EEA Reopening Standards - Updated November 7, 2020

Based on updated guidance from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs regarding Safety and Reopening Standards for Business and other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities in Phase III, Step 1 Expansion of Activity Number 2, effective on November 7, 2020- BEST FC will incorporate the following procedures below for all Soccer Activities beginning November 15, 2020.

Facial Coverings must be worn by all participants during active play (except for individuals with a Documented medical condition or disability that makes them unable to wear a face covering.) BEST FC will train players on appropriate times to take "mask breaks" when 6 ft or more away from other players.

Coaches and staff are required to wear facial coverings and maintain social distancing of 6 feet from players, coaches, spectators, and other persons at all times.

Spectators will be limited to 1 parent/guardian per player to ensure state gathering sizes are adhered to.

Game Modifications are no longer required for Soccer, per EEA updates. (Heading, Throw-Ins and Shoulder to Shoulder challenges are permitted)

In alignment with Public Health recommendations, BEST FC will have up to 25 players training in a group.

When multiple groups are training at the same location, BEST FC will ensure they are spaced at least 14 feet apart. In addition each player will be assigned an individual player equipment / rest area for the duration of sessions.

Covid Safety Officer

BEST FC has assigned Maria Mumby as our COVID-19 Safety Officer who will communicate policies organization-wide, to coaching staff, administrators, parents, and players. Maria can be contacted via email: maria@bestsoccer.org

Arrival/Departure Protocols

1. Players must exit cars no more than 10 minutes prior to their designated start time.
2. All Parents and Players must wear masks and adhere to social distancing of 6 feet on arrival and departure from the fields and at all times when spectating.
3. BEST FC Staff members will direct players to the appropriate section of the field where they will be training. Players must wear their mask arriving and departing soccer activities.
4. One parent per player is welcome to observe sessions so long as they and any children present observe social distancing requirements and wear masks.
5. On arrival at their training area, players will be assigned an individual rest/equipment area by their coach. Players should set down their equipment and remove their soccer ball and water bottle from their bag.
6. Prior to the start of the session players should use hand sanitizer.
7. At the end of the session, players will collect and pack all of their own equipment and use hand sanitizer prior to leaving the facility.
8. Players will be directed to leave the field by coaches to avoid congregation of players.
9. Players and families should leave the training facility as soon as possible after the end of their training session. Social Distancing must occur at all times when entering and exiting facilities.
10. To ensure that there is no contact between Training Groups, BEST FC will ensure a 14 ft buffer zone between cohorts. In addition, BEST FC has scheduled 20 minute breaks between training time-slots.

Responsibilities of BEST FC

• BEST FC has trained and educated all currently active staff on return to activities protocols.
• BEST FC has a longstanding relationship and dialogue with local Health Department officials
• BEST FC has plans in place to communicate with the local health department in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at BEST FC Activities
• If a BEST FC player or coach contracts COVID-19, all training sessions for the cohort that player is a member of will be suspended for 14 days.
• BEST FC is providing coaches with PPE (masks) and sanitizing products.
• BEST FC has scheduled groups/teams with a minimum of 20 minutes in between the time one team concludes and the other arrives. Players must leave immediately after their session. Players should not arrive at their field earlier than 10 minutes prior to their scheduled arrival time.
• BEST FC will not allow Players and Parents to congregate in parking lots, at drop off zones, facility entrances/exits before or after a training session.
• BEST FC will ensure adequate space at the field to allow for proper physical/social distancing (6’).
• BEST FC will allow one parent per player (and siblings if no other care is available) to remain on site as spectators.
• BEST FC requires all waste to be placed in trash receptacles by the respective parent, player or coach. Nothing should be picked up by anybody other than the originator of the waste.
• BEST FC require players to have their own water, sanitary products (hand sanitizer, facial tissues, PPE (optional for play), ball, GK Gloves (if necessary).

Responsibilities of BEST FC Coaches

• The primary focus of BEST FC's staff is to ensure the health and safety of all athletes.
• BEST FC Coaches will wear a face covering for the duration of Phase III, Step 1 activities and abide by the physical/social distance requirements from players and parents.
• BEST FC's staff will be asked to ensure athletes arrive dressed for practice and leave immediately after practice. No recreational play, or loitering is allowed.
• As BEST FC players arrive to practice, our coaches will inquire how athletes are feeling, and may send them home if you believe they are acting or look ill.
• Coaches have been instructed to ensure that no handshakes, fist or elbow bumps, or any other physical contact occurs between coach/player or player/player.
• BEST FC will practice and encourage proper hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds at a time. Our coaches use alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). Will cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or sleeves, and have been instructed to not touch their face (eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands).
• Follow all state and local health protocols.
• BEST FC Coaches will ensure all athletes have their individual equipment. (Ball, water bottle, GK Gloves etc.)
• BEST FC Coaches will ensure player’s personal belongings (bags, coats, sweatshirts) remain in their personal space and are kept physically distanced from the belongings of others. Do not allow sharing of personal items.

Parent Responsibilities

• Ensure your child’s health. Take temperature daily. The average normal body temperature is generally accepted as 98.6°F (37°C). Some studies have shown that the “normal” body temperature can have a wide range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) most often means you have a fever caused by an infection or illness.
• If your child has any symptoms, even mild ones, public health urges you to stay home and isolate until:

1. You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine) AND
2. Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
3. At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

• Notify BEST FC immediately and follow the advice of public health officials if you have been notified that your child a family member has tested positive for COVID or been instructed to quarantine / isolate due to a close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID.
• Notify the club immediately if your child has become sick.
• Adhere to physical/social distance requirements posted by the organization. These are based on state and local requirements. When at training, wear a face covering if you are outside of your car.
• Ensure that your child has a water bottle, equipment (ball and GK Gloves if necessary).
• Ensure your child’s personal equipment, cleats, balls, shin guards etc. are cleaned and sanitized before and after every training.
• Ensure your child’s clothing is washed after every session.
• Do not assist the coach with equipment before or after a training session.
• No carpooling with other members of the team.
• Be sure your child has necessary sanitizer with them at every session.

Player Responsibilities

• Take temperature daily (see information outlining this in the parent’s section).
• Practice proper hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds at a time. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or sleeves, do not use your hands. Do not touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands).
• Have your own hand sanitizer with you.
• Ensure you have spare masks in your soccer bag in the event of rain or need of a replacement.
• Arrive and leave wearing a mask, wear a face covering wherever possible when practicing.
• Practice physical distancing on the sidelines. When sitting on the sidelines you should be 6’ from the next player. Your belongings should remain in your space when not in use.
• Bring your own equipment (Ball, GK Gloves (if required), shin guards, jacket etc.) Do not touch anyone else’s equipment.
• Bring your own water bottle and snack. Do not touch anyone else’s belongings as sharing will not be permitted.
• Wash and sanitize your equipment before and after each training.
• No group celebrations, hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, etc.

Disclaimer

Participants, parents, family and spectators taking part in soccer and soccer related activities do so with the knowledge of risk and potential exposure involved. In doing so they agree to accept any and all inherent risks to their personal health.