Cap City Athletic 1847 - COVID Point of Contact
Dan Jury
[email protected]

October 8, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: As you may know, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently issued anEmergency Order Under MCL 333.2253.All athletes must wear a facial covering during trainings and competitions. Athletes must also practice social distancing, at all times, except when they are in active participation during trainings or competitions. In addition, MSYSA Return-To-Play Guidelines state that all team officials and spectators must wear facial coverings at all times upon arrival to, departure from, and during MSYSA activities. MSYSA's Return-To-Play (RTP) Guidelines, and our Fall FAQs, includes changes to the attendance restrictions.In brief, for outdoor sports competitions (in Michigan), the live audiencemust belimited to the guests of the athletes, with each athlete designating up to two guests, or the eventmust complywith gathering requirements of section 1(c) in the MDHHS Emergency Order Under 333.2253.If local health department (LHD) orders exist that have stricter attendance restrictions, teams/clubs are expected to adhere to the respective local orders. On October 2, 2020, MSYSA implemented a'3 Strike' Policyas it relates to compliance with MSYSA's RTP Guidelines. (e.g. players, team officials, spectators not consistently wearing facial coverings, etc.)An online form (RTP Violations)is now available on our website for coaches, managers and club/league officials to report violations. Referees should promptly submit reports of MSYSA RTP violations on game reports. A first offense ('Notice/Warning') will be shared with an offending team's club and/or affiliating league.The club/league must provide acknowledgement of receipt (to MSYSA) within 48 hours, including how they plan to address the situation with the offending team.At this time, 'Notices/Warnings' will not be posted on MSYSA's website.However, 'Second Offenses' by the same team will be posted on our website and result in a fine imposed by MSYSA. Fines must be paid to MSYSA prior to the team's next scheduled match. Any fines collected by MSYSA will be donated to charitable organizations. A 'Third Offense' by the same team will result in forfeits and the immediate removal from a league/event schedule is likely. The MSYSA RTP violation information on our website, now presents players, parents, teams and clubs the opportunity to make advanced, pre-match decisions on choosing whether or not to participate against teams that are having difficulty on complying with MSYSA's RTP Guidelines. Finally, a few rule changes were adopted by MSYSA's Board of Directors on September 28, 2020. To read/review the specific rule changes, pleaseclick here. Please continue to monitor our website and social media platforms for updates. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director

September 16, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: MSYSA is moving all affiliated clubs and leagues into MSYSA Phase 5.5, effective September 19, 2020.Beginning September 19, 2020, games are permitted. In addition, full scrimmages (inter-squad, across the club or outside the club) are permitted, but not recommended, unless all mitigation measures as outlined inMSYSA's Return-To-Play (RTP) guidelinesare, and can be, implemented. Pursuant toExecutive Order 180, all athletes must wear a facial covering. EO 180 does not exempt athletes from wearing facial coverings due to medical intolerance reasons nor does it authorize medical waivers. As previously relayed, athletes have the option of participating with a facial covering or not participating at this time. MSYSA defines ‘facial covering’ as a clean cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, thatcovers both the mouth and nose,including, but not limited to surgical masks, handmade or homemade. Athletes should utilize a facial covering size that comfortably covers both the mouth and nose. Athletes are encouraged to bring more than one facial covering to trainings, practices and games in the event the facial covering is damaged, falls off, gets wet or is bloodied in any way.Note: The use of plastic ‘face shields’ is not permissible as a substitute for facial coverings. MSYSA has received reports of the following: athletes intentionally not placing the facial coverings over their mouth and nose, players immediately pulling their facial coverings down, placing the facial coverings under their chins, hanging the facial coverings from their ears, around their necks or up on their foreheads, etc.If MSYSA continues to receive these reports, a statewide stoppage is likely. As a reminder, all team officials and spectators are required to wear facial coverings, and maintain social distancing, at all times. In addition, referees are expected to wear PPE upon arrival, during pre-game field inspection, team check-in, immediately following games, and until their departure. During games, referees are able to social distance and may wear masks, if desired. Finally, please share gathering size restrictions with your families. For indoor sport competitions (in Michigan), athletes are limited to designating up to 2 guests each. For outdoorsports competitions(in Michigan)athletes arelimited to designating up to 2 guestseach or not to exceed 100 people, including all athletes, coaches, staff, etc. All sports organizers (clubs and leagues) are responsible for enforcement, as are all adults. The fall season is up to all of you. Thus, please do your part to ensure that our children can have a meaningful fall season. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

