Inslee issues guidance for reopening sports activities in Phase 2 and 3

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee has released new guidelines for restarting sporting events in Phases 2 and 3 of the "Safe Start" plan to reopen Washington state.

Included in the guidance are professional sporting events, youth leagues and adult recreation team sports, both indoors and outdoors.

Professional sports can resume play in all counties starting June 5 if they meet requirements, regardless of current phase. All professional sports, including back-office operations of up to 50 people -- or based on county-specific number restrictions -- must adopt the following COVID-19 requirements:

Youth sports:

Administrative offices for sports leagues must also follow the requirements for reopening workplaces as outlined by the state.

The new guidelines do not apply to school-sanctioned sports, college athletics or junior hockey.

Each phase of the "Safe Start" plan lasts at least three weeks; counties can apply to move to the next phase if adequate safety and health standards are place. As of Friday afternoon, 26 counties have been approved to move to Phase 2.

King County is currently under a modified Phase 1.