FEFFL Return to Play Protocol

We will be following the CDC guidelines and will do all that we can to keep everyone safe while we transition during this time. 

We have provided CDC key terms below:

The CDC does encourage social distancing in youth sports programs, if feasible. There are several strategies for this. For instance, programs can:

·     Encourage players to wait in their cars with guardians as feasible until just before the beginning of a practice, warm-up, or game, instead of forming a group. Never leave children in a parked car and follow CDC’s Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness to keep children safe.

·     Increase the size of the practice field.

·     Create physical distance between players when explaining drills or the rules of the game.

·     Provide physical guides, such as signs, cones and tape on playing fields.

·     Space players at least 6 feet apart on the field, when possible, while participating in the sport (such as during warmup, skill building activities and simulation drills).

·     If keeping physical distance is difficult with players in competition or group practice, consider relying on individual skill work and drills.

·     Discourage unnecessary physical contact, such as high fives, handshakes, fist bumps, or hugs.

Cleaning:

·         Footballs will be rotated and sanitized as often as possible with Covid-19 approved product

·         Sanitizer will be provided for each team usage and placed throughout field perimeter

·         Common areas/surfaces such as shared equipment, concession stand, fountains, restroom, etc. will be disinfected regularly by dedicated staff

Field Safety:

·         Entry point temperature checks and symptom questions will be performed.

·         Successful screenings will receive a wristband or sticker for entry

·         Signs encouraging mask usage and social distancing will be displayed throughout the field

·         Concession stand social distancing will be enforced with signs and designated standing areas

·         Social distancing will be encouraged for spectators and displayed with signage.

·         Bleachers will be pre-marked for social distancing

·         Entry and Exit points will be displayed to allow for social distancing

Teams

·         Coaches will limit huddles to a minimum and do their best to call plays from the sidelines.

·         No on field awards or unnecessary player contact

·         Players will bring their own drink bottles labeled with their name

·         Email and text communication will be encouraged

Youth sports organizations should also limit any non-essential visitors, spectators, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations as much as possible – especially with individuals not from the local geographic area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).

During times when players are not actively participating in practice or competition, encourage social distancing by increasing space between players on the sideline. 

Additionally, coaches can encourage athletes to use downtime for individual skill-building work or cardiovascular conditioning, rather than staying clustered together.

All guidance, rules and regulations regarding the return of sports must be followed as set forth by the national, state, or local governments and health departments. All involved with making the decisions for return to sports should be up to date on government guidance and CDC recommendations.  All facilities, coaches, leagues and tournament directors should monitor recommendations and directives set forth by national, state and local levels.

We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to help us keep everyone safe by following these guidelines.

Thank you,

FEFFL