September 10, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: As you may know, Governor Whitmer has rescinded Section 2(d) of Executive Order 153 and Section 7(b) of Executive Order 176. Last night, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order (EO) 180. EO 180 clarifies that, in order to participate in organized sports (except swimming), athletes must wear a facial covering or consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance. Per EO 180, athletes participating in the sports of football, soccer or volleyball are not able to consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance, and therefore, must wear facial coverings. EO 180 clarifies all previous interpretations with respect to athletes and facial coverings. At this time, there are no exceptions. Athletes have the option of participating with a face covering or not participating. Unfortunately, these are the only options at this time.Enforcement of the facial covering requirement is the responsibility of sports organizers (clubs/leagues). It is important that all clubs and leagues do their part in taking EO 180 seriously and on ensuring compliance.MSYSA’s Game Day Processesoutline our expectations on how referees should report those not complying when games and in-state tournaments resume. MSYSA has received a tremendous number of email inquiries, primarily from parents, regarding the Governor’s Executive Order(s) and the facial covering requirements. Please assist MSYSA in communicating the Governor’s Executive Orders with your players, parents and their families. For reference, MSYSA’s response to these inquiries has been to review the Governor’s Executive Orders and MSYSA’s Return-To-Play (RTP) guidelines. As a reminder, games are not permitted at this time nor are in-state tournaments.Assuming our affiliated clubs and leagues strictly adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders and MSYSA’s RTP guidelines and safety protocols, MSYSA’s plan is to authorize games to commence no earlier thanSaturday, September 19, 2020. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

Game Day Processes
Updated 9/9/20 and subject to change

Introduction to Game Day Processes:
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 176 allows MSYSA, and other contact sports, to move forward with additional soccer activities. However, MSYSA does not anticipate authorizing games to commence until September 19, 2020, at the earliest.

When games resume, things will look much different. Unfortunately, this is the new normal. These new Game Day processes are meant to keep you and everyone safe.

Individual Responsibility

A. Coaches (and Managers)
● Wear face covering while at game facility (before, during, and after games while around others)
● Remind players and the spectators about the face covering requirement
● Maintain minimum of 6 feet of physical distance from everyone whenever possible (exception – see below for attending to an injured player)
● Conduct verbal health check of each player before each game – send anyone home who says they are not feeling well
● Monitor/ensure that players on the sidelines maintain 6 feet of physical distance from each other
● Do not provide shared food, water, and equipment (including team benches, shared goalie gloves, shared goalie jersey, etc.)
● Assist players with coming to the fields fully prepared. TIP: Arrange team colors with opponents in advance of the game to minimize the need to change clothes.
● Keep pre-game, halftime, and post-game team meetings brief, and maintain 6 feet of social distance throughout each meeting
● Do not allow group huddles, hugs, cheers, high fives, chest bumps, wrestling, etc.
● Limit, or prohibit, partner stretching during warm-ups
● Bring hand sanitizer to each game
● Bring multiple sanitized balls to each game (for use during game)
● As required for competition, bring photocopies of any/all pass cards, risk management cards, and game reports to be retained by referees

B. Players
● Wear face covering while at game facility (before, during, and after games while around others)
● Stay home if not feeling well or displaying symptoms of COVID
● Arrive at field fully dressed (uniforms, shoes, shinguards, etc.)
● Maintain minimum of 6 feet of physical distance from everyone whenever possible
● Bring sufficient hand sanitizer to game for repeated use
● Bring a sanitized ball to each game for warm-ups
● Do not share food, water, and equipment (including shared goalie gloves)
● No group huddles, cheers, high fives, chest bumps, etc.

C. Referees
● Wear face covering at game facility before and after games.
● Use only your own equipment – do not share flags, whistles, uniforms, pens, etc. If flags are not owned by all, referees may share flags, but they must be sanitized before and after use. TIP: Bring all equipment and all uniform colors to each game.
● Note: The role of referee is not to enforce these game day safety protocols. However, referees should note and report instances of non-compliance to the league administrator.

D. Spectators
● Wear face coverings while at game facility
● Take temperature prior to leaving for the game. Stay home if temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher. This includes players.
● Sit only in the area(s) designated for spectators. Do not encroach on space designated for referees or teams.
● Maintain minimum of 6 feet of physical distance from everyone not residing within same residence
● Do not go to the opponent’s side of the field
● Some programs/leagues/events may limit or prohibit spectators – be understanding and adhere to all program/league/event policies
● Some facilities may eliminate restrooms – be prepared for that possibility


Protocols

A. Injured Players
● Assessment/treatment of an injured player should not be delayed if game day protocols cannot be followed (i.e. do not delay attending to injured athlete because social distance cannot be maintained)
● Upon the referee signal, one coach (wearing a facial covering) enters the field to attend to an injured player
● Coach maintains 6 feet of physical distance as possible if/until it is determined if player needs assistance getting off the field
● If an injured player needs assistance getting off the field and a second person is needed, the coach first asks the player's parent(s). Player’s parents must be wearing a face covering. If a player's parent is not on-site, the coach signals to another team member who must also wear a face covering.
● As soon as possible upon exiting the field, the injured player, coach, and additional person providing assistance must clean their hands with sanitizer.

