KIYSL COVID-19 Return to Play Guidelines


- Participation in any group activities is only allowed if you have had no signs or symptoms of COVID-19, have not been exposed to someone who has had signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for a minimum period of 14 days before participation.
- If you are not comfortable with returning to play, DON’T. You are the only one who will make the decision when your child returns to play.
- If you are sick or feel sick, STAY HOME. At risk individuals, youth or adult, STAY HOME.
- All participants (coaches, players, and officials) will need to sign a QA county COVID waiver before they can participate.
- If any participants, coaches, parents, or family members show symptoms of and/or test positive for COVID-19, KIYSL must be notified immediately and will notify QAC.
- Parents should screen their kid’s temperature before coming to the fields. Anyone who self-reports a temperature of 100 or more will be sent home and not allowed to participate for a minimum of 14 days, or a negative COVID-19 test result.
- Coaches will be required to screen players by asking two questions about potential exposure to COVID-19 before every practice and game and document the results. Records must be kept and are available to QAC.
- Players will NOT be required to wear a mask while actively participating in practices and games, but may if so desired.
- A designated area that allows for adequate distance per guidelines will be provided for each player and coach to place their equipment, and that they should return to during breaks (no team benches). For the younger divisions (4-5 & 6-7) that area is where each family should sit, and teams will be on opposite sides of the field.
- Coaches should wear masks when within 10 feet of other coaches, players or parents.
- Social distancing should be observed at all times during practices, games and going to/from the fields from the parking lots. Masks will be worn by all players, parents, family members, referees and coaches from the time they leave their vehicle to the time they enter the field.
- Each player must utilize their own equipment including a soccer ball. Only the coach may handle cones, disks, etc.
- No one is to share water, towels, or any personal equipment. This includes, but not limited to sharing of shin guards, tape, hairbands, jersey/uniform, pinnies, etc.
- Each player and coach should sanitize all gear between each training session.
- No group celebrations, high-5s, hugs, handshakes, fist-bumps, etc.
- There will be at least a 30-minute break between games/practices when on the same field. Field locations will be modified to increase space between fields (especially the 4-5 and 6-7 fields on Field E).
- Game & practice times will be staggered to minimize the number of people going to and from the parking lot at a given time.

COACH RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure the health and safety of the participants.
- Inquire how the athletes are feeling. Send home anyone you believe acts or looks ill.
- Follow all state and local health protocols and guidelines. Keep record of
- Ensure all athletes have their own individual equipment (ball, water, bag etc.)
- Ensure coach is the only person to handle equipment (e.g. cones, disk etc.); do not enlist parental or attendee assistance.
- All training should be conducted outdoors and compliant with social or physical distancing per state or local health guidelines.
- Coaches should maintain social distance requirements from players based on state and local health requirements. Wear masks when within 10 feet of other coaches, players or parents.
- Have fun, stay positive.
- The use of scrimmage vests, or pinnies, is not recommended. No huddling of players.
- Spread out training as much as possible. Eliminate lines of players as much as possible.
- Respect players, parents, and families by accommodating those that may not yet be comfortable with returning

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
• If you are not comfortable with 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 and check your child’s temperature before activities with others.
• Consider not carpooling or very limited carpooling.
• Minimize the number of people that attend with the participant to limit interactions and gathering sizes following current state orders.
• Sit at least 20 feet away from the field during practices and games
• Ensure child’s clothing is washed after every training.
• Ensure all equipment (cleats, ball, shin guards etc.) are sanitized before and after every training.
• Notify your coach immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason.
• Do not assist your coach with equipment before or after training.
• Be sure your child has necessary sanitizing products with them at every training.

PLAYERS RESPONSIBILITIES:
• If you are not comfortable with returning to play, DON’T
• Take your temperature daily and especially before activities with others.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after training.
• Bring, and use, hand sanitizer with you at every training.
• Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment, water, food or bags.
• Practice social or physical distancing, place bags and equipment at least 6 feet apart.
• Wash and sanitize all equipment before and after every training.
• No group celebrations, high-5s, hugs, handshakes, fist-bumps, etc.



MSYSA: https://www.msysa.org/msysa-return-to-play-guidelines/

Maryland Sports Commission: https://www.marylandsports.us/sites/default/files/Return2Play/MDSports_ReturntoPlay%20Report_0.pdf

https://www.marylandsports.us/sites/default/files/Return2Play/Youth-Sports-COVID-19-Best-Practices.pdf

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html