As an organization we are using the CDC and McHenry County Health Department guidelines as well as following the lead of other similar organizations in the area in order to provide a safe and fun environment for all players.  We need to work together to make this a safe successful season.  We ask that you abide by the guidelines and encourage your child to do the same.  

As always we are recommending that all players supply their own helmets with protective cage attached, protective face masks for play in the field, fastpitch softball bat and glove.  We will not be allowed to share any protective gear this year that has not been properly sanitized.  

As we kick off the season, here are our League’s current mandatory participation guidelines in order to get the season started and play games.

· If any coach or player (or anyone in their household) is exhibiting any COVID-19 related symptoms, including but not limited to cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever of 100.4 or above, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell, they should seek medical advice and can not attend practices until cleared by a physician. 

· If any coach or player (or anyone in their household is tested positive for COVID-19, they should remain isolated at home for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset and can be released after fever-less and feeling well (without fever-reducing medication) for at least 72 hours or has 2 negative COVID-19 tests in a brown with testing done 24 hours apart.  Positive test results should be communicated to the coach to take proper precautions so that notification can be made. 

· Any player or coach that has had close contact (immediate family members or contacts w/in 6-ft for more than 15 minutes unless wearing an N95mask) with anyone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days after the last/most recent contact with the infected person and should seek a COVID-19 test.  All other team members should be on alert for symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath and taking temperature if symptoms develop. 

· Maximum 50% capacity and 20% seating for spectators.

· Spectators for games will distance themselves around the fields.   Please sit at least 6 feet between members of different households, using the fence poles as guidelines.

· Designated areas will be marked for spectators 30 feet from dugouts and bleachers. 

· The bleachers will be closed to spectators.  Only players will be allowed in the bleachers, as designated by coaches as an extension of the dugout.  

Weekly cleaning and disinfecting of the premises will be done including restrooms.

· All coaches & players should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer upon arriving at the field for practice and there should be scheduled times for repeat hand washing/sanitizing.

· All Players should store their gear with appropriate social distance of 6 feet between player.

· All Coaches and Players are required to bring a mask / face covering and have it readily accessible to wear when social distance is not possible during practice and games.   This is especially important when players are in the dugout areas.

· Coaches should design practices that will be run so that coaches and players can maintain an adequate social distance of 6 ft. 

o   Practices will allow for players in each station to be 6 ft apart and stations to be 10 feet apart.  

o   In situations where this is not possible, coaches and players should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth.  (cloth masks recommended).

· Attendance will be taken at every practice and game.

· Players/coaches will be responsible for bringing their own water/drinks to practices as water fountains will not be available and drinks/food will not be shared. Concession stands may not open this season.

· Players should not share towels, clothing, or other items that they may use to wipe their face or hands. 

· Group sizes should be limited to 50 participants, coaches and umpires (excludes spectators). Multiple groups of 50 or fewer participants are permitted as long a s30-ft distancing is maintained between groups.

· Restrooms will be open as available, try to go in 1-2 at a time and maintain social distancing and good hand washing / sanitizing practices. 

· Team equipment (tees, nets, baseballs, etc.) will be sanitized as best possible before and after each practice and game.  

· Personal equipment (helmets, bats, catcher’s gear,mitts)  should  not be shared between players and coaches will need to disinfect between each use.

- Players' own equipment should be placed at least 6 -ft away from others’ personal belongings. 

· Team sizes will be limited to 14 players or fewer per 1 coach.  Teams will need to be separated by a minimum of 30-ft.  One coach per team will be responsible for monitoring distancing requirements during practice. 

· Roster will remain static once the season starts and no new players will be added to them

. 

· Players and coaches should not attend practices for a team they do not play for.  Siblings should not be on the field. 

· Start times for practices and games will be staggered to minimize contact between teams. 

· Shared snacks, team huddles and postgame handshakes will not be allowed. 

· Parents/spectators are required to remain 30-ft. from the team and should maintain 6-ft distance among themselves.  If closer than 6-ft parents/spectators need to wear face covering over nose and mouth. 

· These guidelines should be communicated to the entire team and families should communicate with all fans that may look to watch games.