Phasing in Playing Soccer
As restrictions start to ease from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the bigger challenge for leagues, clubs, and coaches is no longer the WHEN of playing, it’s the HOW to play. This is especially important during the first 1 – 3 weeks of play.
For re-opening in New York State (NYS) this starts from an Executive Order issued by the Governor. Currently, soccer is a part of phase 4 for recreation/arts/entertainment and education.
NYS decision is enforced at the Town and/or Village through the management of parks and recreation facilities. In the Town of Rye Brook at Crawford Park, signage provided guidelines on social distancing and recreation activities.
New York State – Re-Opening
Throughout NYS, regions have projected reopening dates for phase 4. At the time of writing this blog, it starts as early as June 26 and late as July 20. Long Island and New York City are the final regions to reopen.
For the most current information please visit the link below.
NYS: Re-Opening Phases & Updates
US Soccer – Return to the Field
United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the governing body of soccer in all its forms in the United States. Similar to NYS phase re-opening, US Soccer has implemented a ‘phase to play’ guideline.
Currently, associations, leagues, clubs, and teams’ operations remain on hold and should not extend to the fields in the capacity of team play.
In addition to social distancing measures, USSF has provided recommended duration in a phase and player-coach ratios.
For an in depth information please visit the links below.
US Soccer Return-to-Play: 5 Phases Overview
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
At the state soccer level, a ‘Return to Soccer’ activities guideline is provided as follows.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17sRX5JtiBmctN7YryQ5WabtLXYw3yd6v/view?usp=sharing
CDC – Protocols & Guidelines
For CDC measures please click below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html
CDC: Sample Signs with Symptoms, Stopping the Spread of Germs, etc., from the CDC website
CDC: How to Protect Yourself and Others
These measures will put additional demands on associations, leagues, clubs, and teams to ensure safety measures are in place. This is not limited to players, but coaches, volunteers, spectators and ground staff.
Responsibility is demanded from all parties, so when we ‘Return to the Field’, we stay on the field.
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