HEADLINES  | | | Fall Season Starts Next Week Dear Parents,
We hope this finds everyone safe and well. We wanted to share a quick update on the soccer season so you know what to expect and when. Registration for Fall 2020 is now closed and we are pleased to see so many joining us this season. As previously communicated, we are aiming to kick the season off next week (9/14) with our first games on Saturday, 9/19. Here’s what we’ve been doing behind the scenes to get ready:
COVID Safety Officer
As this season will be unlike any other, it’s important that we all play our part in keeping our community safe. To start, we are pleased to announce that Stephen Schneider has joined the BYSA board as our COVID Safety Officer, bringing first hand experience in managing COVID guidelines from his day job to our organization. Stephen’s role will be to closely monitor ever-evolving information about safety guidelines from the state, from Bolton’s BOH, and from Mass Youth Soccer and ensuring our coaches, players, and parents are all up to date with the latest information and best practices. Please join us in welcoming and supporting Stephen in this critical role, and stay tuned for more detailed updates from him on what we should all expect. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Stephen via email at
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Fields
Fields have been prepped, lines are painted, and we will schedule games to ensure that we have proper distancing in place between the fields - a minimum of 25 feet between each. We will be posting signs as quick and easy guides to the rules (which are mandated by the state and Mass Youth Soccer) and expectations on the field. Some highlights below:
- Social distancing (6+ feet) between household groups must be followed at all times
- Spectators must stand 10+ feet from the sidelines. Yellow lines will be painted on each field as a visual guide
- No more than 50 people can be in attendance per each field on the Forbush complex. This means each player may only have ONE parent or guardian join them on game days
- ALL field attendees, including players, coaches, and spectators MUST have a face mask or covering at all times. Those without appropriate face coverings will be asked to return to their cars. Refusal to comply by player or parent will result in player being banned for the rest of the season
- While they are a joyful part of Saturday game days, dogs will NOT be allowed on the field during soccer activities this season
- To meet contact tracing requirements, attendance will be taken for ALL players and spectators on the fields at all practices and games
- There will be NO lost and found bin at the field, anything left behind on the fields will be discarded
Coaches
Many thanks to all who’ve volunteered as head coaches, assistant coaches, and team COVID coordinators. Without you, this season couldn’t happen. Further information on trainings, access to coaching and safety resources, delivery of updated coach equipment bags, and season prep checklists will be shared this week.
PLEASE NOTE: We still have open volunteer positions (coaches or team COVID coordinators) and our team will be reaching out. Please consider volunteering and head to the registration page for more information and to sign up. Many thanks in advance!
Teams
We are in the process of finalizing the team rosters. Coaches will be reaching out with introductions and further details on practices and game times, no later than Monday, 9/14.
Preparing Your Players
In keeping with safety best practices, there will be NO equipment sharing this season. Coaches will keep a limited amount of backup PPE in their bags, but players are expected to come prepared to each practice and game. Here’s a quick checklist of equipment needed for each player to help you plan between now and next week (please make sure all items are clearly labeled with player’s name):
- Soccer ball
- Water bottle
- Face masks - recommend each player bring at least two, ear loops only. No bandanas, gaiters, or masks which tie behind the head.
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Bug spray
- Goalie gloves (for goalies or interested goalies in G34 and up only)
- Individual snacks for practices and games
If you haven’t yet done so, we encourage you to visit the Mass Youth Soccer Return to Soccer Activities site for more information on the modifications to play and safety guidelines we will be following. The Mass Youth Soccer site can be found here: https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/return-to-soccer-activities/
Additional information on season protocols will be shared in the coming days from Stephen and the coaches.
Once again, we sincerely thank you for your confidence and your support in safely bringing soccer back to Bolton this fall. We look forward to seeing you all next week!
Thank you,
Tom Guyer
BYSA President
| Concussion Awareness - Concussions in sports and elsewhere are getting a lot of attention these days, and for good reason, finally. Several state youth soccer associations have made Concussion Awareness Training mandatory for all youth sports coaches. Mass Youth Soccer is currently formulating its position on concussions. In the meantime, here is what all coaches can do both for the benefit of their players and to use in everyday life. Go to the Center for Disease Control web site and take the free on-line concussion awareness course. Parents, too!
http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html
Thank you for doing this. Concussion Awareness Training is expected to become mandatory for all youth soccer coaches soon. Let's all get in the forefront on concussion awareness.
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