A Road Map To The Field

RETURN TO PLAY – Smaller Numbers

As states ease COVID-19 restriction from weeks of lockdown, local representatives, soccer clubs, coaches, and parents need to apply a health and safety first approach.

The benefits must out weigh the risks.

To get back on the field, you will have to follow federal, state, and local mandates and recommendations. These measures will help maintain the confidence while keeping all parties protected.

New Rules for Pre-Season

This will be the first pre-season where the rules will be different for each state, county, and town. Your local public health and safety organization will set the protocols through a step by step phase process.

Your local government will determine what phase of the re-opening process youth soccer falls under. In some states, youth soccer has been grouped into the category of Recreation, along with art, entertainment, and education.

Training Virtually

After delivering several training sessions over Zoom I have realized there is only so much that can be done before players start to lose interest and enthusiasm.

I have tried to replicate the fabric of the game – opposition and teamwork. This has proved a major challenge with limited space, equipment, and players.

I have to admit, virtual training had me talking too much. I was more the ‘sage on the stage,’ instead of being the ‘guy on the side.’ Sadly, my training was more coach centered, instead of being player-centered.

Stay Safe

I know you are bursting to get back on the field with your players. Being over 3+ months with little or no physical activity for yourself or your players creates anxiety. Medical experts agree that kids and teens need exercise, and soccer has proven to be a great avenue to support this physical

However, at the time of this blog post, your enthusiasm needs to sandwiched between ‘safe’ and ‘home’. Directing your parents and players to meet at the field for a session is against the governing agencies’ recommendations.

Losing another week or more of practice can always be made up, another life cannot.

Steps to Kick Off & ‘Play’

Depending on your state/local guidelines, coupled with US Soccer recommendation your reopening road map could follow this path.

  • State-level safety protocols have been achieved. For example, in New York, this would decline in total hospitalizations and deaths.
  • Reopening starting at Phase 1 through to Phase 4. Youth soccer falls into category 4.
  • US Soccer Federation Recommend Guidelines become effective following state and local regulations
  • US Soccer has 5 Phases for training to ‘Play On’
    0. Stay and Shelter
    1. Individual and Small Group
    2. Full Team
    3. Full Team Competition
    4. No Restrictions (normalcy resumed)

What if…..’Play’ Gets Cancelled

Your responsibility as a coach and leader of your players and parents is very important during this time. Failing to follow protocol can lead to the following.

  • A resurgence of COVID-19 – sick spikes, loss of love ones
  • Increase the possibility of injuries – given players were inactive for over 3 months
  • Re-occurrence of the levels of fear and anxiety among players
  • Prevent social interaction
  • Re-occurrence of social problems from home
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Back to reliance on technology for exercise and education

Follow The Leader

You need to closely follow the recommendations of the line leaders. These steps are important for you to get back to and remain on the field.

The consequences of putting the cart before the horse can have re-occurring consequences to March 2020. Let’s all be smart.

What measures are you applying to stay safe? Please share you insight and I would be keen to hear your feedback.

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