Dear Parents,
We hope this finds everyone safe and well. We are excited to share a few updates on the upcoming Spring 2021 season.
Mass Youth Soccer Guidance
On March 2nd, Mass Youth Soccer released their guidelines for the Spring 2021 season which is based upon revised EEA guidelines from the Commonwealth. In short, the spring 2021 season will see a near return to normal for soccer activities with the following safety measures in place:
- Players and spectators must be masked at all times and players must be distanced from each other while on sidelines
- Players must not share equipment (water bottles, goalie gloves, etc)
- High-fives, fist bumps, and other celebratory contact is not allowed
- Players may have up to two adult spectators (and siblings) at each event
- Attendance will be taken at each event (practice and games) for contact tracing
- Field operations will follow an “Arrive - Play - Leave” policy and must ensure 6ft social distancing
For more information on the protocols and safety guidelines we will follow this season, we’ve included a link to the Mass Youth Soccer COVID Hub.
As with last season, we will closely monitor for revised guidance from the state, Mass Youth Soccer and NVYSL, as well as Bolton Board of Health and make adjustments to our safety guidelines as needed. More detailed information about Bolton-specific COVID safety guidelines, teams, and field operations will be forthcoming as we get closer to the season start.
Important season dates (tentative, will update as NVYSL dates are finalized):
3/19: Spring 2021 registration closes for Grades 3 and up (travel teams)
4/1: Spring 2021 registration closes for PK through Grade 2 (in-town teams)
4/10: Team rosters published and coach introductions sent
4/17: First week of practices
4/24: First games of season
Player Registration
To register your player for the spring season, please visit our Registration page. Please note, if you’ve already registered and would like to withdraw your player(s) from the Spring 2021 season, please contact
.
Calling All Parent Volunteers
The success of each season is only possible with generous support from our community - our coaches, assistant coaches, COVID coordinators and field prep. To sign up as parent volunteer, please visit our Registration page (login required).
Referees Needed
Referees will return to the field this year. We’re looking for 13 year olds to referee the in-town games (PK - Grade 2). We’re also looking for more 14 year olds who are interested in refereeing the travel team games. If your child is interested or you know someone who’s interested in becoming a referee, please contact Lisa Shepple at
For more information on how to become a referee and for training and certifications, please visit the Mass State Referee Committee website.
Need a New Uniform or New Equipment?
Have a new player joining soccer this year or need to size up this season? Uniforms can be purchased at BYSA’s online store.
Coming Soon! BYSA’s Shop Event at Dick’s Sporting Goods
If you’re in need of new soccer gear, BYSA and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Leominster have teamed up once again for the seasonal shop event from 4/2-4/5.
We sincerely appreciate your participation and your support. Should you have any questions about the survey results, the upcoming season, or safety guidelines, please contact me at
. We look forward to seeing everyone (with masks and at a safe distance!) in a few short weeks.
Many thanks,
Tom Guyer
BYSA President
