PHASE I - OVERVIEW

Coach*:

• Coaches will send pre-training communication to families ensuring that only healthy participants attend and reiterate expectations and guidelines.
• Coaches should maintain physical distancing requirements from players and family members.
• Wearing a face mask is recommended for the duration of the practice.
• Utilize technique in isolation exercises, grid work, fitness and spatial awareness to limit physical contact between players (suggested content can be found here).
• Keep players together in small groups/cohorts with one coach and make sure that each group of players and coach avoid mixing with other groups as much as possible. Teams might consider having the same group of players stay with the same coach or having the same group of players rotate among coaches.
• Adhere to AYSO Safe Haven guidelines, i.e., 1:8 adult to child ratio; minimum of 2 adults present; no adult alone with children other than their own. Whenever possible, adult of same gender as players should be present.
• Once regulations permit expanded numbers, consider staging inner-squad scrimmages instead of games with other teams to minimize exposure among players and teams.
• Ensure all players have and handle their own labeled equipment (ball, water bottle, training disks, etc.).
• Coach should be the only person to handle coaching equipment (e.g.: cones, disks, etc.); do not let parents or attendees assist.
• Hand sanitizer or handwashing on arrival / mid-way and end of training session.
• No shared equipment in use (players will be provided with individual bibs/pinnies or can bring game jerseys as requested).
• No physical greeting of players (verbal acknowledgement is expected).
• Stay positive and create a fun environment in this new normal.
• Serve as focal point, or designate the Team Parent/Manager/Safety Director/CVPA, 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.

*A designated volunteer or team parent can be added to help assist coach in accordance with the same health and safety guidance designated for the coach.

Team Parent:

• Assist Coach, as requested, with communications to families (including safeguard reminders, i.e., only healthy participants attend activities).
• As needed and if required, serve as focal point 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. Notify the Coach immediately.
• Maintain physical distancing requirements from coach, players and family members.
• Wearing a face mask is recommended for the duration of the practice/games.
• Support identified guidelines for coaches.
• Assist with hand sanitizer or other safety precautions like handwashing on arrival / mid-way and end of training session in support of the coach.
• Help team/teams adhere to AYSO Safe Haven supervision guidelines.

Officials:

At all times:

• Stay at least 6 feet from anyone as much as possible.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Spitting or rinsing the mouth with water is to be avoided.
• Cough into elbow.
• Stay home if not feeling well and communicate to the Referee Administrator.

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 6 feet 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:

1. Modified. One player from each team; center official; no handshakes; physical distancing.
   b. 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 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.
• Keep the game flowing to limit groups of players congregating, i.e., set plays.

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.

Parents

• Ensure your child is healthy. Test child’s temperature before departing for soccer practice (if above 100.4, do not attend).
• Notify your team/club immediately if your child or family member becomes ill for any reason.
• Drop off and pick up players with special care given to the presence of children coming to and from the activity and receive verbal acknowledgement from the coach each time.
• Please wait in your car and/or adhere to social distance requirements, based on state and local health requirements and as requested by your coach or AYSO officials.
• Limit the use of carpools or van pools, and limit passengers to household members.
• Face masks are recommended.
• Wash your child’s clothing after every training/activity (recommendation).
• Sanitize all equipment (ball, cleats, shin guards, etc.) before and after every practice.
• Clearly label your child’s water bottle and personal items.
• Ensure your child has hand sanitizing products with them at every session.
• Do not assist coach with equipment before or after training.
• Check Region and Coach communication regularly.

Players

• Inform parent if feeling unwell.
• Wash hands before and after training.
• Responsible for cleaning all required equipment after each training sessions (ball, cleats, shin guards, etc.).
• Bring and use your own labeled hand sanitizer at every session.
• Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment.
• Practice physical distancing, place bags and equipment at least 6 feet apart.
• No sharing drinks or use of water fountains at facility (players should mark their own water bottles).
• No physical greetings with their teammates (verbal acknowledgement is expected, we are physical distancing not social).