12.18.2020 – Once the state public health leaders announced updated guidelines on youth and adult recreational sports, the California Interscholastic Federation, which governs 10 sections, including the Central Coast Section issued a plan for return to play.

While we await when students can return to the classrooms and playing fields, Menlo will abide by the directive of the state and San Mateo County public health officials. All return-to-play plans are tentative.

We are on hold at least until 1.4.21 when the California Department of Public Health plans to release information and status. Practices may begin at the earliest 1.16.2021 and competition on 1.25.2021, but we will notify the community as soon as possible if there are changes to the plans. CIF and CCS will continue to work with state and local health officials to try to get high school student-athletes back on the playing fields safely.

Return to play 

The CIF office and CDPH office have created the following information that is directly related to high school sports to help clarify this guidance.

CIF Sports COVID-19 Tiers - The California Interscholastic Federation announced a proposed plan for the return of education-based athletics, which includes details on sports allowed in specific tiers. This document illustrates the colored tier of each county in the state of California, along with the sports that are currently allowed in each tier. This document may be updated weekly by CIF.
CIF All Sports Guidelines – Specific health and safety protocols created for each sport.
The California Department of Public Health released guidance on Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Recreational Sports. 

Key Dates

1.4.2021 – The California Department of Public Health is expected to release updated guidelines on youth sports. It is possible that the 1.25.2021 date to return to competition for Season 1 could change.
1.14.2021 –The CCS Executive Committee will meet to discuss a variety of issues including Section Playoffs for Season 1 and the sports calendar.
1.15.2021 – Last day for “Summer” Conditioning (tentative)
1.16.2021 – First day of Season 1 practice (tentative)
1.19.2021 – The plan for Season 1 CCS Section Playoffs will be announced via press release.

Menlo School Athletics will begin offering virtual team conditioning sessions beginning 1.4.2021, in accordance with the recent stay-at-home order. We will release details on tryout dates, start dates and other team plans at the start of the new year, and as information from the state and county becomes available.