ASA Coronavirus Directives: updated 6/6/20

Until further Notice:  7/17/20:

USC COVID-19 ADDENDUM (effective immediately)

POLICIES:
Any athlete, parent, coach, or staff member who has knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 should not come to the fields for a minimum of 14 days.  “When in doubt, please sit out.”

All participants will be required to sign the ASA COVID-19/Communicable Disease waiver prior to any participation. 

CLUB
If any athlete or coach who tests positive for COVID-19 or has an immediate family member test positive, the club will immediately notify the team members and any other staff the coach or athlete has come into contact with.  Exposed coaches and athletes will quarantine based on CDC & AL Dept of Health recommendations at the time of exposure.  All PHI will be kept confidential.    

COACHES: 
Any Coach who tests positive for COVID-19 or has an immediate family member test positive will notify the DOC immediately.   Any coach who tests positive or has an immediate family member test positive will quarantine as recommended by the CDC and AL Dept of Health at the time of exposure.  Coach will be permitted back to the field when a negative test is obtained. 

ATHLETES:
Any athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 or has an immediate family member test positive will notify their coach(es) immediately. Any athlete who tests positive or has an immediate family member test positive will quarantine as recommended by the CDC and AL Dept of Health at the time of exposure.  Athlete will be permitted back to the field when a negative test has been obtained. 

 

PROCEDURES:
CLUB
- Will provide coaches with team hand sanitizer for before and after tryout. (as soon as available)

- Will notify coaches and families of any confirmed USC COVID-19 infections or exposure if it is reported to the USC Board or DOC. 

- Will provide coaches with cleaning supplies to wipe down equipment. 

COACHES:
- Will check own temperature BEFORE arriving at the field and 100+ degrees will result in automatic staying home. 

- Will wear a mask when in direct conversation with athletes, parents, or other coaches. 

- Will be the only one to touch equipment (goals, cones, etc) until further notice.

- Will discourage group huddles or high fives.

- No pinnies will be used and no "shared" equipment other than soccer balls with feet only. 

 

ATHLETES AND FAMILIES:
-WILL PRE REGISTER TO CUT DOWN ON FACE TO FACE CONTACT.  Those who do not, will take forms back to their car to fill out.   

- Will check temperature BEFORE arriving at fields and anything over 100 degrees will result in automatic staying home.   Anyone feeling symptomatic in any way is encouraged to stay home and let your coach/manager know.  All participation is voluntary. 

- All non participating bystanders are encouraged to wear masks to the fields when in direct conversation with others.  Watching events from your personal car is strongly encouraged. 

- Bathrooms will be closed.

- NO spitting will be permitted.

- Will bring their own water jug and not share drinks or snacks with anyone else.

- Will not bring extra equipment or bags or share personal equipment (guards, gloves, etc.).  Players agree to spread out water jugs, etc. on their designated sideline.  

- Carpooling is discouraged outside your immediate family. 

- Will wait in the car until practice time to help groups leave before others arrive.  No more than (1) non-essential participant at the field with your player. 

- Will practice social distancing of 6 feet minimum until further notice. 

- Will sign and return the mandatory ASA COVID-19 waiver before participating in activities. 

 

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEND ANY USC TRYOUT, PRACTICE, GAME, or EVENT until further notice:

1. Is your temperature over 100 degrees?  

2. Have you had a temperature over 100 degrees in the last 48 hours?

3. Have you knowingly been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?  

4. Do you have a cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat?

5. New loss of taste or smell?

6. Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?

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As of June 15, 2020:

According to the amended Safer at Home orders, teams will be allowed to engage in competition with the above rules in place.  

  • Tryouts will be allowed starting June 15 for all ages  
  • Teams will be allowed to play in games
  • Travel Permits will be granted if the location they traveling to allows sports activities by their governance

As of April 1, 2020:
 

To Registrars, DOC, Presidents

Due to the significant changes of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all Alabama Soccer Association sanctioned activities are suspended until at least April 30, 2020.  Please read the USYS letter attached below.

Activities include but are not limited to games, practices, tournaments, tryouts, travel permits, tournament passes, events, etc. Any activities conducted prior to April 30, 2020 would be considered not sanctioned by Alabama Soccer Association and will not be covered by Alabama Soccer Association insurance.

