Area 11L (South Orange County)

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2021 Spring Return To Play Guidance

COACH Guidance

Follow all Return to Play protocols.
Coaches should send pre-training communications to families ensuring that only healthy participants attend.
Inquire how athletes are feeling. If they are not feeling well, send them home.
Ensure all athletes have their individual equipment (ball, water, shin guards, etc.).
The Coach is the only person to place/pick-up/touch cones, discs, or training equipment; do not allow parents or attendees to assist.
Coaches should maintain social distancing requirements from players and family members.
Wearing a face mask is recommended for the duration of the practice.
Ensure drills/exercises provide for adequate social distancing.
Utilize fitness and technique in isolation exercises, grid work, and spatial awareness to limit physical contact between players.
Ensure that training vests/pinnies are disinfected after each use.
Wash/sanitize hands on arrival, mid-way, and at the end of each training session.
No physical greeting of players (verbal acknowledgement is expected).
Respect players, parents, and families by accommodating those that may not yet be comfortable with returning.
Adhere to AYSO Safe Haven guidelines.
Serve as focal point, or designate the Team Parent/Manager, for notification from team families if a family member becomes ill with COVID-19, tests positive for COVID-19, or comes in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Complete and submit AYSO’s Incident Report Form to the Region Safety Director immediately, including team roster.
Stay positive and create a fun environment in this new normal.

PARENT Guidance

If you are not comfortable with your child returning to play, DON'T. You are the only one who will make the decision when your child returns to play.
Ensure your child is healthy. Check your child's temperature before coming to any training session (above 100.4 - do not attend).
Limit the use of carpools or van pools, and limit passengers to household members.
Ensure child's clothing is washed after every training session.
Ensure all equipment (shoes, ball, shin guards, etc.) are sanitized before and after every training.
Notify your child's coach immediately if your child or family member becomes ill for any reason.
Supply your child with individual sanitizer.
Ensure your child has plenty of water.
Adhere to social distancing requirements, based on state and local health requirements and as requested by your coach or AYSO officials.
Do not assist coach with equipment before or after training.
Check Region and Coach communication regularly.
Face masks are recommended.

PLAYER Guidance

If you are not comfortable with returning to play, DON'T
Adhere to all Return to Play protocols
Inform your parent or coach if you are not felling well.
Wash hands thoroughly before and after training.
Wash and sanitize training equipment (shoes, shin guards, clothing, ball, etc.) after each training session.
Do not share water, food, or equipment.
Respect and practice social distancing.
Bring and use your own labeled hand sanitizer at every session.
Place equipment, bags, etc. at least 6 feet apart.
No high fives, handshakes, knuckles, or group celebrations.

Officials Guidance

Pre-game:

Prior to arrival, wash hands with soap or alcohol-based solution for at least 20 seconds.
Arrival in full uniform is recommended.
Maintain six (6) foot distance from players, coaches, spectators and referee team for all administrative procedures.
Mask is recommended for pre-game duties.
No handshakes with coaches, players, or spectators.
Coin toss options (modified):
- One player from each team; center official; no handshakes; physical distancing.
- No coin toss. Home team selects the half of the field. Away team will take kick-off.

During play

Masks are not required for referees during active play.
Assistant referees are recommended to wear breathable face coverings unless wearing a mask causes breathing problems.
Referees are recommended to stay a minimum of six (6) feet away from players, coaches, spectators, and the referee team during dynamic play and stationary play at all times.
Avoid spitting.
Cough into your elbow.
Do not share whistles or, if possible, any other referee equipment.
If not feeling well during the game at any time, go home immediately.

Post-game:

After the game, applaud the players and coaches, but handshakes are not permitted; fist bumps/elbow bumps are not recommended.
If shared, wipe down the handles of flags with an alcohol-based rub or wash with soap and water.
Upon completion of the match, wash hands with soap or alcohol-based solution for at least 20 seconds.

General Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers recommendations on how members of the public can limit the spread of the coronavirus. They currently include:

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and exercise equipment (including balls).
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
Stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Stay at home if you are sick.

Region Guidance

Sanction practices only when official parks and fields become available by local authority.
Schedule practices with ample space for player distancing.
Have an action plan in place, in case of notification of a positive test result.
Maintain participant confidentiality regarding health status.
Train and educate all staff on Return to Play protocols.
Provide coaches with a detailed explanation and training on these recommendations.
Adhere to AYSO Safe Haven guidelines.
Provide physical guides, such as signs and tape on playing fields, to help coaches and players remain at least 6 feet apart.
Communicate drop off, waiting and pick up protocols for parents to facilitate appropriate social distancing while providing for the safety of all participants.
Face masks recommended for coaches, referees and volunteers.
Support coaches with fitness and technique in isolation exercises, grid work and spatial awareness.
Be sensitive and accommodating to parents who may be uncomfortable with returning to play at this time.
Create a communication plan/pathway for parents to communicate their concerns or questions with Regional leadership.