USYL COVID-19 RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL

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

MANDATES FOR ATHLETES

• Must sign off on a COVID waiver form prior to the season.
• Parents 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.
  
• Hand sanitizer will be available at the table to use prior to the game, halftime and after the game.
• Bring a personal water bottle which MUST be labeled with players name.
• Must not share water bottles
• Must adhere to 3-foot social distancing while on the sidelines.
• Players should also purchase playing gloves if possible. Hand Sanitizer will be available to players to use, especially during timeouts, halftime and substitute.

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 3-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 3-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 3-foot social distancing practices.
• Must wear facing coverings when close to a player.
• 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.
• 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 3ft away. This is going to be an adjustment for us all so all coaches’ parents etc. must show good sportsmanship and patience. Arguing judgment 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.
• No after game team huddle
• Avoid post-play socializing.
• Leave the field as soon as reasonably possible.

We want to be safe and make sure it's safe. We want to make sure our kids are ready to return to be active, socializing with others, and having fun again.