  • Alabama State League has been cancelled at this time.  USYS National League and Mid-South League have been cancelled at this time. Lynn will send another email to all clubs about partial refund for spring season and USYS has already contacted teams about the league cancellation
  • Alabama State Cups have been cancelled for May 2020
  • Alabama Tryouts were previously moved to May 18 for ages 13+ and May 25 for ages 12 and under. 
  • ASA Sanctioned Tournaments are being contacted for postponed date and/or cancellation.  Please review our website for any further updates or contact the tournament director.
  • ODP, Elite, Academy, Coaching Education, and all other programs by ASA are still pending spring return to play date.  Emma and Kevin will keep you updated on any changes and/or refunds at this time in a separate email for each program
  • USYS summer championship series –National Championships and Presidents Cup have been cancelled for summer 2020
  • United States Adult Association organized activities are suspended until at least April 30, 2020

This decision has been made in accordance with the guidance of public health and medical professionals based on the ongoing and rapid acceleration of the coronavirus.  As the number increases, the Board of Alabama Soccer Association has decided to exercise caution in the interest of our soccer family. 

Please follow the advice and guidance from your local health department. For more information on the current status across the country and measures you can take, go to:

·       https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

·       http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/

·       https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/

 Thank you for patience and co-operation

Jennifer Pfeiffer

Executive Director

Alabama Soccer Association

---------------------------------

As of Tuesday, March 24:
Club Presidents
Club Directors
Club Registrars

Due to the significant changes of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), all Alabama Soccer Association sanctioned activities are suspended until at least April 15, 2020.
Activities include but are not limited to games, practices, tournaments, tryouts, travel permits, tournament passes, events, etc. Any activities conducted prior to April 15, 2020 would be considered not sanctioned by Alabama Soccer Association and will not be covered by Alabama Soccer Association insurance.

Alabama State League, ODP, Elite, Academy, Coaching Education, and all other programs by ASA    are still pending spring return to play date

USYS summer championship series are still pending spring return to play dates

Alabama Spring State Cup has been moved to May 15-17, 2020 with May 22-24 as rainout weekend

United States Adult Association organized activities are suspended until at least April 30, 2020

This decision has been made in accordance with the guidance of public health and medical professionals based on the ongoing and rapid acceleration of the coronavirus.  As the number increases, the Board of Alabama Soccer Association has decided to exercise caution in the interest of our soccer family.

Please follow the advice and guidance from your local health department. For more information on the current status across the country and measures you can take, go to:

.       https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
.       http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/
.       https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/

Thank you for patience and co-operation.
Jennifer Pfeiffer
Executive Director
Alabama Soccer Association
office 205-991-9779

-----------------------------------------------

From: Jennifer Pfeiffer <jennifer@alsoccer.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2020 2:07 PM
To: Lynn Bertovic <lynn@alsoccer.org>

Subject: Urgent: Alabama Soccer Association Update

Dear Alabama Soccer Association Members:
As the situation regarding COVID-19 increases, Alabama Soccer and our Board of Directors have been monitoring with help from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS) and United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Our organization is concerned about the health and safety of our members, as well as those in our community, as we make decisions about upcoming spring soccer activity. 

On March 12th, US Youth Soccer suspended all National League and Conference play matches that required significant car travel and/or air travel.
On March 12th, United States Soccer Federation suspended all play within their programs through April 30th.

ASA and our Board of Directors have met to discuss the situation as it continues to develop.  At this time we will be suspending all play (ASL, Tournaments, Practice, Games) in Alabama associated with ASA through March 29TH.  Our staff will continue to be available to you during this time.  ASA and our staff will continue to evaluate the situation on a regular basis and keep you informed. 
The key is to do what we can to prevent the spread of this virus. As an individual, take basic precautions such as washing your hands frequently. We will keep you updated and post all updates on social media and our website as the environment changes.

Thank you,
Jennifer Pfeiffer
Executive Director
Alabama Soccer Association
office 205-991-9779
jennifer@alsoccer.org
If we can see it, we can be it.
www.alsoccer.org
Go Bama Nation!

3/11/20
USC would like to address impending coronavirus concerns and directives as COVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic as of yesterday.  

USC board members have been discussing what necessary precautions must be taken regarding practices and games.  At the present moment, we are following advice from US Soccer that practices and games should continue as normal, with some minor changes.  That is not to say this directive will not change, but since coronavirus is affecting geographic parts of the world differently and at different rates, it is hard to give a set blanket directive right now for the club.  

What is USC doing right now?

