Covid guidelines for Spring 2021 Season
Below is a list of safety precautions\guidelines regarding the Covid pandemic for the 2021 Pleasanton Little League Spring Season. Pleasanton Little League will adhere to the health orders put forward by the State, County, and City governments and health agencies. As these orders change based on the current Covid statistics, we will likely need to update this guidance throughout the season. We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
Player Safety
o Parents should ensure that their child(ren) is/are free from Covid symptoms and have not been exposed to someone with the Covid virus prior to attending a PLL event (practice, training, games, etc.).
§ Children who display symptoms, or have been exposed to Covid, must be cleared by a medical professional prior to returning to play.
o Players are required to wear masks at all times, unless there is a safety hazard in doing so. Masks must fit properly and cover the mouth and nose. Masks should be cleaned or disposed of in between events (practices/games).
§ Masks are required to be worn in accordance with the guidelines put forth by the State:
· “Face coverings worn by participants during practice, conditioning and during competition, even during heavy exertion as tolerated. See the American Academy of Pediatrics Interim Guidance on Return to Sports [1] for specific exceptions where the face covering may become a hazard.”
AND
· “Face coverings to be worn when not participating in the activity (e.g., on the sidelines).”
o Each player is required to bring their own personal hand sanitizer liquid\wipes.
o Adults are required to wear masks at all times when within 6 feet of another participant.
§ Coaches, staff, and observers will also be required to follow the guidelines put forth by the State.
· “Face coverings to be worn by coaches, support staff and observers at all times, and in compliance with the CDPH Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings.”
· Coaches\Staff will also ensure that players and anyone else on the field are properly wearing their masks.
Practices
o Players should use hand sanitizer when arriving to, and leaving, the field.
o Players must maintain social distance protocols as much as feasible.
o Dugouts use for practices should be limited as to ensure maximum social distancing.
o Shared equipment should be avoided where possible. When not possible, shared equipment must be sanitized between uses.
o No food, candy, gum, or sunflower seeds allowed.
o Only beverages are allowed (water, Gatorade, etc.), and must never be shared between players.
Games
o Players should use hand sanitizer when arriving to, and leaving, the field.
o Players must maintain social distance protocols as much as feasible.
o Dugouts will be used for games. To ensure the safety of all players involved:
§ Players should never remove their masks in the dugout (unless drinking water).
§ Players should maintain social distance as much as possible.
§ All players should use hand sanitizer when entering the dugout after each ½ inning.
§ Per standard Little League rules, a coach\cleared adult volunteer is required to be in the dugout with the players at all times.
o Teams will use their own game balls while on defense.
o Shared equipment should be avoided where possible. When not possible, shared equipment must be sanitized between uses.
o No food, candy, gum, or sunflower seeds allowed.
o Only beverages are allowed (water, Gatorade, etc.), and must never be shared between players.
Spectators\Parents
o Spectators should be limited to immediate household members only.
o Spectators are required to remain socially distanced from all players\coaches\umpires as well as other spectators that are not in their immediate household.
o Spectators must keep their masks on at all times.
o Bleachers should only be used if there is an ability to maintain social distancing. It is recommended that the bleachers be reserved for score keepers, as needed.
Returning to Sports After Infection (as outlined by the CDPH)
o No one with symptoms of COVID-19 or who is in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19 is permitted to attend practices or competitions.
o Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should consult their physician for testing and notify their coach, athletic trainer and/or school administrator of their symptoms and test results.
o Youths recovering from COVID-19 will have different paths to return to sports based on the severity of their illness. See the American Academy of Pediatrics Interim Guidance on Return to Sports [1] for additional guidance for more serious infections.