RETURN TO PLAY
As we enter an uncertain time, we are going to be fluid with our Return To Play Protocols. Decisions made today may not be same as tomorrow. Please refer back to this document often. We have used many sources in coming up with our Return To Play recommendations, including but not limited to local high school athletic association guidelines, the Aspen Institute, the Play Sports Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and NFL FLAG recommendations.
(please scroll down to see all guidelines)
MANDATES FOR ATHLETES
· Must sign off on a COVID waiver.
· Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation) on their participant(s). Anyone that is experiencing symptoms, a temperature of 100.3 or above, or has come into contact with someone who is sick must stay home.
· Wash your hands with soap and water and bring personal use hand sanitizer to the fields.
· Bring a personal water bottle which MUST be labeled with players name.
· Must not share water bottles
· Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing while on the sidelines.
· Players are highly encouraged to not touch their mouth guard once it has been placed in their mouth and to sanitize their hands after it has been touched.
· No touch rule – players should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, officials, and fans. A “round of applause” can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.
MANDATES FOR SPECTATORS
· Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation). Anyone that is experiencing symptoms, a temperature of 100.3 or above, or has come into contact with someone who is sick must stay home.
· Must not enter player areas during including both practices and games.
· Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices. This includes in and around bleachers for anyone not in the same family. Please use judgment when bring senior citizens and others with health issues to the games.
· Must keep 10-feet or more distance from the sideline in locations without bleachers.
· Face coverings are recommended at all times.
· We will limit the number of spectators at the venue by strongly recommending only two spectators per player be in attendance, if possible.
· Avoid post play socializing.
· Leave the field as soon as reasonably possible.
MANDATES FOR COACHES
· Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices.
· Must wear facing coverings at all times.
· Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation). Anyone that is experiencing symptoms, a temperature of 100.3 or above, or has come into contact with someone who is sick must stay home.
· There will be no coin toss. The home team will begin with ball possession and the away team will begin with ball possession after half time.
· No touch rule – coaches should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, officials, and fans. A “round of applause” can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.
· No coaches will be allowed on the field to disagree or argue a call. Coaches must call the referee to their sideline with all questions and remain 6ft away. This is going to be an adjustment for us all so all coaches’ parents etc. must show good sportsmanship and patience. Arguing judgement calls will not be tolerated. The referees are going to do the best they can. For the safety of all we will not allow aggressive arguing with any referee.
· Must ensure that players are following COVID-19 -related prevention measures included herein.
· Teams must be on opposite sides of the field.
· All teams must use their own balls and keep them clean in between possessions (wiping them down with a Clorox wipe).
· Game cards will not be signed. The coaches should confirm the score verbally with the official at the end of the game.
· No team snacks/drinks
· No after game team huddle
· Avoid post play socializing.
· Leave the field as soon as reasonably possible.
MANDATES FOR OFFICIALS
· Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation). Anyone that is experiencing symptoms, a temperature of 100.3 or above, or has come into contact with someone who is sick must stay home.
· Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices when interacting with players, coaches, and spectators off the field of play.
· Wear face coverings at all times.
· Only officials are to touch the pucks.
· Must avoid exchanging documents or equipment with players, coaches, or spectators.
· There will be no coin toss. The home team will begin with ball possession and the away team will begin with ball possession after half time.
MANDATES FOR STAFF
· Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation). Anyone that is experiencing symptoms, a temperature of 100.3 or above, or has come into contact with someone who is sick must stay home.
· Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices when interacting with players, coaches, and spectators off the field of play.
· Wear face coverings at all times.
· Hand sanitizer will be provided at the directors booth
· Must disinfect the pucks after touching them and prior to giving them to officials.
· Must collect the game scores verbally from the officials at the end of each game and record them for the weekend review. Blank ref cards may be provided to the officials for score tracking but they must remain with the official.
This information is subject to change as state and local requirements change.