Why are tennis tournaments being scheduled in Southern California during a pandemic?

Well, many of you know that I play a lot of tennis - well, I used to anyway, until the COVID-19 pandemic struck. I live in California, and, like many of you in other states, our Governor has issued certain Stay-at-home orders in conjunction with the State Public Health Director. These orders have the force of law - despite what many others may claim.

Photo Credit: ©K.C. & F.J. Maccioli

The basic point of a Stay-at-home order during a pandemic is to limit contact with people outside of one's home. To limit interactions with people with whom you do not live in order to minimize the chance that one might become infected or infect someone else. 

Although we are not confined to our homes - we can shop for food, clothing, gasoline, repairs, etc. - certain other activities are restricted.

In California, there are restrictions on Outdoor Recreation. Those restrictions require that we maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet AND restrict our recreational activities to members of our own household. 

Subsequent to that order, California issued more specific requirements for Outdoor Recreation as things began to open up more. Those requirements also say that court sports must be limited to members of one's own household: "...Most organized activities and sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and football that are held on park fields, open areas, and courts are not permitted to the extent that they require coaches and athletes who are not from the same household or living unit to be in close proximity, which increases their potential for exposure to COVID-19. Members of the same household may engage in such activities and sports together." 

How does one practice social distancing during a competitive doubles match when a shot is hit down the middle?  

Having said that, I find it amazing that the United States Tennis Association (USTA), private tennis clubs, and other organizations are scheduling tennis tournaments and team tennis leagues throughout Southern California. Even if the above restrictions were not in effect, the fact that the rates of infection are still unacceptably high throughout the state should be reason enough to show more caution! These tournaments and leagues include singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as all age groups, including those most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus - those over 65 years old.

I have asked USTA and other organizations to explain how and why they can ignore the requirements in the California Stay-at-home order. 

USTA and some tennis clubs have refused to answer my questions. Others have said that such events are allowed by their local county or city authorities, however, none has provided any evidence that they have specific approval from California to do so.

A county or local ordinance may not be less stringent than California requirements unless California has granted such approval!

I ask again to all organizations planning these events - what the hell are you doing? Infections in many counties of the state are growing. Hospitals are being overwhelmed again.

Who in California's government said that you can do this?

I'm not holding my breath waiting for an answer.