By Ray Hamill — California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered some disheartening news to the “Let Them Play CA” movement on Thursday night, when he released a statement saying that any updated decisions on youth sports have been pushed back for two weeks.

The news comes just days after Newsom hinted a decision was imminent and it has been described by “Let Them Play” advocates as coming “completely out of left field.”

It had been widely believed that a compromise was just days away after Newsom suggested earlier in the week he would provide more specifics within a matter of days.

As the controversy continues, a growing number of California student athletes are leaving the state every weekend to compete in tournaments in Arizona and other nearby states that are allowing youth sports.

Time is of the essence for some sports, most notably football, which must allow enough recovery time for young athletes between a spring and fall season.

The state would need to be cleared to play by the beginning of March — barely more than two weeks away — to allow enough time to complete a minimal five-game season before the mandated end date of April 17.

“Let Them Play” officials have another meeting scheduled with state officials today and have told reporters they will be looking for an explanation from the Governor in regard to the timeline.

California remains one of just a handful of states not currently permitting most youth sports, with just a few low-contact outdoor sports allowed.

According to multiple reports and the “Let Them Play” movement, there has been no substantial rise in COVID cases from youth sports in any of the states that have been competing over the past several months and the data suggests an immediate and full return can be done safely.

The majority of youth sports in California have now been shut down for the past 11 months.