Return to Play During Covid virus Update Monday, August 30th.
The following are general guidelines to be used for Fall 2021 season to accommodate play while maintaining player safety during the Covid virus pandemic. These guidelines may be (and probably will be) updated during the season to remain in step with Oregon Health Administration’s recommendations. When changes are made, parents, coaches and referees will be notified.
1. Games will be scheduled with longer breaks between to allow teams to clear the fields before others arrive. Coaches will be asked to schedule minimal pre-game warm-ups. Teams and supporters will be asked to depart the premises immediately upon completion of a game.
2. Coaches will be encouraged to emphasize games and activities that focus on individual skill development rather than running scrimmages (this is actually our standard training model) which will allow greater distancing of players and reduce contact.
3. Coaches, referees and players are not required to wear face masks during training sessions or games while actively engaged in play on the field. Any individual who wants to wear a mask will be allowed to do so at any time. Spectators, coaches and players not actively engaged on the field and unable to maintain six foot social distancing will be required to wear masks. This may change as the season progresses based on Oregon Health Administration’s recommendations. We will notify all players, parents, coaches and referees if this requirement changes. No concession of registration fees will be made if wearing masks during play becomes a requirement.
4. Players will be required to provide their own water bottles (same as past seasons) and coaches will be asked to remind players not to share water bottles or any other personal gear.
5. Pinnies and keeper jerseys/gloves should not be shared and should be washed after each practice or game.
6. Law 15 (throw ins) will be modified for U6 - U8 accordingly:
A. No hands will be allowed.
B. The restart will require the team awarded the “throw-in” to kick the ball in from the point at which the ball left the field of play.
C. All opponents must give the kicker a minimum of 10 yards clearance (similar to free kicks awarded for a penalty). Teammates may stand closer.
D. Once the ball enters the field of play, any player may contact the ball.
E. There will no modification to Law 15 for U10-U19. Throw-ins will be conducted per Law 15.
7. Some things that will be very different for us because they are contrary to our fundamental philosophies are:
A. Parents will be asked to minimize family member attendance to practices and games.
C. During games, teams will be separated on one side of the field in two designated technical areas and spectators will be asked to observe the game from the opposite side of the field while maintaining social distancing. All game fields have painted technical area boxes and spectator lines. Please observe these demarcations.
I. A small exception will be allowed for U6 games. Teams will still have separate technical areas. Parents will be allowed on the same side of the field, but separated behind by six feet.
D. Cheer tunnels, after game hand-shakes and team parties will not be allowed.
E. Handshakes or contact during substitutions will not be allowed.
F. Substituting players may move directly between technical area and the field of play. Players will not be required to enter/exit the field of play at mid-field.
G. Celebrations during games should not contain any physical contact.