Schoharie Little League

31

Mar, 2021

COVID precautions plan

As we approach the 2021 Little League baseball and softball season it is evident that there will continue to be challenges in how we approach the game we love. This is the framework and expectations we are facilitating to provide a safe environment for the players, coaches, umpires, and spectators. Keep in mind these guidelines are subject to change as the State and local government and CDC guidelines change and evolve.

Safety Measures and Precautions
• Players have the option to wear protective face coverings while on the field but not required.
• Players will be required to wear protective face coverings while in or around the dugout.
• Coaches and Managers will wear protective face coverings when they are unable to keep a 6’ distance from players and while coaching a base when a base runner occupies their base.
• All coaches, players, and umpires are encouraged to obtain and carry on their person hand sanitizer for frequent use during the game.
• All players and coaches are required to wash hands with hand sanitizer (min. 60% alcohol) or soap and water prior to entering the field. Coaches will encourage frequent use of hand sanitizer throughout the course of the practice or game.
• Hand sanitizer will be placed in both dugouts and the concession stand window
• We are asking All coaches, players, and umpires to NOT shake hands, high five, fist bump, etc.
• All coaches, players, and umpires will maintain 6' Social Distancing as much as possible.
• The dugouts, concession stand and clubhouse bathroom will be cleaned and sanitized at the conclusion of every game. All appropriate cleaning and disinfecting supplies as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and stored in the clubhouse. A cleaning log will be maintained in the clubhouse and completed when appropriate at the conclusion of every game. More frequently touched surfaces such as the exterior concession window will be cleaned and disinfected more frequently.
• Players are encouraged to obtain their own personal equipment to reduce the sharing of equipment. When sharing of league equipment among players is necessary, the equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between use. Disinfecting supplies and gloves will be provided. Only disinfectants listed by the EPA as effective against COVID-19, will be used.
• All equipment, hats, clothes, water bottles etc. must be labeled with the players name.
• All spectators at games and practices must maintain 6’ of physical distance between individuals and/or family/household units at all times. Spectators must wear face coverings when not able to maintain six feet of distancing. Face coverings must be worn in and around the concession stand and clubhouse. Banners along the outfield fence will be staggered to facilitate spectators maintaining social distancing.
• Signs consistent with DOH COVID-19 guidelines will be placed throughout the facility to remind and encourage social distancing, the use of masks and hand washing.

• Games and practices will be scheduled with enough time to allow the previous participants to leave prior to the arrival of the next participants. Families are asked to arrive on time and depart as soon as possible after the completion of the game or practice.
• All players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and spectators are asked to proactively monitor their own health prior to attending any Schoharie Little League activities. A player’s temperature should be taken by a parent prior to attending all practices and games. Coaches will record a players attendance at every practice and game.
• Anyone with symptoms of fever, cough or worsening respiratory symptoms, or any known exposure to a person with COVID-19 should not attend any Little League activity until cleared by a medical professional.
• Schoharie Little League concession stand will follow the food service guidelines set forth by New York State Department of Health, Schoharie County Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.
• Volunteers in the concession stand will proactively monitor their own health before, during and after each game. Volunteers temperatures should be taken prior to arrival at the field. Volunteers will be
required to wear face coverings while in the concession stand. A volunteer attendance record will be completed to include the date and times of work.
• Formal instruction for all managers and coaches will be required prior to the start of the season to ensure all are aware of the necessary precautions, guidelines and use of cleaning supplies and PPE (face coverings and gloves).
• In the event a positive COVID case develops, the effected family will immediately and without unnecessary delay notify their coach who will intern contact the League President, Vice President and/or Safety Officer.
• Schoharie Little League - Safety Officer will immediately notify and cooperate with the New York State and Schoharie County Departments of Health upon being informed of a positive COVID-19 test result of a player, coach, volunteer or spectator. Where appropriate Schoharie Little League will adhere to CDC guidelines on “Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility”.
Game Management
• The umpire will have the option to work from behind the mound in calling balls and strikes.
• The league will have available an ample supply of baseballs prior to the game in order to facilitate frequent rotation and disinfection. Due to the cleaning of the baseballs/softballs, all will be sent in from the bench.
• Umpires will not be handling player equipment, (bats/helmets) on plays at the plate, the catcher must clear any loose equipment on an imminent plate play.
• All players must bring a bag with a name label, bags that can hang on a fence are preferred. The bag will be used to store the players equipment, hat, clothes, etc. when not in use. Beginning at the dugouts and moving toward the outfield, placards will be placed 6’ apart along the 1st and 3rd baseline fences, providing an assigned space for each player to place their equipment as well as wait when not on the field.

• There will be no food, gum, or sunflower seeds in the dugout. Spitting, chewing gum and sunflower seeds are prohibited. All drink containers must be labeled with the players name, including disposable containers.
• No spectators can be in the designated team areas or immediately behind them.
• At the conclusion of the game each team will line up on their respective base paths and tip their caps to the opposing team. This replaces the post game handshake.
• Coaches are responsible for retrieving bats at home plate for their team. Shared equipment will be sanitized in between player uses.
• No more than 4 people in the dugout at any one time.
Schoharie Little League is committed to providing a safe and fun environment for our children to play ball. This commitment is even stronger with the support from our families, volunteers and community. We are asking everyone involved in Schoharie Little League to read and follow the COVID-19 plan to ensure a safe and fun season.

Schoharie Little League

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31

Mar, 2021

COVID precautions plan

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