VBALL/Beck Fields Covid-19 Protocol

Appendix L of the Safety Manual and Operating Handbook

Date: April 1, 2021

Arrival to Field

Mandatory

·        Participants, spectators, and volunteers must adhere to six-foot physical distancing while at the fields.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation).  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        No team water coolers or shared drinking stations.

·        Game balls must be designated to each team for use while that them is playing defense.

·        These requirements must be shared prior to the games/practices with all players, coaches, spectators, officials, and volunteers.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Lineups should be entered online or by spoken word and recorded by officials/umpires without exchanging any physical documents with coaches or players

·        Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the fields alone or with a member of their immediate household.

Practice

      Mandatory

·        Coaches and players must adhere to physical six-foot distancing except when the ball is in play.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation).  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        No team water coolers or shared drinking stations.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Coaches should wear face coverings at all times.

·        Athletes should wear face coverings at all times while not actively participating in the field of play.

·        Face coverings are strongly recommended for any spectators.

·        For each practice session, it is recommended that coaches divide players into groups and establish rotating shifts when possible.

·        Athletes should bring individual water containers.

·        Virtual meetings should be considered when possible.

·        Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the fields alone or with a member(s) of their immediate household, if possible.  Face coverings are strongly recommended for individuals traveling to and from the fields when riding with someone outside of your immediate household.

·        Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared.  If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.

Athletes

Mandatory

·        Must adhere to physical six-foot distancing off the field of play.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation).  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        Must not share water or equipment.  Belongings should be used by the individual owner or operator including, but not limited to water bottles, gloves, bats, hats, and other on- and off-field gear.

·        No touch rule – players should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, umpires and fans.  A “tip the cap” can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.

·         

Recommended Best Practices

·        Should wear face coverings at all times when not actively participating in the field of play.

·        Hand washing or hand sanitizing, in the absence of soap and water, are strongly recommended for athletes during the games.

·        Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared.  If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.

·        Consider prohibiting spitting, eating seeds, gum, or other similar products.

Spectators 

Mandatory

·        Must adhere to six-foot social distancing practices.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments.  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        Must not enter player areas (on the field of play or bench areas).

·        Must keep six-feet or more distance from the backstop.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Strongly recommended to wear face coverings at all times.

·        Hand washing or hand sanitizing, in the absence of soap and water, are strongly recommended during the games.

Coaches

Mandatory

·        Must adhere to six-foot social distancing practices.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation).  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        No touch rule – players should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, umpires and fans.  A “tip the cap” can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.

·        Must ensure that players are following COVID-19-related prevention measures included herein.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Should wear face coverings at all times.

·        Coaches should ensure the players are adhering to social distancing in dugouts and other seating areas and wearing face coverings while not actively participating on the field of play.

·        Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not shared.  If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.

·        Consider prohibiting spitting, eating seeds, gum, or other similar products.

Umpires/Officials

Mandatory

·        Must adhere to six-foot social distancing practices when interacting with players, coaches, and spectators off the field of play.

·        Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation).  Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.

·        Umpires should adhere to social distancing practices when interacting with players, coaches, and spectators off the field of play.

·        Must avoid exchanging documents or equipment with players, coaches, or spectators.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Should wear face coverings at all times.

·        Umpires calling balls and strikes should allow adequate distance behind the catcher while still able to perform their duty.

Leaving the Fields

Mandatory

·        Individuals should not congregate in common areas or parking lot following the games or practices.

·        Individuals should not exchange items.

Recommended Best Practices

·        Team meetings should occur virtually or over the phone rather than in a team huddle

·        Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the fields alone or with a member(s) of their immediate household, if possible.  Face coverings are strongly recommended for individuals traveling to and from the fields when riding with someone outside of your immediate household.

·        Team meals should only occur in compliance with the guidelines issued for restaurants in the state of Michigan.

Confirmed Cases

Mandatory

·        Immediately isolate ad seek medical care for any individual who develops symptoms.

·        Contact the local health department about suspected cases or exposures.