FALL 2020 SEASON RETURN TO PLAY

GUIDELINES

ALL ABGC PLAYERS, STAFF, FAMILIES MUST

ABIDE BY THESE RULES AT ALL GAMES.

INTROUDUTION

¡ ABGC prides itself on creating a safe match-day environment for it’s member teams. To that end, we have compiled the following list of guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 at our soccer matches. While the guidelines reflect the general best practices and protocols outlined by the CDC, State and local governments, and state soccer associations, they do not supersede local county restrictions. In addition we are relying on all of our members and visiting teams to abide by and enforce the guidelines. We all wish for a safe and successful season, and thank everyone in advance for promoting a safe return to play.

PRE TRAVEL GUIDELINES

• ¡  Requirements:

• ¡  Before attending a game, each player should check his/her temperature at home, and refrain from

  participation if he/she has a fever (> 100.4 degrees) and answer the following questions:

• ¡  Have you had a documented case of Covid-19 in the last 14 days ?

• ¡  Have you had close contact with anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19?

• ¡  Are you currently feeling sick or have any symptoms of Covid-19?

• ¡  If a player answers yes to any of these questions they should not attend practices or games.

PRACTICE AND GAME REQUIREMENTS

• ¡  Team officials must communicate these rules to opposing teams 48 hours before any match.

• ¡  Goalkeepers must wash/disinfect their gloves after every game and practice.

• ¡  All players and coaches must use their own water bottles etc

• ¡  Visiting teams will only be allowed to bring one spectator per player – a team manager, and no more than two coaches.

• ¡  All spectators will be required to wear a mask.

• ¡  All coaches will be required to wear a mask.

• ¡  All players not in the game will be required to wear a mask.

FACILITY AND ARRIVAL GUIDELINES

• ¡  Arriving team officials are responsible for making sure their team does not enter the field area until participants of the previous game exit the field.

• ¡  Each field will have a clear entry/exit point.

• ¡  Everyone must have a mask on upon arrival and exit of the fields.

• ¡  The home club is required to provide balls for matches (3) they must be sanitized before use.

• ¡  Each team will be required to sanitize any benches used by players during the game (benches must be disinfected with either wipes or spray at the end of each game. All trash must be cleared.

• ¡  Each team should also sanitize their own bench (where available) before play.

• ¡  All players will have their temperature checked upon arrival to the field (both home and away players).

MATCH GUIDELINES

• ¡  The referee must maintain social distance from all players during check in.

• ¡  Team officials must provide the referee with a game roster before the game that includes the first and last name of all the players, along with their jersey number.

• ¡  Player cards may be presented electronically – it is recommended that only the team manager or coach handles the player cards.

• ¡  Cones and other equipment must not be handled by the players.

• ¡  Only one captain may participate in the coin flip at the start of the game with players maintaining social

  distance.

• ¡  Home and away teams will sit on opposite sides of the field. In a different quadrant to the sideline referee.

MATCH GUIDELINES / SUBSTITUTIONS

¡ Substitutes on the bench must wear masks at all times (except when warming up to enter the field). ¡ Substitutes will enter the field from the bench and not congregate at the half way line.
¡ There should be no contact between substitutes and players exiting the field.

MATCH GUIDELINES / SPECTATORS

• ¡  Spectators are allowed to attend games as a privilege not a right.

• ¡  All spectators must wear a mask, and make every effort to maintain a 6ft distance, except for members of the same family.

• ¡  Home and away players and spectators will sit on opposite sides of the field.

• ¡  All spectators must be 10ft from the field of play.

MATCH GUIDELINES / PLAYERS COACHES

• ¡  Coaches and players on the sideline must wear masks.

• ¡  Players are allowed to use the entire space on the sideline to maintain social distance (they must use the quadrant not occupied by the sideline referee.

• ¡  In the event of an injury only the coach or a family member may enter the field of play in accordance with first aid management, wearing a mask.

POST MATCH GUIDELINES

• ¡  Teams must exit the field of play immediately after the game. Once their area is sanitized for the next team. Bench cleaned and disinfected, all trash removed.

• ¡  No post match line ups or high fives will take place.

• ¡  No post game meetings with players and coaches should take place. Please exit the field as quickliy as

  possible.

• ¡  Coaches should report matches where teams do not follow the guidelines to – Technical Director Steve Lee,

  703-300-7596 – [email protected]

• ¡  Club coaches are responsible for making sure all teams exit the field.

CONFIRMED INFECTION PROTOCOLS

• ¡  Any player with a confirmed case of Covid-19 must inform the club immediately. Players who may have had contact will be notified.

• ¡  Any coach or parent working with/for ABGC in any capacity must notify the club of a Covid-19 infection.

• ¡  Any player, staff member or volunteer who tests positive for Covid-19 will not be allowed to return to play for 14 days. They must also provide written Covid-19 clearance from a physician.