AREA G Pandemic Safety Guidelines (9SEP20)

We want to assure everyone that we are continuing to work on creating the safest Fall season possible for all of our AYSO players.  Working with state and MSHAA, these suggested guidelines have been put together so that ALL regions within Area G can return to play.  These guidelines are subject to change as guidelines from the state and MSHAA are relaxed or become more stringent.  As always, the safety of our players is of the utmost importance.

Today, September 9, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-180 requiring facemasks to be worn at all times during practices and competition.  Meaning, facemasks must be worn during play on fields.

 MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING IS REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE!!

Practices:

• Upon arrival, all players are required to wear masks and to continue wearing them at all times.
• Players will be required to answer 6 health screening questions (see below) and have a thermal scan (no higher than 100.3°) upon their arrival to practice. They must be cleared by the coach before they can participate in practice.
  • The 6 health screening questions are:
    • Any signs of fever within the last 48 hours?
    • Any coughing?
    • Any sore throat?
    • Any trouble breathing?
    • Any loss of smell or taste?
    • Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 21 days who have tested Covid positive?
• Players will need to sanitize their hands at beginning of practice and at end of practice.  If practice is more than ½ hour, they will need to take a sanitizing break every 30 minutes at a minimum.
• Parents and siblings are not allowed within 10 feet of the practice field, and must social distance from each other while waiting.  It is recommended that they wait in their car.
• Coaches must wear masks at all times.
• All shared equipment needs to be sanitized prior to practice and as often as the players take a sanitizing break.
• Coaches are to plan practices and drills with social distancing in mind.
• If anyone at home is not feeling well, the player is to remain at home.
• If anyone at home has tested positive for Covid-19, no member of the family (including the player) may participate in any AYSO function for 14 days.
  
  

Game Day:

• Upon arrival, all players, spectators, and volunteers are required to wear a facemask.
• Because of a limit of people allowed at events, we recommend that players be accompanied by no more than 2 spectators.
• The player’s guardian is to accompany the player to the check point where player and spectator will need to answer 6 health screening questions (see below), and have a thermal scan.  Anyone with temperatures of 100.3° or higher, or anyone with unsatisfactory answers on the questionnaire will be asked to return home.
  • The 6 health screening questions are:
    • Any signs of fever within the last 48 hours?
    • Any coughing?
    • Any sore throat?
    • Any trouble breathing?
    • Any loss of smell or taste?
    • Have you been in contact with anyone in the last 21 days who have tested Covid positive?
• Players will receive some sort of verification (like a stamp or mark on the back of their hand) to show their coach and the game referee that they have cleared the checkpoint and are set to play for the day (the referee, when available, will double check to ensure all players have this verification during pre-game check).  Any player who has not cleared the checkpoint will be asked to return to the checkpoint for clearance to play, or leave the field.
• Players beverages are to be clearly marked with their name and are not to be shared.
• Spectators are required to wear a facemask, and to remain at least 6 feet from the field of play at all times.  Some regions may paint a line indicating the distance.
• Spectators are expected to maintain social distancing at all times.
• Many regions will be converting to the use of porta-potties, so it is suggested that everyone use the facilities at home before leaving for the fields.
• Concessions may not be open.  Feel free to bring a snack for your player, but only your player.
• If anyone at home is not feeling well, the player is to remain at home.
• If anyone at home has tested positive for Covid-19, no member of the family (including the player) may participate in any AYSO function for 14 days.

During Game Play:

• During the game, all players, coaches, game officials and spectators are required to continue wearing a mask.
• All players on the sideline will be required to wear their mask.
• Coaches will need to ensure players on the sideline are social distancing.
• All equipment is to be sanitized by the referee (or coach if no referee is available) prior to the start of the game, and during each player break.
• All players are to have their hands sanitized prior to the game, during each game break, and at the end of each game.
• Keeper gloves are NOT to be shared.It is suggested that players names be placed on gloves so that only that player uses the gloves during the season.
• Keeper jerseys or vests are NOT to be shared.It is suggested that players names be placed on jerseys or vests so that only that player uses them during the season.
• Referees will have players ”Circle-up” for pre-game check instead of lining up. This will allow for better social distancing and ensure that all players are actively listening to game instructions.
• Referees will be checking to ensure players have cleared the checkpoint and are allowed to play, along with checking their cleats, shin-pads, etc.
• Players are not to shake hands with the opposing team at the end of each game. Instead, it will be up to each team to come up with an idea as to how their team will show good sportsmanship at the end of game (coaches are encouraged to ask the players for help with this.  The players can have fun with this.  Contact cannot be involved, and they must follow social distancing guidelines).
• 8U and younger will use kick-ins versus throw-ins to limit contact.
• If anyone at home is not feeling well, the player is to remain at home.
• If anyone at home has tested positive for Covid-19, no member of the family (including the player) may participate in any AYSO function for 14 days.