B. Spectators at Games
● For State Cup, Michigan State Premier Soccer Program, and Director’s Academy, spectators shall be limited to 2 persons per player.
● Spectators must wear face coverings while at game facility
● Spectators must sit only in area designated for them
● Spectators must maintain minimum of 6 feet of physical distance from everyone not residing within their same residence

C. Referee Payment (MSYSA Recommendations)
● If possible, MSYSA recommends to programs/leagues/events to pay referee electronically instead of cash on the field
● However, when paying cash at the field is the only option, the team(s) responsible for referee payment should prepare payment at home in advance of the game.
● Wash hands with soap and water. While wearing a face covering, sort cash by referee position (Center, AR1, AR2, 4th) as applicable. Place cash payment for each referee position into their own separate clear Ziploc bag. Write the referee position name, cash amount, and team name on the bag (example: Center Referee, $40, MSYSA United 09 Girls).
● At the field and when ready to pay referees, team coach or manager should clean hands with hand sanitizer and sanitize the Ziploc bags with sanitizing wipes. While wearing face covering, distribute Ziploc bags of cash to each referee individually. Maintain 6 feet of physical distance as much as possible. After distribution of Ziploc bags, clean hands again with hand sanitizer.
● While collecting payment, referees must wear face covering and maintain 6 feet of physical distance as much as possible. Before and after meeting with team officials to collect payment, referees should clean hands with sanitizer.
● Upon receipt of Ziploc bags, referees may choose to open bags in full view of team officials to ensure full payment while simultaneously maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from everybody.

D. Pre-Game Check-In & Post-Game Processes (MSYSA Recommendations)
● If possible, MSYSA recommends that physical pass cards not be used at games. If required for competition, a team official makes a legible copy of pass cards (at home) to be distributed to and be retained by the referee(s) on game day.
● If possible, MSYSA recommends that plans are made to provide game reports directly to referees possibly via email or direct download (instead of having teams provide them to referees).
● Prior to team check-in, all participants clean hands with their personal sanitizer
At team check-in, all participants (players, team officials, referees) must wear face coverings.
● At team check-in, players must have 6 feet of physical distance between them.
● At team check-in and if competition dictates the use of pass cards, team officials (wearing face coverings and with recently sanitized hands) distribute game reports (if referees do not already have) and photocopies of any/all applicable pass cards to referees. These are to be retained by the referees and not be given back to team officials.
● At team check-in and if applicable, team officials (wearing face coverings and with recently sanitized hands) distribute game reports to referees. MSYSA recommends that these be retained by the referees (for direct submission to league/event organizer) and not be given back to team officials.
● Referees (wearing face coverings and with recently sanitized hands) check-in individual players.
● Referees will not conduct a coin toss or captain’s meeting. ‘Home team’ is considered the ‘winner’ of the non-existent coin toss and therefore select their first-half option.
● No pre-game walkout of any kind (example: World Cup walkout)
● After each game, MSYSA recommends that referees electronically submit game reports with results and applicable notes to the league/event administrator via an online system or emailing in copies (instead of mailing in reports).

E. The Game
● MSYSA recommends each team bring multiple sanitized balls for use during the game only. Sanitized balls are rotated in regularly. One team official from each team should sanitize their own teams’ balls at halftime and after the game.
● Spectators should not handle a ball that leaves the field of play.
● MSYSA does not recommend the use of ball kids

F. The Uniform
● Players must wear a facial covering during games and may wear gloves.
● Referees may wear a facial covering and/or gloves during games.

G. Substitutions
● Upon entering and exiting the field as a substitute, players clean hands with sanitizer.
● A player exiting a game via substitution goes directly to their team bench. No high-fives or exchanging of pinnies with player entering the game.
● The player entering the field via substitution puts pinnie in their own bag before waiting to substitute onto the field.
● The player exiting the field via substitution may put on their own pinnie from their own bag. The player must also clean hands with sanitizer and put on a facial covering.

H. Deliberate Coughing and Spitting
● Deliberate coughing at or spitting at an opponent, referee, or any other participant will result in an immediate red card. Suspension length is determined by competition.
● Spectators are held to the same standard and referees have the same authority to enforce as they do with all other spectator-related issues.

I. Team Benches
● MSYSA recommends that facilities and teams NOT provide nor use team benches.
● If team benches are used, players must still maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
● If team benches are used, the home team/club is responsible for sanitizing the team benches before and after every game.

J. Facilities & Field Set-Up
● Teams will be placed on opposite sides of the field, on the half of the field of which the assistant referee is positioned (see below diagram).
● A team’s accompanying spectators will sit on the same side of the field as the team but on the other half (see below diagram).
● MSYSA strongly recommends that team bench/technical areas and spectator areas are marked with paint.
● Spectators to be minimum of 10 feet back from the touchline. Facilities that cannot accommodate that requirement are not to be used.
● Team technical areas will be between the bottom of the center circle and the top of the penalty area (see below diagram).


