MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDED PROTOCOLS

Updated May 18, 2021 mayouthsoccer.org/covid-hub/ 

• Understand that there may be parents/guardians who may not be ready to have their child return to activities at this time.

• Facial coverings are permitted, but no longer required. If a player chooses to wear a facial covering, only face coverings that secure with loops around a player’s ears are acceptable, so as not to cause injury if accidentally tugged or pulled on. No around the head or neck face coverings (gaiters) will be permitted during contact play. 

• Ensure the health and safety of all athletes.

• Ensure athletes arrive dressed for practice and leave immediately after practice. No recreational play, or loitering is allowed.

• Upon arrival, inquire how athletes are feeling, send them home if you believe they are acting or look ill.

• Take accurate attendance use of Apps such as TeamSnap or TeamApp is encouraged to assist with Contact Tracing if required)

• No handshakes, fist or elbow bumps, or any other physical contact. 

• Practice and encourage proper hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds at a time. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or sleeves, do not use your hands. Launder clothing after training session.

• Follow all state and local health protocols.

• Coach is to be the only one to handle cones, discs, goals etc.

• Ensure all athletes have their individual equipment. (Ball, water bottle, GK Gloves etc.)

• Ensure player’s personal belongings (bags, coats, sweatshirts) remain in their personal space and are kept physically distanced from the belongings of others. Do not allow sharing of personal items.

• Ask players to bring their own personal practice vest (a.k.a. pinnie) or a dark and light shirt to eliminate the need of shared scrimmage vests.

• Do not allow shared team snacks. Participants and spectators should only drink from their own containers.

• STAY POSITIVE – Players and parents will be looking to you to remain calm and supportive during this transition time