EPYSA state message below. COVID & Reopening SOCCER
Governor Wolf announced all counties will enter the Yellow Phase on June 5th, with at least five counties in Eastern Pennsylvania in the Green Phase. More and more counties will be entering the Green Phase as the weeks go on. Our current return to play guidelines, Restart 2020, was released to all club and league leadership in our association on May 28th so that they may prepare to restart soccer this summer.
Restart 2020
The PA Department of Health has clearly stated that no organized sports will be played until a county enters the Green Phase. Although our state association-wide suspension is now lifted, we cannot sanction activity where the Commonwealth prohibits it. Therefore, insurance coverage will not be in effect for soccer activity in the Yellow Phase. Please adhere to the guidelines that we have previously circulated.
That being said, the Governor has eased restrictions on camps. An advisory on camp activity is being prepared for our league and club leaders. There are specific guidelines to operate and attend a camp. These guidelines are direct from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Should you consider sending your child to any camp, from one of our members or an independent operator, please be advised of those guidelines.
CDC Considerations for Youth and Summer Camps
In our document “Restart 2020” we provide guidelines to reopen soccer in alignment with various national and state agencies. We include generally accepted and publicly promoted hygiene protocols and safety measures along with return to play guidelines for parents/guardians, coaches and clubs. Play will be able to resume in a limited, controlled and local club only manner when a county enters the Green Phase.
Return to Play Protocols
Counties turning Green is a positive step. We need to recognize that Green is not a fully operational phase and mitigation of the virus is still in place. It is not, as the Governor has stated, a return to the way things were, but changing behavior for a new normal. Some restrictions remain in place but are being gradually loosened. The Commonwealth has not presented guidelines beyond the initial re-opening. Our initial response to turning Green reflects local return to play. Let’s use this period to acclimate and reintegrate.
Very soon, we will present additional guidelines within the Green Phase as we await guidance from the Governor, so that we can progress into further interaction between clubs and eventually back to full competition. We’re nearly there. Please take in all the information provided and prepare to guide your sons and daughters safely and confidently back onto to the soccer fields.
Be well. Stay safe.