Field Diagram

September 9, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: Effective immediately, this communication serves as notice that all MSYSA affiliated clubs and leagues are now inMSYSA Phase 5.0as outlined in our updatedMSYSA’s Return-To-Play (RTP) guidelines. The following activities are now permissible: small-sided, intra-team scrimmages and set play activities. All athletes, while on the field of play, are not subject to the prior social distancing requirements, but instead must maintain six feet of social distance from one another, to the extent compatible with our sport,and must wear a facial covering.This is required perExecutive Order (EO) 176. At this point in time, all sports organizers (e.g. clubs/leagues) must ensure compliance with EO 176. MSYSA is aware of EO 153 (2d) which appears to provide an exception on wearing facial coverings when exercising could interfere with the activity. However, EO 176 is specific to organized sports, including soccer. MSYSA recognizes this is a major change.If/when a new EO is issued with verbiage changes with respect to facial coverings, MSYSA will promptly notify our affiliated club and league representatives. Please note:Games are not permitted at this time nor are in-state tournaments.Assuming our affiliated clubs and leagues strictly adhere to the RTP guidelines and safety protocols, MSYSA’s plan is to authorize games to commence no earlier thanSaturday, September 19, 2020.In the interim, please read, review and shareMSYSA Game Day Processeswith all appropriate parties. Insurance certificates for fall field locations are now available. In addition, teams may now travel out of state for tournaments, receive guest player pass-cards, and request tournament only teams (for out of state tournaments). Please contact Julie Pearson, MSYSA Administrative Assistant, at[email protected], should you need assistance. In closing, teams choosing to travel out of state for games/tournaments, including teams that participate in US Youth Soccer’s National League Conferences, are subject to the applicable RTP guidelines in other states. Likewise, all out of state teams wishing to play games in Michigan are subject to MSYSA’s RTP guidelines. Thus, games may not start in Michigan until MSYSA has formally notified our affiliated club and league representatives that we’ve moved into MSYSA Phase 5.5. Should you have any questions, please email[email protected]. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

September 3, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: This afternoon, Governor Whitmer signedExecutive Order (EO) 176, effective 12:01 AM on September 4, 2020.In brief, the EO allows for organized sports practices and competitions to resume, subject to strict protections meant to limit spread of the COVID virus.In addition, the EO does not subject athletes to previous social distancing requirements, but instead, athletes must maintain six feet of distance from one another to the extent compatible with our sport. They must also wear a facial covering, except those athletes participating in the sport of swimming. As a result of the new Executive Order(s), MSYSA will carefully review and consider modification(s) to ourReturn-To-Play (RTP) guidelineswith our team at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. If/when any modifications are made to MSYSA’s RTP guidelines, they will be communicated to our affiliated club and league representatives. Governor Whitmer’s decision today is exciting news for our affiliated players, coaches, clubs and leagues. Obviously, MSYSA is pleased with the opportunity to move forward.Your continued patience is required at this time.It is vitally important that all of us do our part to ensure the health and safety of our members, and their families. In addition to MSYSA’s RTP guidelines, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) releasedguidancetoday on organized sports. The MDHHS considers youth soccer to be a ‘contact’ sport. While the MDHHS does not recommend contact sports at this time, the recommendation does not preclude MSYSA from moving forward, provided safety protocols are followed. The MDHHS recommendation is intended to warn parents/guardians that the sport of soccer involves more than ‘occasional and fleeting’ contact. MSYSA is very aware that the past 6 months have been extraordinarily difficult for players, coaches, clubs and leagues. Please share your enthusiasm on having a fall season with your players/coaches despite the fact that the fall season will start later than normal, or you may have fewer games than you would traditionally have. As previously relayed, when MSYSA formally announces that games may resume, things will look a lot different. Unfortunately, this is the new ‘normal.’ In closing, a ‘Zoom’ conference callscheduled forFriday, September 4, 2020at 4:00 PM.This call is limited to Club and League Representatives only. Should you need the call-in information, please email[email protected]. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

September 2, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: In collaboration with a team from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, MSYSA has replaced our Return-To-Training (R2T) guidelines with updatedReturn-To-Play (RTP) guidelines, effective immediately. The purpose of MSYSA’s RTP guidelines is to provide guidance to our affiliated clubs and leagues on safely returning to additional activities such as scrimmages and games. Currently, much of the state is in MSYSA Phase 4.0 (Regions 1-5 & 7) or MSYSA Phase 4.5 (Regions 6 & 8). If/when an Executive Order (EO) is issued that relaxes the social distancing requirements specified in EO 160, there will be a brief, phased-in, approach with direct physical contact team training and intra-team activities (MSYSA Phase 5.0) prior to games commencing (MSYSA Phase 5.5).MSYSA will formally notify all affiliated club and league representatives on the movement from one phase to the next.MSYSA’s RTP guidelines are comparable, but not identical, to US Soccer’s approach. The RTP guidelines outline our collective responsibilities specific to risk mitigation, soccer specific activities and matches/competitions. Please read and review carefully. When MSYSA formally announces that games may resume, things will look a lot different. Unfortunately, this is the new ‘normal’. For example, team handshakes, fist bumps and high fives will still not be permitted. In addition, a stricter face mask use policy for coaches, players and spectators has been adopted. Also, the number of spectators may be limited due to social distancing requirements and/or gathering size limits. MSYSA acknowledges the frustration many have felt with not knowing when games will resume. The RTP guidelines outline a path forward sooner than initially anticipated in our R2T guidelines. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at[email protected]michiganyouthsoccer.org. In the interim, please continue to monitor our website and social media platforms for updates. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

