Cumberland Valley Youth Softball Association COVID-19 Participant Guidance

Seating Chart for Home Games

In response to the current national health crisis and in conjunction with local, state, and federal health and governmental policies, Cumberland Valley Youth Softball Association (CVSA), has adopted the following recommended safety protocols, for players, coaches, and spectators.

It is recognized that participation by all individuals, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, spectators is fully a voluntary act. These guidelines have been developed in accordance with Governor Wolf’s “Guidance for All Sports Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees, Athletes and the Public” (Gov), CDC’s “Consideration for Youth Sports” (CDC) and Silver Spring Township “Parks & Recreation Reopening Guidelines” (SST). 

It is the responsibility of all participants to self-regulate and self-monitor with respect to the safety guidelines provided in order to protect not only themselves but others. The recommendations and guidelines employed by CVSA is intended to provide a framework by which we can minimize the risk of COVID-19 in order to provide the players with the benefits of youth sports. 

Any individual who has concerns that the implementation of the guidelines is not satisfactory for them and/or their child are encouraged to take respectful steps to address the concern, reach out to appropriate CVSA officials and/or remove themselves and their player from an environment they feel is unsafe. 

COVID 19 Contact:   [email protected]

GENERAL PARTICIPANT GUIDANCE (Players, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers, Parents, Spectators) 

1.     All participants shall follow all CDC, local and state guidelines and directives. 

2.     Individuals are required to wear a face mask if outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet from individuals who are not members of their household.

3.     Parents must screen and monitor athletes for symptoms prior to games and practices. If individuals participating in sporting activities show symptoms, have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or are sick, they must be sent home. Coaches have the authority to send a player home immediately if they are exhibiting any symptoms.

4.     Any player or participant who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has had close contact with a person testing positive for COVID-19 is required to notify the CVSA COVID-19 Point of Contact or safety officer as appropriate so necessary follow up can take place. 

5.     All athletes, coaches, and officials must bring their own water and drinks to team activities. 

6.     Bleachers are not to be used by spectators. Spectators should plan to bring their own seating.

7.     Players and coaches should take measures to prevent all but the essential contact necessary to play the game. 

PARENT GUIDANCE: 

1.     Parents are encouraged to: 

a.     Provide their players with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer to clean hands and equipment between innings, or as needed.

b.     Provide their players with personal drinks for all activities.

c.      Drinks should be labeled with the person’s name.

d.     Clean and Disinfect their players’ equipment after each practice and game.

e.     Practice appropriate social distancing and wear face masks when applicable as spectators.

2.     Maintain appropriate social distance from other family units

COACH GUIDANCE: 

1.     There should be no shared team beverages or snacks before, during, or after game or practices.

2.     Coaching staff and other adult personnel should wear a face mask when they cannot maintain appropriate social distance, unless doing so jeopardizes their health. 

3.     Coaches will be responsible for ensuring that equipment is adequately spaced and visible prior to the game for a “visual only” equipment check by the umpires.

4.     Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva must not be allowed including chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds. 

PLAYER GUIDANCE: 

1.     Coaches and athletes must maintain appropriate social distancing at all times possible, including in the field of play, sidelines, dugouts, benches, and workout areas.

2.     Players should wear a face mask, if possible when in close contact areas and in places where recommended social distancing is challenging or not feasible, such as in dugouts.

3.     No personal player bat bags/equipment bags should be allowed in the dugout. Player equipment should be spaced accordingly outside the dugout to prevent direct contact.

4.     Whenever possible, equipment and other personal items should be separated and not shared. If equipment must be shared, all equipment should be properly disinfected between users. 

5.     Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva must not be allowed including chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds.

SPECTATOR GUIDANCE: 

1.     Spectators should wear a face mask if possible and maintain 6 feet social distancing to the maximum extent practical, and avoid direct hand or other contact with players/managers/coaches during play.

2.     Spectators should bring their own seating or portable chairs; bleacher seating is closed to spectators.

3.     A spectator with any of the following conditions should not attend a practice or game

a.     Active COVID-19 infection 

b.     Known direct contact with an individual testing positive for COVID-19 

c.      Fever, Cough, or other symptoms

4.     Those at higher risk for severe disease should consider consultation with their medical provider before attending a game and should ensure the strictest adherence to guidelines regarding face masks, distancing, and handwashing.

ADOPTED: June 18, 2020    REVISED: April 18, 2021