  • Coaches will be provided disinfectant spray proven to kill sars-cov-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 to spray ball bags and other equipment after practice. 
  • Coaches will be provided hand sanitizer for their coaching backpacks.
  • Coaches will be washing pinnies as much as possible in hot water or the sanitize wash mode and drying on high heat.  
  • Coaches will adhere to the "do not come to practice if you are sick" and/or "fever free for 72 hours" rule

There are several things USC strongly encourages athletes and parents to adhere to in the coming weeks to help minimize the impact of the impending coronavirus now and after it officially arrives in Alabama:

-Wash your hands often throughout the day for a MINIMUM of 20 seconds with soap and water and then right BEFORE coming to practice.  If you are able to put a bottle of hand sanitizer in your child's soccer bag, we strongly encourage it.  Athletes should sanitize directly after practice since there are not bathrooms for hand washing near by on all the fields and all family members should sanitize and then wash hands as soon as you get home.    

DO NOT share water bottles or drinks with friends or family at practice, at school or at home.  Athletes need to bring their own hydration to practice in a reusable water jug that is unmistakable to your athlete.  PLEASE label and/or mark the container with their name, or a sticker, or a ribbon so there is no confusion between athletes.  Disposable containers are fine, but please label them with a sharpie to avoid unnecessary sharing.  We strongly recommend all families STAY AWAY from the public water fountains at the parks right now.

-DO NOT come to practice if you feel sick in any way.  Athletes (and parents) should be fever free without the aid of medicine for a minimum of 72 hours (current recommendation from WHO).  Please stay home if you are sick.  We ask you bear with us if we have coaches and staff adhering to this.  USC will do our absolute best to shuffle available coaches for practice and game coverage so there are no cancellations, but we appreciate your patience and understanding if your child's regular coach is out with illness and a sub coach is present.   The majority of our coaches are teachers, business men and women, and healthcare workers who are being exposed to pathogens at work during the day.  They must also take necessary steps to protect your family and each other if they feel sick in any way.     

-USC will discontinue exchanging handshakes and/or "hand slaps" at games with other players or refs on the recommendation of US Soccer, USYS and Alabama Soccer Association.  Please let your athletes know why and help them to understand the hygienic reason for this.  USC always encourages good sportsmanship towards opponents and referees, so we are brainstorming how to do this without actual physical contact.   

-Implement "social distancing" from other parents and players when possible--WHO recommends a minimum of 3 feet between people when possible to avoid contact with cough and sneeze droplets.  Countries are shutting down and finding "social distancing" to be the most effective way to slow down the spread of the virus, hence the recent canceling or suspending of many gatherings, conferences, large indoor sporting events, and even many colleges nationwide sending students home and moving to online courses until the beginning of April.  We are lucky we are outside with less recycled air and less surfaces to retain germs, but that does not lessen the urgency to do our part to help control the spread of the virus with direct person to person exposure.   

-If you (parents/caregivers 18 or over) have traveled within the last two weeks domestically or abroad or are coming home from college for a few weeks, we ask you don't come stand at practice or games with other parents and families until you are symptom free for 2 weeks upon your return.  This is not meant to sound "harsh", but we are trying to stay ahead of the fact most people can be asymptomatic for up to 2 weeks or even have no symptoms at all and still be a carrier of the virus.  The majority of COVID-19 cases are in people 18 and older.  This is the only way to curb unnecessary unknown exposure to families, players, and coaches with simple "social distancing", like watching from your car if possible. 

As always, USC will send updates if and when the club directive changes for any reason.   Please be overly cautious and considerate regarding the current unknown impact of COVID-19 in Alabama.   The things worldwide proving to be the most effective that we as a club and community can contribute to are proper hand washing, self-quarantine if you feel ill and social distancing. 

Additional helpful information:

An article that is updated daily with how coronavirus is impacting US Soccer and World Soccer.
An article from Huntsville's own Hudson Alpha Institute separating fact from myth regarding COVID-19. 
Five ways to help teens (and children) manage the anxiety of Coronavirus
Just for Kids: A Comic exploring Coronavirus from NPR 
Additional information about the coronavirus may be found on the CDC website

Directives from Alabama Soccer Association sent on 3/11/20:
At this time Alabama Soccer Association will continue to follow the CDC, USYS, and US Soccer guidelines. 

  • We will not have team handshakes prior to or following each game
  • Be vigilant about washing hands before and after games
  • Do not share water bottles or any beverages on the benches