September 1, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: MSYSA previously relayed that we would have an update with respect to the Fall 2020 season on or around September 1, 2020. Although not confirmed, a new or amended Executive Order from Governor Whitmer could come as early as Wednesday, September 2, 2020. As you may know, Governor Whitmer extended the ‘State of Emergency’ through September 4, 2020. Thus, for now, with the exception of National League, which is a US Youth Soccer league, MSYSA has elected to delay a decision on the fall season and out of state team travel until early next week. New or amended Executive Orders from Governor Whitmer will assist MSYSA in its decision making. Affiliated clubs and leagues are reminded that matches may not commence prior to September 15, 2020, at the earliest. MSYSA isscheduling a(Zoom)conference callforFriday, September 4, 2020at 4:00 PMto provide you with our latest update and will be followed by an email update early next week. The call on Friday, September 4, 2020 is limited to Club and League Representatives only. Should you need the call-in information, please email[email protected]. Thank you for your continued patience. In the interim, please continue to monitor our website and social media platforms for updates. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

U-M School of Public Health (COVID) FAQs
These are your questions answered by the U-M School of Public Health. If you have any additional questions, please submit those questions to [email protected] and reference U-M.

Updated August 14, 2020

Training/Activities

1) When are players allowed to throw the ball in during training?
● At this point, MSYSA does not allow throw-ins for any players. Even with gloves, throw-ins are not allowed due to the possibility of close contact between a player’s face and the soccer ball.

2) When can players ‘head’ the ball during training?
● At this point, MSYSA does not allow heading of the ball for any players. This is to reduce the proximity of the soccer ball to the face, where players may be able to spread COVID-19 to the surface of the soccer ball.

3) Can clubs conduct small group scrimmages during practices?
● By order of the governor’s office, individuals leaving their homes are required to physically distance themselves 6 feet away from others. Because scrimmages cannot reasonably be performed under these circumstances, they are currently not allowed by MSYSA. This position will be carefully monitored in accordance with state and federal mandates.

4) What specific questions should coaches ask players during ‘screening’ of players before training?
The following screening questions should be administered to players before training sessions:

A. Have you had close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) in the last 14 days with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms, or has any health department or health care provider been in contact with you and advised you to quarantine?

If Yes The player/coach should not participate. The individual can return 14 days after the last time they had close contact with someone with COVID-19, or as listed below.

If No The player/coach can participate if they are not experiencing symptoms.

B. Have you had any one or more of these symptoms today or within the past 24 hours, which is new or not explained by another reason?
● Fever or chills
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Cough
● Loss of taste or smell
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea

If a player has any of these symptoms, they should go home, stay away from other people,
and have a parent/guardian call their health care provider.

C. Over the past 10 days, have you had a positive COVID-19 test for active virus?
● Yes
● No

If a player/coach is diagnosed with COVID-19 based on a test or their symptoms, or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not play, stay at home, and contact their health care provider.

5) If a young player cannot answer the health screening questions before training, what should be done? Should the health screening questions be asked to the parents/guardians?
● Yes. Ask the parents/guardians the screening questions. Have parents/guardians and the player remain physically distanced from the coach while answering screening questions. For example, this could be performed while the family is still in the car upon arrival to training.

6) Temperature Checks – Should coaches perform player temp checks at the field as well?
● It is not necessary. All participants should conduct a daily temperature check for a fever of below 100.4℉ at home before training.

7) Some fields are only open with MHSAA sports rules. One of these rules requires coaches to take temperatures upon entry to training. Can coaches (masked and gloved) take temperatures (with non-touch thermometers) on those fields requiring it for MHSAA? ● It is MSYSA’s position that all participants should conduct a daily temperature check for a fever of below 100.4℉ at home before training. If a field requires it because of MHSAA requirements, coaches may take a player’s temperature given that they are masked and gloved, players are masked, and non-touch thermometers are used.

8) Scenario: We were trying to get clarification for the 100 person rule (small gatherings). A particular location has almost 30 fields at one location. If we have a coach (masked) for 25 kids, with social distancing and the 25 kids are put into small groups with social distancing, is this OK?

● Yes, having one coach for 25 kids with proper physical distancing would be appropriate for training. If multiple fields are being used simultaneously, clubs should spread out as much as possible by using non-adjacent fields when possible.

9) What temperature does MSYSA consider as “having a fever”? Does it depend on the normal body temperature of the individual being tested? ● Any individual with a measured body temperature of at least 100.4℉, or 38℃, is considered to have a fever. This temperature is used in standard medical decision-making.

