Hello Duxbury Youth Soccer Families,
As we embark on a new and exciting season of Youth Soccer, we wanted to share some COVID guidelines that have just come out from Massachusetts Youth Soccer.
Duxbury and Massachusetts Youth Soccer remains dedicated to protecting the health of all people in and outside of our community. In an effort to assist players, coaches, parents, officials and administrators participating in soccer activities taking place during the “new normal”, Massachusetts Youth Soccer has put together recommended procedures for members and affiliates to use.
Given the current trajectory of the pandemic, these guidelines are subject to change from time to time based on updates to the CDC and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines. Local municipalities may have additional guidelines in place that will need to be followed.
The information contained in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics images and information are provided for general informational purposes.
General Safety Standards and Best Practices
Facility operators, activity organizers, coaches, players, and parents should continue to implement and follow safety standards to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19 among all members of the soccer community. While sector specific guidance has been removed, the COVID-19 virus is still with us, and we should continue to follow basic safety standards. Some of the mitigation strategies that are recommended include:
• Relevant public health guidelines - including CDC - should be adhered to when attending all soccer activities.
• All waste should be placed by the respective player, coach, or spectator in the trash receptacle. Nothing should be picked up by anybody other than the originator of the waste.
• Participants and spectators should only drink from their own container.
MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION COACHES & ADMINISTRATORS
• All coaches and other administrators interacting with players are recommended to wear face coverings for all soccer activities.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Do not allow shared team snacks.
• No group celebrations, hugs, handshakes, fist bumps etc.
PLAYERS
• Currently, players are not required to wear face coverings for all outdoor soccer activities. Face coverings may be worn at the discretion of the adult (18 and 19 years old) player or the minor (17 years old and younger) player’s parent/guardian.
• Players should maintain social distancing when not actively playing and while on the sidelines.
• CDC recommendations regarding vaccinations and protection should be followed for non-outdoor soccer activities.
• Players should arrive dressed for soccer activities and leave immediately after.
• Players should have all of their personal equipment (ball, water bottle, GK gloves, etc.)
• Players should keep their personal belongings in their personal space. Sharing of personal equipment (e.g., shin guards, GK gloves, uniforms) is not permitted.
• Players may be assigned a pinnie for use during practices or games. Pinnies should not be shared and properly washed/sanitized after every use.
• Players should practice proper hygiene during soccer activities. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or sleeves, do not use hands. Do not touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands.
• Carpooling should be avoided. In the event that transportation of a non-family member becomes necessary, all parties in the vehicle should wear a face covering and have external air circulation in the vehicle (open window).
SPECTATORS
• CDC/Public Health recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated spectators should be followed.
• Masks are recommended to be worn per the CDC Mask recommendations
• Spectators should allow for at least six feet of social distancing between family units when entering, sitting, and leaving.
AT THE FIELD
• Regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, handrails,
sinks, faucets, toilet handles, and drinking fountains.
• Port-o-Potties will be available and will be cleaned in accordance with CDC/ public health guidance and best practices.
• Any equipment provided at the end of each match or session will be cleaned.
• Alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will be available in common areas for
proper hand sanitization.
DYSA COVID CONTACTS
Kait Leahy – covid@duxburyyouthsoccer.org
Kellie Sullivan – registrar@duxburyyouthsoccer.org
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A CASE?
If a player or coach tests positive for COVID-19, all team activities shall be halted only until the local department of health is contacted for further direction. If a player or coach is contact traced and identified as a close contact in a setting other than a soccer related event, this should be reported to the COVID-19 Safety Officers by the coach or the player’s parent/guardian. The player/coach is to follow the quarantine process provided to them by the DPH and/or by the school nurse. A player can return to soccer activities on the return date issued by DPH or their school. If the date is provided by the school, a player should return to soccer on the same day they can return to school and under the same guidelines. The remainder of the team can continue to practice as normal. Massachusetts Youth Soccer does not need to be notified in this case.
If at any time during their quarantine period, any member of the team (including coach or staff) tests positive for COVID-19, the Safety officer should be notified. Timelines will be reported and discussed by the Safety Officer with the DPH at that time. Notification of the team and any opposing team will be based on recommendations by the DPH in accordance with current CDC recommendations. If the team is asked to quarantine, reporting procedures as outlined in the Notification section of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Website should be followed. Massachusetts Youth Soccer should be notified of the positive case.
Member organizations should be prepared to shut down and stop operations if instructed to do so by the local Board of Health. Develop plans for temporary closure of facilities (indoor, outdoor) to properly disinfect and ensure other adult leaders are not infected.
MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION HEALTH ASSESSMENT
All participants (players, coaches, spectators, staff) should ensure that they complete a health assessment prior to participating in any soccer activities. This health assessment should consist of the following:
• Ensure the participants health. Take one’s temperature daily. The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Some studies have shown that the “normal” body temperature can have a wider range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) most often means you have a fever caused by an infection or illness.
• If there are any symptoms, even mild ones, do not attend practice or a game. Public health urges you to stay home and isolate until:
o You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine), AND other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved, AND
o At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you are unvaccinated and anyone in your household or that you have had close contact with (within six feet for approximately 15 minutes over a 24 hour period) displays symptoms, you should self-quarantine based on current CDC guidelines, The Commonwealth of MA, and direction from your local Board of Health.
Notify your soccer organization immediately if your child has become sick.
Disclaimer:
Participants, parents, family, and spectators taking part in soccer and soccer related activities do so with the knowledge of risk and potential exposure involved. In doing so they agree to accept any and all inherent risks to their personal health.