Continental Ranch Little League Return-To-Play Guidelines:
The plan provides guidelines but we cannot guarantee adherence by all participants at all times. Families should make their own choices on participation and the best interests of their family and players. The plan is focused on minimizing risk while still allowing for fun competition. These practices will be monitored as closely as possible by coaches and CRLL executive board members; however, with the nature of live sports activities including games and practices during which coaches are focused on safety and gameplay, it is imperative that all parents or guardians in attendance must help execute these guidelines as well.
1. Personal Safety and hygiene protocols:
a. If you are sick or feel sick, STAY HOME
b. At risk individuals, youth or adult, STAY HOME
c. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds as often as possible to minimize the spread of germs.
d. If capability exists, temperature of participants, including coaches should be taken. Anyone with a temperature of 100 or more should be sent home and not allowed to participate for a minimum of 14 days.
e. Assign a “station” for each player to place their equipment, and that they should return to during breaks.
f. Each player must have their own equipment if possible
i. Communal equipment can be used only if disinfected before & after use. It is the responsibility of borrowing player to do so.
ii. Teams will be provided a set of catchers gear (with an extra helmet) that is to be sanitized by wiping down the chest protector, shin guards, and helmet between players. In addition, the helmet is to be sanitized with solution spray between players. Teams should limit the number of players that play this position to minimize the risk. To ensure this practice, catchers should bring additional sanitization materials to games and practices.
g. No one is to share water or drinks. There should be no post-game team snacks distributed.
h. No centralized hydration or refreshment stations
i. Recommend having sanitizing options available. This may include:
i. Hand Sanitizer
ii. Disinfectant wipes to be used to wipe down all equipment
j. Respect for each individual’s choices must be the top priority. If a participant wishes to wear a face mask this should be allowed, and accommodations made if needed.
k. Coaches and players must wear a mask/gaiter while in the dugout. Coaches should also wear a mask/gaiter while on the field.
l. Players will not be allowed to touch their mouth then directly touch the ball when pitching.
2. Team Practices:
a. No parents should be present during the practice unless they are practicing social distance from players and other parents in attendance
b. Only one team may be on the field at a time
c. Players must have a designated spot for their equipment and bags and each spot should be at least 6 feet apart from the next player’s.
d. Minimal physical contact should be made with players, parents or coaching staff
e. Managers and coaches need to ensure that the players have the ability to wash/disinfect their hands throughout the practice
f. Managers, coaches and players should keep at least 6 feet apart when possible.
g. We recommend each team appoint a Health Coordinator to keep ensure guidelines are being followed.
3. Scheduled games or scrimmages:
a. Teams are allowed 24 people at the site. This includes all players, coaches and spectators. If your team has 12 players, that means one parent per player allowed. Parents should practice social distancing from players and other parents when choosing where to sit. The bleachers will be used by the players to allow them to socially distance
b. Managers, coaches, umpires and players are the only ones allowed to be on the playing field and dugout area during and before the game.
c. No handshake line or high fives between players. Teams will tip their caps to the opposing teams at the end of the game.
d. Dugouts must be sanitized before players arrive.
e. We recommend parents take turns bringing hand sanitizer/wipes to each game in lieu of post-game snacks. The league will provide teams with supplies as we acquire them, but cannot ensure regular refreshment of these supplies or enough for the entire season.
f. Players must keep their equipment in their assigned area and sit in their assigned spot when not on the field.
g. Only the on-deck batter and bench coach will be allowed in the dugout. Batters will enter the field from the dugout and exit the field from the gate at the end of the dugout area.
h. Hand sanitizer or handwashing equipment must be present during the game. Players are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer for personal use.
i. A trash can with liner must be available in each dugout area for disposal of disinfectant wipes and other trash.
Parents should notify the league and their coach IMMEDIATELY if a player, their parent, or other family member tests positive for COVID-19. Furthermore if there is reasonable belief that a player has been exposed or may be infected due to exposure with other children in any activity including any or all school activities, scouting activities, volunteering activities, other sports organizations, or any communal activities, it is the Parent’s responsibility to similarly notify the coach and league. If such a notification is received, the player’s team will cease all games and practices until contact tracing is complete and the risk is assessed. A player, who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot return to the team until the parent contacts the league president and/or safety officer with corroboration of a negative live virus test result.
We appreciate your willingness to adhere to the above protocols. We look forward to a fun and safe season!