Yuma, Cibola, Gila Ridge and Kofa. San Luis, which does not play football, is added to the district for volleyball.

Many school districts in the state are allowing spectators but it will be limited, some of which are allowing for two tickets per participant.

Some schools still are sorting it out.

While the Yuma Union district has developed a comprehensive health and safety plan in close coordination with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and Yuma County health officials, this decision comes out of an abundance of caution due to the rapidly changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement says.

The decision will be re-evaluated by all parties should the situation surrounding the pandemic continue to improve over the course of the season, it says.

“The well-being of our student-athletes and coaches as well as our families and athletic supporters is the most important factor in our decision,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Tim Brienza said in the media release. “It is heartbreaking, especially for those seniors who are entering their final season of competition.

“However, we have a responsibility to the community to lead by example. At this time, hosting events with a large gathering of spectators would unnecessarily put our county at risk for reversing a downward trend of positive cases.”

YUHSD will provide live-streaming for select competition.

Yuma schools began Phase 1 workouts on Aug. 24. This week, workouts increased with students returning to the classroom in limited capacities for in-person learning.

Cross-country and swimming competition starts next week for the YUHSD, with volleyball and football beginning in October.

Every school district will determine if fans are allowed and how many.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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