GYLA

Return To Play Support Guide

(originally published 6/16/20)

(Updated 3/15/21 –  DECD/DPH/CIAC Guidance)

IMPORTANT RESOURCE LINKS-

CT DPH Guidelines <3_19_21>

CIAC Guidelines <3_10_21>  This document is aligned with the most recent guidance (3-4-2021) from the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) and was reviewed by the CSMS Sports Medicine Committee.

STATE OF Connecticut REOPENING STANDARDS FOR SUPERVISD YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES-

https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Sector-Rules-for-Reopen

US LACROSSE RETURN TO PLAY GUIDE – https://www.uslacrosse.org/sites/default/files/public/documents/safety/return-to-play-final-1.pdf

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION – Playing Sports

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/playing-sports.html

HOW GUILFORD YOUTH LACROSSE ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS CAN RETURN TO PLAY-

1) COVID-19 Coordinator: Marci Mitchell ( ) is GYLA COVID-19 coordinator to oversee all aspects of the COVID-19 risk management plan including customization, implementation, monitoring, updates/changes, communications, staff training, regulatory compliance, and documentation.

2) Waiver / Release: two waiver form will be provided during completion of registration/payment.  1) The town of Guilford waiver form. 2) Us Lacrosse Waiver/release with COVID-19 language form must be signed by all parents and players, team staff including coaches and volunteers prior to participation.

3) Communication to Coaches, Parents & Players: A document with these points should be emailed to all staff, players (if appropriate), and parents/guardians prior to participation in the first practice outlining what our program is doing to comply with state and local guidelines, and to keep all of the players, coaches and parents safe while participating in any practices.. In addition, this document will be posted on the sports organization’s website and any applicable social media.

4) Players and Coaches: To participate or attend, organizers should ensure that participants, volunteers, and coaches must show no signs or symptoms of COVID-19. GYLA has posted an online wellness form that must be completed before participating in activities.  Current list of symptoms is available here:

5) High Risk Population: Players, coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians in high risk categories should not participate or attend organized sports activities. List of high-risk categories available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higherrisk.html

6) Stay Home When Appropriate: Players, staff, parents/guardians, and spectators should stay home when they are showing signs of COVID-19, have a temperature, or have had close contact with a person with COVID-19.

7) If COVID Symptoms Exhibited: If a staff member, player, parent/guardian, or spectator exhibits symptoms during a practice, they should immediately be separated and sent home or to a health care facility depending on the severity of the symptoms. They should not be allowed to return to activity until they have met the CDC criteria for discontinuing home isolation.

8) Quarantine Requirements:  participants should not be allowed to engage in athletic activities until at least 14 days after their quarantine period begins.  See CIAC guidance for further details.

9) Outdoor Face Coverings - Coaches: Coaches and staff are required to wear a face mask or cloth face.  Players:  are required to wear a face mask at this time - this will be reviewed throuought the season (following CIAC/DPH guidelines).

10) Parents/Spectators: Spectators must be limited to ensure social distancing on the sidelines or other observation areas. The Town of Guilford, One warning will be provided – additional notifications could result in canceling the event.

11) No Contact: No Handshake Policy: Athletes should be discouraged from high fives, fist bumps or other social contact during practice.

12) Personal Hygiene: Staff, players, parents/guardians, and spectators should practice proper hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), abstain from touching their face (mouth, nose or eyes), refrain from spitting, and cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw tissue in the trash. In addition as a back up, players and staff should carry their own hand sanitizer.

13) Player Equipment: Player provided equipment should be kept in a bag and should be spaced to encourage social distancing. Players should bring their own water and disinfectant wipes to wipe down their own equipment between use.

14) Shared Equipment: The use of team provided equipment should be limited to the greatest extent possible and should be disinfected between each use if possible. Balls should be disinfected whenever possible and an adequate supply should be kept on hand.

15) Signage: COVID-19 warning signage should be conspicuously posted at entry and exit warning of COVID-19 risks and what steps can be taken to reduce such risks such as social distancing, use of face coverings, frequent hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer, and enhanced risks to those with underlying conditions and over the age of 65.

16) Sidelines:  Cones/markers will be used to help maintain proper social distancing on the sidelines

17)  Pregame / Postgame: 

Pregame

i. No equipment inspections prior to the game – Goalkeepers (new NOCSAE guideline) or field players.

ii. Masks for coaches and officials during coach meetings/certification.

iii. No line up. Coaches to relay information to their teams.

iv. No meeting with faceoff players (if performed).

v. Meeting with Captains: One captain for each team, official wears a mask, captains stay apart, official shows coin result to each captain.

vi. Officials must wear a mask when instructing table personnel. Table personnel must wear a mask.

vii. Minimize table personnel – official scorer and timekeeper, visiting team personnel should be at their team bench and not at the table. Extend the table if needed.

viii. Team bench areas should be more clearly marked to remind players of proper location.

Postgame

i. No handshakes.

ii. Teams stay in their team areas, no running onto the field for pile-on celebrations.

We will update this guide as needed and as more information and guidelines come in from health and government authorities. Please visit WWW.GUILFORDLACROSSE.COM for the latest information.