To our Wallowa Valley Youth Soccer Community,
Now that registration has closed, the league board is working to get our players back on the field this fall. An important hurdle is planning how to manage the transmission risk of COVID-19 within our program. As we continue developing our operational plan, we felt now was an important time to share what our guidelines will be for the upcoming season so each of you can make the best decision for your player and family.
First, it is important to understand that the risk of COVID-19 cannot be completely eliminated. By participating in this recreational soccer league, you and your player are accepting a risk. However, at this time we are confident this risk can be managed in a way that allows our players the physical and social outlets they need right now.
Managing the risk of COVID-19 within the soccer league is not just the work of our board, but all of our work as a community. League administrators, coaches, parent/guardians, and players will all have critical roles to reduce transmission of COVID-19. We have outlined those roles in the attached table, current as of 8/5/20. Please read and understand where you and your players fit into this plan.
The Wallowa Valley Youth Soccer Program will operate in accordance with state and local guidelines and requirements, as determined by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA), and local health officials. At this time, masks and/or facial coverings are required for players, coaches, and spectators whenever social distancing (6 foot spacing) cannot be maintained. This includes during practices, scrimmages, and gameplay.
It should also be acknowledged that as a small volunteer board we cannot be everywhere at all times to enforce these guidelines and protocols. Therefore, in order for our strategy to be effective, all of us have to commit to following this plan. This season, all participants in our program will be required to sign a release waiver that also acknowledges you understand and will follow our requirements.
After reviewing this, you may decide that playing soccer under these conditions may not be right for your player and family. If not, the league will commit to provide refunds until August 12th. To request a refund, email us at [email protected] by then. After the 12th, we need to move forward with the numbers that we have to order equipment, form teams, and schedule games.
Whatever you decide, know that the Wallowa Valley Soccer league values and appreciates each of you as a member of our soccer community. We are facing these challenges and hard decisions right alongside you, and looking forward to a time where COVID-19 is behind us.