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Return to Play Policy

UPDATED AS OF January 2021

In alignment with the Greater Sacramento Region Stay at Home Order, youth sports conditioning and training is permitted for OUTDOOR operations only until further notice.

As of now, we will continue to train and adhere to the Return to Play protocols outlined below on this page. If any player/family feels more comfortable training with a mask, please feel free.

Additionally, if your family is more comfortable not participating that is completely understandable and we respect your decision. 

All players must fill out the COVID-19 waiver before participating in any activities.

Please contact the EDHSC Board of Directors with any questions or concerns.  Thank you.


RESPONSIBILITIES

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

  • Chills
  • Cough persistent or productive
  • Fever > 100.4 degrees
  • Headache
  • Joint aches and soreness
  • Loss of taste/smell
  • Rash
  • Recent exposure to COVID-19 (in the past 14 days)
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Sinus congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

Phased Process of Return to Play

Return to Play Phase Overview

Phase 1: Individual & Small Group Training - No Contact
Phase 2: Full Team Training - Minimal Contact
Phase 3: Full Team Competitions - Minimal Contact
Phase 4: Minimal Restrictions - Full Contact

 

Return to Play Phase 1

In accordance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Fitness Facilities, dated June 5, 2020, EDHSC has implemented a Return to Play approach that puts players in the ‘Lowest Risk’ category by dividing players into ‘small groups’ who ‘remain at least 6 feet apart and do not share objects’.

Initial Programming Format:

EDHSC Training Sessions

No contact allowed during training sessions, limiting any physical exposure to other players.

  • These sessions will allow players to slowly and carefully re-engage with on-field activity.
  • Players will be pre-assigned to a ‘Stable Sports Group’. (This is a defined list of players that have been grouped together in advance by age and gender and assigned to that specific practice group).
  • Sessions will be non-contact, limiting any physical exposure to other players.
  • Participants must always be at least 6-10 feet apart during training sessions.
  • All practice times must be set with the intent to maximize social distancing guidelines.
  • Designate a space for each player on the field.
  • Ensure that no players are sharing any water, food, or equipment with each other.

Session Format             

  • INDIVIDUAL (isolated) ball mastery and SOLO technical footwork.
  • UNOPPOSED (non-contact) passing and receiving.
  • UNOPPOSED shooting and finishing, with NO GKs (or anyone handling a ball).
  • INDIVIDUAL (isolated) fitness and functional training.

 

Return to Play Phase 1 Overview

Target Return Date:

  • Monday, June 15 – Strictly limited to ‘pilot’ groups (Club implementation run through)
  • Tuesday, June 16 – For no more than 75% of membership
  • Monday, June 22 – For remaining 25% of membership

Phase activity will strictly adhere to CDC guidelines in all areas.

Format:

Training Sessions

  • Players will be assigned to a ‘Stable Sports Group’.
  • Zero tolerance non-contact policy.
  • Must maintain social distancing minimum of 6-10 feet between participants throughout training.
  • Practice outdoors.
  • Players and coaches must use hand sanitizer before, during breaks, and after practice.
  • Carpooling is highly discouraged.
  • No Congregating Policy for players or parents in parking lots, at drop off/pick up zones, or anywhere within the facility before, during, or after training.
  • Participants MUST adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times, as set by the CDC, local public health departments, and the El Dorado Hills CSD.
 
EDHSC will be monitoring public health guidelines and notify participants when it is acceptable to move to additional Return to Play phases.
 

Return to Play Phase 2: Full Team Training - Minimal Contact

  • Group training can be introduced on a small scale, with any group-based activities not exceeding a strictly enforced guideline (such as 3v3).
  • Physical contact to be introduced on a small scale, minimal contact.
  • Continuing to ensure that no players are sharing any water, food, or equipment.
  • All practice times must be set with the intent to maximize social distancing.

Return to Play Phase 3: Full Team Competitions - Minimal Contact

  • Introducing controlled environment scenarios such as scrimmages and practice games.
  • Continuing to emphasize minimal contact, not allowing players to have full contact during controlled scenarios.
  • Continuing to ensure that no players are sharing any water, food, or equipment.
  • Maximizing home facilities to limit general travel-related exposure to players.

Return to Play Phase 4: Minimal Restrictions - Full Contact

  • Introducing full return to play, allowing for controlled environment scenarios to contain full contact.
  • No restrictions on training sessions.
  • League games and tournaments will resume.
  • Continuing to ensure that no players are sharing water or food with one another.
  • Continuing to recommend proper social distancing practices.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH RETURN TO PLAY PHASE

These steps should be initiated at each Return to Play phase:

  • Participants must NOT have a pending COVID-19 test
  • Participants must have NO signs/symptoms in the past 14 days.
  • Participants have had NO sustained contact with anyone who is sick within 14 days of beginning group training.
  • Recommend that parents take their child(ren)’s temperature prior to training to ensure there is no fever.
  • Minimize changes in small group participants.
  • All participants must self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, and if any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the participant should not attend the practice, should notify coaches and staff, and should contact their health care provider.
  • Upon arrival to train, coaches should ask each athlete if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. If the athlete has any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 they should be sent home and instructed to contact their health care provider.
  • If a participant is confirmed to have COVID-19, parents and/or coaches must notify EDHSC immediately.  Affected teams must cease training until further notice from EDHSC.
  • Infection prevention measures should be followed during practice. Make sure appropriate infection prevention supplies are present (e.g. hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.).
  • Group training sessions should take place outside in an area where social distancing can be maintained.
  • Participants should use their own equipment and avoid touching each other with their hands. Use own water bottle, towel, personal hygiene products, etc.
  • NO activities that would require direct or indirect contact between athletes.
  • Rigorous, frequent cleaning schedule/protocol of equipment before, during and after training. Specifically, coach or designated person will wipe down goal posts.
  • Coaching can occur onsite, but coaches must maintain social distancing from all participants.
  • EVERYONE must respect a person’s decision regarding personal safety. There should be NO confrontations regarding masks or the handling of medical decisions.
  • Coaches must respect a family’s right to choose to participate during these times. Nonparticipation due to health concerns will not impact a player’s standing in the team or playing time once games have started.

 

References:

USOPC Sports Medicine. Return to Training Considerations Post-Covid-19. United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.  April 28, 2020

U.S. Youth Soccer Return to Activity Notice.  May 5, 2020.

U.S. Soccer PLAY ON Guidelines

 

Helpful Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/
https://covid19.ca.gov/
https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-fitness.pdf
https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-daycamps.pdf
https://www.ussoccer.com/playon
https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/resources/return-to-activity-resources/
https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/return-to-play