10) Can clubs start running soccer camps now?

● Yes, as long as all participants travel to and from training grounds each day. Camps must adhere to all other MSYSA COVID-19 guidelines, including proper physical distancing, equipment management, play restrictions, and hygiene, as well as state and local regulations on large gatherings.

Equipment Management

1) Are clubs allowed to distribute training bibs/pennies to players/coaches for training purposes? If so, what protocols should be followed in order to keep all participants safe?

● Yes, clubs are allowed to distribute training bibs/pennies to participants. A healthy coach may lay out clean bibs/pennies for each player, making sure to maintain physical distancing. That player may then keep that bib/pennie for the remainder of the season, making sure to wash it after every practice session and prior to returning to the coach.

2) What type of disinfectant should we use to clean soccer balls and other equipment?
● A full list of EPA-approved disinfectants for preventing the spread of COVID-19 can be found here.

3) Is Lysol spray an acceptable disinfectant for shared equipment such as soccer balls, goals, etc?
● Many Lysol products have been approved by the EPA to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can find a link to all Lysol products that have been approved by the EPA here.

Risk Mitigation

1) Do coaches have to wear masks during training?
● All participants, including coaches, should wear a mask upon arrival, departure, and when not physically active during activities. Masks are not mandatory for coaches and players during exertional moments of training (i.e. when physically active). Masks are mandatory at any point where social distancing cannot be adhered to, such as a coach attending to an injured player.

2) What is the protocol if someone contracts COVID; who specifically should clubs contact?
Each club should designate a COVID-19 Point of Contact
● Designate a program staff person to respond to COVID-19 concerns, such as a coach or other staff member. All coaches, staff, officials, and families should know who this person is and how to contact them.
● Parents should notify the coach and the Point of Contact if their child has a documented case of COVID-19, becomes sick with COVID-19 symptoms, or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.
● In the case of a positive COVID-19 case, the local health department should be contacted by the Point of Contact for further direction. They will likely look to initiate contact tracing for individuals who may have been in close contact with the positive case (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes from two days before he/she first showed symptoms to the time when he/she was last in contact). Close contacts should be quarantined at home for 14 days after last contact with the positive case. Local health officials may identify other contacts who should quarantine.
● Coaches, players, parents, officials, or anyone else in attendance should be notified of the presence of a positive COVID-19 case so that they can monitor themselves for any symptoms. However, the individual with COVID-19 should not be identified by name to non-family or non-health department officials.
● Areas that were used by the sick person should be closed off and should not be used until they have been properly cleaned and disinfected. Ideally at least 24 hours should pass before the area can be cleaned.
● The Point of Contact, guardians, players, and other club members should be prepared to answer questions from their local health department regarding a positive COVID-19 test.

3) Scenario: A club has a player that had a relatively high temp during practice yesterday. Coach was made aware, and the club shut the team down for 14 days starting the last time the players were together. Assuming that the player has no temp today is the club alright to resume team activity?
● Any player exhibiting symptoms or feeling sick should remain away from all team activities and contact their health care provider. However, MSYSA does not require clubs to cancel activities unless there is a confirmed COVID-19 case. If the participant tested positive in this scenario, all other exposed participants should quarantine at home for 14 days from last contact. The COVID-19 Point of Contact should contact their local health department for more direction.

4) What should be done if a player was exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, such as a parent, sibling, coach, etc.?
● Any participant who is in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes from two days before he/she first showed symptoms to the time when he/she was last in contact) to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 case should remain quarantined in their home for at least 14 days since their last known exposure to that individual. If the exposed individual begins feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they should speak with their healthcare provider and are urged to get a COVID-19 test. Participants must be symptom-free and be removed from quarantine in order to return to training. Any individual exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case should be prepared to answer questions from their local health department and follow all guidelines set by them. Teams may consider requiring clearance from local health departments or primary care providers prior to participant returning to practice.

5) If a participant has been recently exposed to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 infection, may the participant rejoin activities after showing a negative COVID-19 test result?
● Individuals exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 infection should not return to any activities for at least 14 days since the last known exposure to the confirmed COVID-19 case, regardless of a negative test result. After an exposure to a confirmed case, it may take a number of days or even longer than a week before an individual starts to show symptoms or begin to feel sick. Many COVID-19 tests immediately after exposure falsely show negative test results, so a full quarantine is required even with a negative test result.

6) What precautions must players take when coming back in-state in order to return to play?
● When returning from out of state travel, all participants must monitor their symptoms and avoid participation if feeling sick or if they have a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19. If any individual is exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or is feeling sick, they should not return to practice and should contact their health care provider.

7) Does MSYSA recommend athletes participate in another sport at the same time they are participating in MSYSA during the COVID-19 pandemic?
● Participating in multiple sports is acceptable so long as athletes follow all public health guidelines for their respective teams. It is important to understand that being exposed to many different groups of people may increase someone’s risk of developing or spreading COVID-19, but proper steps can be taken to minimize these risks.

