All,

 

Below are a set of links for the COVID restart guidelines in general terms for restarting practice and play for Little League. REMEMBER PLAYER SAFETY IS ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE!!!! DO NOT DO THINGS YOU KNOW WILL ENDANGER YOUR PLAYERS HEALTH! FOLLOW THE LOCAL GUIDELINES.

 

Some of this is a combination of LL resources and state of Washington information.

 

FIRST AND FOREMOST this plan should be refined for your local health authorities, and people who control your fields… like the school district, municipality, and whatever.

You should take this material, put it in a binder, and present the plan and EXPECT that the authority will approve (go in with a positive attitude). Nothing is guaranteed right now because the policy and the “phase” approach is all over the map. So you have to be cognizant of your local area issues.

 

Get their permission prior to starting anything. NEXT Make sure you have a liability waiver in place. Show the governing authority this waiver.

Here is a sample waiver suggested by someone that works with Little League. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE BY MY OR ANY OTHER PARTY AND IS UP TO EACH LEAGUE TO VET AND APPROVE FOR THEIR PURPOSES:

 

https://www.sadlersports.com/sample-waiver-release-communicable-diseases-including-covid-19/ 

 

In Washington State These guidelines are being used by the WYSO

 

https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/washington-youth-soccer-return-to-play-guidelines/

 

and although this is not any thing other than a reference point- here is the plan promoted by Mercer Island Little League

 

https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/mercer-island-wash-ll-return-to-play-plan/

 

and here is a better one in my opinion:

 

https://www.northshorell.com/Default.aspx?tabid=816814

 

SO – to begin with there is a link on the Little League website:

 

https://www.littleleague.org/player-safety/coronavirus-update/season-resumption-guide/best-practices/organizing-playing-watching-games/facility-fan-and-administrative-guidance/

 

This describes how to construct a policy statement and follow CDC guidelines for reopening for practice and play.

 

  1. Study this carefully and make a policy manual of your own.
  2. Next assign someone to be the COVID compliance officer – this person will be responsible for implementing and monitoring the policies established by the CDC/ State/League
  3. Send a message formally to all players’ families that will be participating stating that there are COVID rules in place for play and practice and that anyone wishing to participate must follow all published guidelines. Failure to do so will require the league to suspend the player and family from practices and play.
  4. Publish the guidelines clearly and simply.
  5. Read this link ENTIRELY to develop your “plan” - https://www.sadlersports.com/coronavirus-risk-management-in-sports/

 

 

There are some GREAT TIPS in the above link from Sadler… READ THAT POSTING THOROUGHLY and present it to the folks that control your fields…and your parents.

 

Some key points to include in your COVID rules (if you don’t get anything from the above posting --)

 

  1. NO ONE other than players and coaches at practices/games on the field
  2. All spectators must wear masks until the requirement is lifted by the State
  3. Social Distance at all times when in the stands or watching play and practice
  4. Have an attendance log, temperature scan at the start of the game or practice. Log it in an official log. Ask the question, do you have or have been in contact with anyone in the last 48 hours that has had COVID symptoms…
  5. Arrive no earlier than 40 minutes to practices and 1 hour for games. Social distance at ALL times
  6. Provide hand sanitizer for players and coaches. Keep some at the concession stand for games.
  7. Families should NOT mingle until such time as social distancing is not required.

 

And see the rest in the posting from Sadler --- it’s a great resource.

 

Right now, because of the size of the districts, we have towns and leagues in different phases or modes of operation. In Spokane, dance classes for kids are being held indoors and in person now… so long as guidelines are being met. In District 5, down in southern Washington, many teams are starting to practice. As an example, so long as there are not more than 5 players in a group, batting cage time is OK… so long as players wear masks and social distance when practicing in the cage. This goes the same for pitching lanes. BUT this may not be the case in your area. Talk with those in charge of the health services in your community, and press them for waivers, showing them the plan you have to keep the kids safe.

 

Each league will have to assess it’s own situation. I will help where I can if you send me specifics, or give me a call…

 

Let’s get this season started! Do it safely, get the kids playing, and lets start making a difference in our communities.

 

 

Regards

 

JP

DA Washington LL

Dist 5/13