September 25, 2020 - TEAM PRACTICES NOT SANCTIONED

THE WEST SEATTLE SOCCER CLUB DOES NOT SANCTION TEAM PRACTICES DURING PHASE 2 OF THE COVID RECOVERY.

We acknowledge there is a strong desire for youth to get outdoors and exercise during the Covid "lockdown." Independent of the West Seattle Soccer Club, we understand that persons may engage in certain activities during Phase 2 of the Covid recovery in King County. Please carefully review these lawful restrictions: Governor's Phases of Covid Recovery. At a minimum, outdoor recreational activities during Phase 2 are restricted to a maximum of five (5) persons, with sanitizing, masking and social distancing.

The West Seattle Soccer Club strongly advocates for any persons engaging in activities during Phase 2 to strictly comply with all requirements. If you choose to engage in activities during Phase 2, take all precautions for the safety of yourself, your participants and their families. Please be mindful that your conduct may mistakenly be associated with the West Seattle Soccer Club and make sure you are demonstrating full and proper compliance with Phase 2 restrictions.

For the safety of everyone in our community, please observe all lawful requirements for activities under Phase 2 of the Covid recovery in King County.

September 15, 2020

COVID UPDATE - FALL SEASON DELAYED

WSSC is focused on the safety of our participants. Washington Youth Soccer has petitioned the Governor for an accommodation to play in Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Phased Approach. See https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start/whats-open-each-phase and https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/washington-youth-soccer-return-to-play-guidelines. We understand that the Governor’s consideration of the WYS petition is delayed due to the wildfires. Even if approved, it is unclear whether WSSC can meet the necessary protocols or that the Parks Department will issue field permits for play under lessened restrictions.  

Our season remains delayed. If the Governor grants the WYS petition, Seattle Parks issues permits, or we reach Phase 3, WSSC will presently be able to begin our Fall Season on October 3rd at the earliest. We still are hopeful to preserve the entire season by re-scheduling some games mid-week or after Thanksgiving.

Please check this site regularly for updates. We will continue to monitor the guidelines set forth by the Governor, King County, and the Seattle Parks Department. Thank you for your patience.

August 12, 2020

WSSC is optimistic that practices and games may be conducted when King County reaches Phase 3 as currently defined in the Governor’s Safe Start Phased Approach.  See https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start/whats-open-each-phase

The safety of our players, coaches and parents is our primary concern. As the beginning of the season nears (September 12th for divisions U13+ and September 18th for divisions U12-), WSSC will continue to evaluate the viability of our season, including the consideration of options to delay the start, extend the final games, or shorten the season as may be necessary. WSSC will endeavor to update the season status every two weeks, so please check this page regularly.

King County is currently in Phase 2. Conditions for Phase 2 activities are onerous, requiring training sessions to be limited to groups of five (5) in separate parts of the field while following social distancing. Coaches must wear masks at all times.

• Refer to WYS Return to Play Guidelines at https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/washington-youth-soccer-return-to-play-guidelines
• WSSC has not reserved fields and does not sanction practice or play during Phase 2.

Washington Youth Soccer has provided guidelines for Clubs, Coaches and Players, please read below.
For further details visit:  Washington Youth Soccer Return to Play Guidelines

General Guidelines

•  Be smart: if you are sick, stay home. This applies to everyone: players, coaches, and parents. If you have been sick, stay home for 14 days after recovery.
• Screening: Greet all participants before practice and ask if they have been sick in the last 14 days or in direct contact with a person who is sick.
• Send home immediately if the answer is “yes”.
  
• Sanitize: have hand sanitizer available and encourage hand washing before and after all activities.
  
• Group play: all activities must be limited to the max number allowed in the current phase.
  
• Physical play: facilitate soccer activities that eliminate physical contact. All drills and small-sided games should have as little physical contact as possible. Tackling, shielding, etc. should not be included in small-sided games or drills.
  
• No high-fives, handshakes, or hugs: as much as we want to physically connect, this is not a safe practice for anybody right now.
  
• Masks: coaches and spectators should wear a mask before, during, and after practice. Players should wear a mask when not actively practicing.
  
• Drop-off/pick-up: if possible, parents should remain in car for drop-off and pick-up. All spectators must remain 6 feet apart.
  
• Water bottles: to minimize accidental sharing of water, players must keep their water bottles in their own bag when not in use.
  
• Have fun, stay positive: everyone is looking to each other to stay calm, supportive, and compassionate during this time.
  

Coaches Guidelines

• Ensure the health and safety of your players. Inquire how the athletes are feeling, send them home if they act or discuss feeling ill.
  
• Follow all established federal, state, and local protocols.
  
• Ensure all athletes have their individual equipment (ball, water bottles, bag, etc.) and prohibit them from sharing anything. Equipment placement should be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
  
• The coach is the only person to handle cones, disks, etc.
  
• All training must be outdoors and coaches must strictly enforce social distancing per the current phase guidelines.
  
• Coaches must always wear a face mask per current phase protocol and social distance from players when required.
  
• Wash and sanitize your own equipment after every session.
  
• The use of scrimmage vests/pinnies is not recommended.
  
• Increase your communication with parents, they need to know what you are doing as a coach and club to maintain their safety.
  
• Have fun, stay positive – players and parents are looking to you to stay calm, supportive, and caring during this time.
  

Player Guidelines

• Take temperature daily.
  
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after training and any contact outside your home.
  
• Bring and use hand sanitizer with you at every training session. Especially at the beginning and end of sessions.
  
• Limited or no carpooling.
  
• Wear mask before and after all training sessions. This protects others in the event that you are unknowingly carrying the virus.
  
• Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment.
  
• Bring your own ball to training, label it as your own.
  
• Practice social distancing and place bags and other equipment at least 6 feet apart from your teammates’ equipment during sessions.
  
• Wash and sanitize all equipment before and after every training session.
  
• No group celebrations with players closer than six feet, no high fives, hugs, cheers, etc.
  

Parent Guidelines

• Ensure athletes are healthy, check their temperature daily.
  
• Limited or no carpooling.
  
• Stay in car or social distance when at training, wear mask at all times if outside your car.
  
• Ensure child’s clothing is washed after every training session.
  
• Label your child’s equipment to guard against cross-contamination.
  
• Ensure all equipment, cleats, ball, shin guards etc. are sanitized after every training.
  
• Notify club immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason and do not bring them into contact with coaches or other players.
  
• Do not assist coaches with equipment before or after training.
  
• Be sure your child has necessary sanitizer and cleaning supplies with them at every training.
  
• When traveling, take responsibility to sanitize hotel rooms.
  

KNOW YOUR ROLE! KNOW THE PROTOCOLS. The best practices listed abovr are intended to offer guidance to our Washington Youth Soccer community. Adherence to these considerations and recommendations does not ensure immunity from exposure.