Return to Games/Competition

1) When can clubs begin team scrimmages?
● At this point, MSYSA does not allow team scrimmages due to executive order by the governor’s office. When the executive order requiring 6 feet physical distancing is lifted, MSYSA will reevaluate this stance.

2) When can clubs begin participating in in-state matches?
● At this point, MSYSA does not allow team scrimmages due to executive order by the governor’s office. When the executive order requiring 6 feet physical distancing is lifted, MSYSA will reevaluate this stance.

May 26, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: At this point in time, a ‘return to training’ is not currently permitted. The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association’s (MSYSA) return-to-training guidelines apply once MSYSA has indicated that it is safe for an initial return-to-training in limited-size groups, and with adherence to social distancing. These are being provided so that our affiliated league/clubs, team officials and parents/players can prepare now on what is expected once MSYSA has indicated it is safe for an initial return-to-training. For now, a return-to-training, with coaching (onsite) observing social distancing, may occur when Governor Whitmer has indicated that the entire state of Michigan has entered Phase 5. For reference, Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order is in effect through June 12, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution for our participants and families, MSYSA’s return-to-play date is June 15, 2020, at the earliest. In the event that MSYSA receives favorable clarification on potential youth soccer activities from MDHHS during Phase 4, MSYSA will update our guidance to be consistent with MDHHS. During an initial return-to-training, clubs must: ·Read and review MSYSA’s criteria for small group training sessions (includes athletes, coaches and staff). ·Create and distribute protocols to members. ·Have an effective communication plan in place. ·Identify strategies for working with public health officials to notify adult leaders, youth, and their families if the organization becomes aware of a participant or adult leader has developed COVID-19 and may have been infectious to others while at a youth activity. ·Maintain participant confidentiality regarding health status. ·Be sensitive and accommodating to parents who may be uncomfortable with returning to play at this time. ·Have an action plan in place, in case of notification of a positive test result. ·Train and educate all staff on protocols and requirements, including state and local regulations, CDC recommendations and other necessary safety information. ·Be prepared to shut down and stop operations. ·Develop plans for temporary closure of facilities for proper disinfection. ·Provide adequate field space for social distancing. ·Provide hand sanitizing stations (recommended) and waste receptacles at fields for individual participant use. ·Contact, and seek guidance, from their insurance carrier(s) if not secured or provided by MSYSA’s insurance carrier and communicate that information to participants prior to initial training. In addition, coaches/team officials must: ·Read and review MSYSA’s criteria for small group training sessions (includes athletes, coaches and staff). ·Ensure you are healthy and you check your temperature before activities with others. ·Ensure the health and safety of the participants. ·Inquire if the athletes have experienced any ill feelings or COVID-19 symptoms. Send home anyone you believe acts or looks ill and advise them to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. ·Follow all state and local health protocols and guidelines. ·Ensure all athletes have their own individual equipment (ball, water, etc.) ·Ensure the coach is the only person to handle equipment (e.g. cones); do not enlist parental or attendee assistance. ·Ensure that all training is conducted outdoors (recommended) and compliant with social distancing per state or local health guidelines. ·Always wear a face mask, even when not actively coaching. ·Have fun, stay positive – players and parents are looking to you for leadership. ·Do not use scrimmage jerseys, or pennies, at this time. Before ‘returning to training’, MSYSA’s affiliated clubs and leagues are required to create, distribute, and be prepared to enforce all safety protocols, consistent with MSYSA’s guidelines. The information above represents abbreviated, high-level, guidelines as it relates to a ‘return-to-training’. It is important that our affiliated clubs and leagues feel comfortable with the new guidelines. If your club or league does not feel they can achieve the required level of compliance, then it is important that you not proceed until you are comfortable. Please share this information with your affiliated team officials. In the interim, please continue to review our website, email communications, and social media platforms for updates. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

