Youth sports ramping back up with new guidelines, but some without spectators

BOSTON — Summer and baseball go hand-in-hand in New England.

Phase 3 in Massachusetts has brought a bit of normalcy back.

Youth sports are able to ramp up again with new guidelines and procedures during the pandemic.

One rule in the latest Phase 3 rules has some parents upset.

Under the Phase 3 guidelines when it comes to competitions and tournaments, there are no spectators allowed for sports and activities played by individuals 18 or older.

“The last sentence…says those players 18 and older are not allowed spectators present, which just seemed completely arbitrary and was shocking and I don’t understand the reasoning behind that,” said mom Pam Lucas.

Lucas’ son just turned 18, he has a tournament this weekend.

Organizers are following the rules laid out by the state.

“The most important piece is our sons are playing again, which is fantastic…however, it’s unreasonable to say we can’t watch. I don’t fault the organizers or the clubs for saying listen – we have to follow these rules,” said Lucas.

Boston 25 News asked Governor Baker about that Wednesday.

“I get how important this stuff is. I also recognize and appreciate the fact that caution with respect to COVID is – especially when you talk about summer guidance and going back to school in the fall – its an important element in how you make these calls,” said Governor Baker.

“This is step 1 of Phase 3 we will continue to look at the data and see if there is a step 2 that can be added this summer,” said Lt. Governor Polito.

Lucas says she will follow the rules and not attend her son’s game, as tough as it will be.

“I don’t understand the delineation why an 18-year-old cannot have spectators present…it simply doesn’t make sense,” said Lucas.

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