Updated: May 19th, 2021

The Massachusetts EEA released updated guidelines for youth sports on May 18th, 2021. MA Youth Soccer then incorporated those new guidelines into their return to play requirements, effective May 18th, 2021.

Our primary goal is player safety and creating a safe, fun and productive soccer environment. The summary below is based on the complete Massachusetts Youth Soccer Return to Play Guidelines and additional recommendations by MAYS (the regional league in which all of our travel teams participate). If state, MA Youth Soccer and/or local guidelines change we will adapt our policy based on the new information.

These guidelines require significant extra effort from your child's coaches. Our coaches are volunteers who donate their time to provide the best soccer environment for your children. Please be supportive and respectful as they work to implement these guidelines. 

What is different for the Spring 2021 season?

• MUYSA recommended spectator limits: 2 parents / guardians per player plus siblings are allowed
• Masks are not required for players 18 and under during active play. Masks are only required on the sideline and in team huddles if 6' of social distance cannot be maintained 
• Players may wear a mask on the field if they choose. In those cases, only 'around the ear' styles masks are allowed
• Spectators must practice social distancing in the spectator viewing areas. Spectators must wear facial coverings when entering and leaving a field. Spectators may remove their mask only when separated 6’ from the next spectator group. Family units from the same household do not need to distance, but should remain 6’ from the next spectator group
  
• Additional cleaning and sanitizing requirements
• Additional time between practices / games to limit team crossover
  

The MUYSA Board, coaches, parents and players all have a role in ensuring we a have safe season. Please review the expectations of each role below. Additional detail is provided in the MA Youth Soccer return to play guidelines linked to from above. 

MUYSA Board of Directors

• Assign a COVID Safety Lead for the organization (Matt Tengler - [email protected])
• Educate coaches, parents and players about their responsibilities under the Return to Play Guidelines
• Supply teams with the safety related equipment needed to implement the Return to Play Guidelines
  
• Insure practice and game scheduling meets the Return to Play Guidelines

Coaches / Team COVID Coordinators

• Masks are not required if social distance of 6ft can be maintained 
• Assign a team COVID-19 Coordinator to oversee compliance at the team level
• Educate and remind players about their responsibilities 
• Have approved Hand Sanitizer available at all practices and games 
  
• Do not allow players to share equipment, including pinnies and GK gloves
• Take attendance at every practice and game 
• Read and understand the Coaches Toolkit provided by MA Youth Soccer
  

Parents

• Follow the 2 parents / guardians per player plus siblings spectator recommendation
• Arrive for practices or games within 5 minutes of the designated time. If you are early, wait in the car. Leave immediately following the game or practice 
• Spectators must practice social distancing in the spectator viewing areas. Spectators may remove their mask only when separated 6’ from the next spectator group. Family units from the same household do not need to distance, but should remain 6’ from the next spectator group
• Verify that your child does not have a fever above 100.4 before sending them to any practice or game
• Verify that your child is not displaying any symptoms before sending them to any practice or game. Symptom include a sore throat, new cough, runny nose (not allergy related), muscles aches, shortness of breath and/or the loss of sense of smell or taste 
• Do not congregate in parking lots or general access areas
• Make sure players have their own equipment for every practice and game: appropriately sized and inflated soccer ball, water, GK gloves (if applicable) and pinnie (if applicable). Sharing of equipment will not be allowed
  

Players

• Wear a mask before entering, while on the sideline, and after leaving the playing field
  
• Bring your own equipment to each game and practice: appropriately sized and inflated soccer ball, water, GK gloves (if applicable) and pinnie (if applicable)
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently
• Do not touch training equipment (e.g., cones) besides your own ball except for in the normal course of play 
• Do not high-five, fist bump or touch other players except for in the normal course of play 
  

Additional questions or concerns can be sent to [email protected] 

Thanks for your support,
MUYSA