Play or Not To Play
Fall recreation soccer can be implemented in the fields with the proper safety protocols and safeguards that will keep kids and families feeling comfortable. Pre-planning and organization on the day should address attire, attendance, coaching, and social distancing.
Coronavirus COVID-19 has placed organizers in an “adapt or die” mode. A term echoed by former Liverpool FC Manager, Gerard Houllier at a former National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention. Adaptability is one of the key ingredients for a winning program that teaches and provides opportunities to grow.
New Normal
I conducted my first summer camp in early August. It was great to be back on the field, kicks were happy to be playing and with their friends, parents seemed thrilled for interactions and exercise. It was games and fun. Similar to previous clinics I aimed to get all kids up to speed regarding guidelines (Safety, Learning, and Respect) by a group explanation.
One parent arrived late with her son, who I commended for having an uncommon jersey – San Lorenzo from Argentina. I took a moment to ask his name and what team jersey was it.
During explaining the camp protocol and welcoming the late-arriving child I had made poor decisions. First, the kids were not socially distanced, and second, I failed to have on my mask. The parent (San Lorenzo child) rightly asked if I don’t wear a mask and why we had the kids grouped. She pointed out that she had suffered the loss of a loved one in her family as a result of Coronavirus.
Connect With The Person, Not Just The Player
You can still communicate during this coaching under the pandemic, this is an important tool to support kids learning. You probably heard this along your coaching journey, ‘talking to everyone, is talking no one’. That was what I was actually doing.
A silver lining from the pandemic, it has made you more aware that you can connect more with your players on an individual basis, rather than the common group huddle.
You can now start practicing to connect with each player not only on a soccer level but getting to know them as a person. No doubt, you will be required to do more, but you build a closer relationship and an important level of trust.
Coordinating During COVID
Recreation programs, camps, clinics, and team training can be conducted in a manner that minimizes risks and safeguards the value of playing soccer.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. U.S. Soccer recommends the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. Preventative measures taken at each soccer activity can help minimize spread.
Playing Safe
You can reduce the risk exposure by implementing a number of key measures.
- Limit attendance on fields – only 1 parent/guardian per child
- Spectators must social distance, preferably on opposite sides
- Implement a clinic format (intra-team training and games)
- Training, coaching, and refereeing by a professional coach/trainer
- Use additional space to organize playing fields so that teams can spread out.
- Schedule groups with extended lead time in between (at least 30 minutes)
- Eliminate post-game food sharing and gatherings
- Assign a parent to handle pre-play protocol (health assessment and record temperature)
- Each player must wear a face mask to/from the field (not mandatory during play). A trainer/coach wears a face mask at all times.
- Avoid all forms of physical celebrations (elbow bumps, high fives)
Kids need physical exercise and interaction to compete and enjoy of the fun of playing even if this is without many spectators. For that to take place safety measures need to be in place that are enforced at the fields.
Your thoughts are much appreciated, please feel free share your thoughts.
References
https://www.ussoccer.com/playon
Soccer Today, Coronavirus COVID-19 Impacting Soccer, August 28, 2020
UEFA Direct, Back to Play, July/August 2020, Pp 8 – 9
Arizona Soccer Association, Return To Play – https://www.azsoccerassociation.org/
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