Greetings Soccer families,
I hope everyone is looking forward to the spring soccer season with a renewed sense of hope that things are beginning to return to normal. That said, you are all aware that the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) is asking for our continued cooperation in keeping soccer safe.
As was the case last year, if you and your player(s) come to the field, it is assumed that everyone in the household is feeling well and that to your knowledge, no one in the household has been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19. If that is not the case, please do not come to the practice/game without first consulting with your coach.
Given that we know so much more about this disease than we did back in the fall of 2020, parents, players, and coaches will notice that nearly all the modified rules for play have been lifted such as heading (where age appropriate) and throw-ins. We are still asking:
- Players must be masked at all times on the field. If they need a mask break, they should distance themselves off to the side and catch their breath.
- Per MYSA rules, masks must be the ear-loop style only. Any style that wraps around the head (gaiters, lanyards) will be considered a violation of the normal, game time rules like wearing a necklace.
- When on the sidelines, players should maintain a 6’ distance from each other and remain masked unless they are drinking or snacking. (Communal snacks remain banned for the time being)
- We are still being asked not to share equipment.
- Player and coaches are still being asked to refrain from high-fives and fist/chest bumps.
Another big change is the return to a travel schedule. Forbush Fields will no longer just have Bolton residents on them. Travel teams are being asked to separate on the sidelines, both players and spectators. This seems to happen naturally with spectators under normal circumstances but for this season MYSA is asking that families sit across from their players’ bench at the start of the game and remain separated from the other town’s spectators. No need to switch at halftime.
- Attendance will still be taken by the COVID Coordinator at practices and games.
- Please leave dogs at home for one more season.
For certain age groups, referees have returned. Please know that it is not the referee’s job to sort out COVID-related issues. The team’s COVID Coordinator and/or Head Coach will be the one to deal with any issues that arise.
Finally, we happy to announce that up to two parents/guardians, plus siblings, are allowed as spectators. We do ask that family units continue to distance themselves from each other on the sidelines.
The 2020 Fall Soccer Season was a success because of the incredible cooperation from players, parents, and volunteers. It gave us a lot to aim for this spring. Thanks in advance for your continued cooperation as we look forward to yet another safe season on the soccer field. Please feel free to reach out to me should you ever have and questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Steve Schneider
COVID Officer, BYSA
by Stephen Schneider posted 04/23/2021
