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BLUE MOUNTAIN SOCCER CLUB

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5

May, 2020

Suspend Play extended to May 31

To:         All Members and Affiliates
From:    Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer
CC:       Board of Directors
Date:     5 May 2020
RE:       Suspension of Soccer Activities Extended to May 31
 
I hope everyone has remained in good health and good spirits during this crisis. As Governor Wolf’s extension of the Stay at Home order for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may be lifted in some areas of the state on May 8, the Board of Directors unanimously voted last night to extend our suspension of all soccer activities through May 31

In our last update, we discussed the possibility that reaching May 8 with no further stay at home orders would not necessarily indicate that we will lift our suspension of soccer activities. As we approach May 8, only seven counties are targeted for Governor’s Yellow Phase. They are the counties that entirely comprise our District 5. The remaining 97% of our players reside in counties still in the Red Phase. 

We’ve conferred with state legislators and municipal leaders as well as our colleagues in soccer and other youth or sport organizations. Discussions for re-opening of sport and other organized youth activities are of great concern and are being weighed separately from manufacturing, retail and hospitality concerns. Relevant to our world, all schools remain closed; playgrounds and other public recreational facilities, along with private health and fitness facilities, remain closed. The PIAA suspended all scholastic activity until June 30. US Soccer has suspended activities through June 30. PA West Youth Soccer has suspended activity through June 1. Professional sports are optimistic, but no team sport has arrived at a certain re-opening date. 

In the new vernacular, even when we reach the Yellow Phase, congregate activity is still restricted and physical distancing still to be enforced. Team sports are a congregate activity. To use a phrase used so often at the beginning of this crisis, we are employing “an abundance of caution” as we wait for a few more weeks to ensure safety. 

It is our sincerest hope that we are able to return to play next month. We have been developing return to play protocols and standards. We have worked directly with several local and national agencies to provide the safest environment we can. Wearing face masks, sanitizing equipment, fan limitations and other training limitations will be introduced in some capacity. It will be different and maybe a little odd at first. However, it will be well worth it if it means we can see our friends and colleagues back on the fields and get back to simply playing soccer.

Be well. Stay safe.
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