EYO Return to Play Guidelines and Policy

The following guidelines and policies are intended to help all participants to be safe. These guidelines are for all staff, players, coaches and families.

If you disagree with these guidelines or cannot comply with them then we ask that you not participate this season and join us when the restrictions are removed. As we are dealing with large numbers of people that we want to protect we cannot allow exemptions or exclusions from the guidelines.

• Participation in any group activity is only allowed if you have had no signs or symptoms of Covid-19, no signs/symptoms that may have been 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 sick or feel sick, STAY HOME

• At risk individuals, youth or adult, STAY HOME (if you are unsure if you are considered at risk, please consult your medical provider directly)

• If you find yourself in a situation that is outside of the current Howard County recommendations and restrictions for flattening the COVID-19 curve or where you are unsure if you have been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you self-isolate for 14 days before returning to the field

• All participants will be assigned a designated area for their equipment and water. Assigned space for all players will allow for adequate distancing

• Players cannot share personal equipment or other items. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Water, towels, or ice packs 

  • Jersey/Uniform, socks, shoes, pinnies or bibs of any kind

  • Shin guards, batting helmets, eye black, athletic tape, or hair bands

    • Shared team equipment including balls, bats, and protective items should be disinfected before each use and at the end of each session. This applies to catcher’s equipment, goalie equipment, and other items used by multiple players

    • Shared game balls must be disinfected before and after each game as well as during the game when possible

    • There will be no centralized hydration or refreshment stations

      • Spectators at events should be limited and must maintain maximum social distancing (should not include at risk populations). We strongly recommend that only family members sit together

    • We recommend that spectators wear a mask while watching the game or practice

      • Parents/Spectators MUST wear a mask when conversing with the coach or other team staff

    • All participants should bring sanitizers to the training sessions. This may include, but is not limited to:

      • Hand sanitizer

      • Disinfectant wipes to be used to wipe down all equipment before and after sessions by coaches

        • Participation is voluntary and participants should only return to the field when they are comfortable and ready

        • If a participant wishes to wear a face mask this should be allowed, and accommodations made if needed

        • Coaches must wear a face mask when in proximity of players, other coaches, or spectators, at practices and games

        • Coaches may remove their face mask to shout instructions to players on the field only if the coach is at least 15 feet from everyone (when yelling droplets will travel further) and the face mask is replaced after instructions are given

        • Players should practice social distancing when off of the field or on the team bench

        • Coaches will structure practices so that waiting lines are eliminated or so that players are spaced out by at least 10 feet (players will be breathing harder during activities and droplets will travel further)

        • Coaches and team staff will help manage social distancing of players during practices and when off of the field during games

        • Spectators/Parents must not enter field for any reason

        • If a parent needs to communicate with their child then the parent and child will move off of the field AND away from others

        • Coaches and team staff will help enforce keeping spectators and family members off of the field and away from players

        • While we all applaud the efforts and accomplishments of our players on the field there will be no high fives, fist bumps, or hand shakes before, during, or after events

        • These guidelines may be amended as new information becomes available. In that event the changes will be communicated to families via our normal channels

        • All participants must sign the liability waiver before participating on the field

It is our intention to have a fun and safe season. We believe that the above guidelines will go a long way in helping that become a reality. But, even if these guidelines are followed, there still may be a chance that infections will occur. While there may be some rules that you don't think are necessary or that you disagree with we still ask that you follow them. If you feel that you cannot follow these guidelines then we ask that you not register your child for this season. Infringements of the rules will be communicated to the league coordinator and the commissioner to determine if any action needs to be taken. Repeated infractions will result in the cancellation of the child’s registration and their removal from the team.