May 20, 2020 Dear Club and League Representatives: As of the date of this communication,Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order is still in place.Michigan is also still in Phase 3 (Flattening) of the Governor’sMI Safe Start Plan.Thus, out of an abundance of caution for our participants and families, MSYSA’s return-to-play date is now June 15, 2020, at the earliest. With the exceptions noted in MSYSA’s2020-2021 Travel Team Formation Policy, MSYSA has suspended all of our soccer activities*, all MSYSA sanctioned tournaments, and all other affiliated soccer activities through June 14, 2020. *MSYSA affiliated activities includes scheduled games, team practice/training sessions, or sponsored activities that are under the direct supervision of a team official; or sanctioned local or national tournaments as a member of a contestant team (e.g., any activity that MSYSA sanctions and insures). MSYSA will not sanction, affiliate, or insure any in-person (traditional) try-outs, in-person player trainings or assessments of any kind, team practices, trainings, scrimmages, matches, or soccer travel to other states until communicated otherwise. Team officials, clubs, and players who ignore, do not adhere to, or violate these protocols before (or after) a return-to-play, are not insured by MSYSA. In addition, these individuals/groups are subject to disciplinary measures, such as being placed in bad standing, suspension(s), and/or fines, as determined by the MSYSA Board of Directors. MSYSA has been unable to secure definitive clarification from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services(MDHHS)on what youth soccer activities, if any,will be permittedwhen the state enters Phase 4 of the Governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. At this point in time, MSYSA believes that Phase 5 represents the specific time period in which statewide youth soccer training will be allowed to resume in limited-size groups and with adherence to social distancing. For now, a return-to-training may occur when Governor Whitmer has indicated that the entire state of Michigan has entered Phase 5. MSYSA does not believe that the entire state of Michigan will enter Phase 5 in the immediate futureor before June 15, 2020. In the event that MSYSA receives favorable clarification on potential youth soccer activities from MDHHS during Phase 4, MSYSA will update our guidance to be consistent with MDHHS. MSYSA will be sharing our return-to-training guidelines with you later this week or early next week. In the interim, please review US Youth Soccer’sgeneral guidelines. MSYSA’s return-to-training guidelines will include additional guidance/recommendations from the CDC and state/local health departments. During an initial return-to-training, MSYSA expects to implement guidelines such as avoiding activities that require direct or indirect contact between athletes, players exclusively using their own equipment, and on-site coaching as long as social distancing is maintained throughout the activity. Also, we anticipate that clubs will be required to create, distribute, and enforce specific safety protocols to members and participants (more detailed information will be provided soon). Our goal in sharing this information with you is so that our affiliated clubs, team officials, parents, and players can safely and adequately prepare for return-to-training on or after June 15, 2020. In addition, MSYSA is restricting, for the foreseeable future, soccer travel to other states (e.g., training sessions, scrimmages, matches, tournaments, etc.). While other states around us may be reopening, or returning to play before Michigan, it is important we do our part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 to other areas of the country. Finally, MSYSA is implementing use of a communicable diseases waiver. The waiver needs to be reviewed and completed by those desiring to participate in MSYSA’s Director’s Academy, NLC, MSPSP, ODP, ODP 101, State Cup, Junior State Cup, etc. As part of MSYSA’s duty of care, the waiver is intended to advise persons that there is a risk of acquiring communicable diseases, including COVID-19, in group settings. MSYSA recommends our affiliated clubs and leagues also utilize the waiver as part of your duty of care as well. MSYSA’s waiver has been reviewed by MSYSA legal counsel and conforms with state statutes. Our next teleconference (Zoom) update will occur with club and league representatives onFriday,May 29, 2020 at 4:00 pm.A separate email communication will be disseminated to club and league representatives with the call-in number and meeting ID.Please note: This call is limited to club & league representatives only. Thank you for your continued patience and support. Sincerely, Thomas Faro Executive Director cc.:MSYSA Board of Directors

April 29, 2020 Good Afternoon, We hope that everyone is remaining safe and healthy at home. As some of the restrictions we have been living under begin to ease up, I expect that the kids may start to get a little more difficult to keep at home, occupied, and entertained. Additionally, as parents, you may start to have more questions for us as to what comes next. We will continue to send out updates regularly as we have been doing. It is important that each of you takes the time to read through all of the information. We have started to get individual requests for information that has been sent out in multiple emails. Unfortunately, we can’t respond to everyone individually nor do we want to have different information accidentally going out to different people. Please be sure to share these emails with other decision-makers within your household. To try and make sure that we are reaching everyone, we will send out the information through our MailChimp account which has been used for previous updates, weekly Parent Engagement pieces, and our monthly Inside Cap City email. We will also send a version out through PlayMetrics. If you have someone that should be receiving the MailChimp email but is not, please send their name (first and last) and email address to [email protected] and I will update our list. Each PlayMetrics account has a “primary contact” which can add additional contacts to their account as necessary. Please update your accounts as needed. MSYSA Updates The MSYSA just sent out an email stating that they will not sanction or insure tryouts for the 2020/21 season. There is a lot of information regarding rule changes to go through before we can determine what this all means and what tryouts may look like this year. We have a conference call with them on Friday at 4pm and hope to learn more about what this is going to mean for all of us. As we learn more and get a better picture of what the 2020/21 tryouts will look like, we will pass that information along to all of you. Please expect another update from us late Friday or early Saturday this week. Please see below for the full release from MSYSA. As a reminder, Eric and I are available via Zoom each Monday at 5pm. If you have anything that you would like for us to discuss in those meetings, please send us an email letting us know. The details for joining the meeting will be sent out each weekend along with the reminder and details for the Cap City Mental Skills Development sessions. Finally, thank you for your continued support of Cap City. We have been receiving very nice emails and comments from many of you as we navigate this environment together. These strengthen our resolve anddesire to come through thisa stronger club and community as Lansing’s only home-grown premier soccer program. Sincerely, Dan Jury Stacy DeLonge Eric DeLonge