Sharon Youth Baseball and Softball Association (SYBSA) COVID-19 FAQ

Q: Will dugouts be used?

A: Dugouts may be used.  However, teams can use the area behind the dugouts if they feel additional space is required for players.

Q: When and who are required to use safety face coverings?

A1: Fully vaccinated coaches, players, umpires, spectators are not required to wear masks.

A2: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated coaches, players, umpires, spectators are advised to wear facial coverings any time social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained.

Q: Are umpires allowed behind home plate?

A: Yes, umpires may be positioned behind home plate.

Spectators

Q: Who can watch the games/practices?

A: There is no longer a limit on the number of spectators, however, spectators are asked to allow as much spacing as reasonably possible between themselves and others.

COVID Questions

Q: What if a player or coach participates in a random COVID-19 screening or pool testing program?

A: If a player or coach participates in a random COVID-19 screening such as the pool testing program run by Sharon Public Schools, no special action is required unless test results come back positive.  Any positive test results must be reported to your coach and the league to ensure appropriate actions may be taken.  All positive test results must be reported even if the player or coach is otherwise asymptomatic.

Q: What if a player or coach is identified as a close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19? 

A: Close contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must never participate in any baseball activities, practices, or games!  In order to return to baseball activities, unvaccinated individuals who are close contacts must either receive a negative COVID-19 test at least 5 days after possible exposure, or (if not tested) must quarantine for a full 14 days after possible exposure.   If the player or coach experiences any symptoms of illness while in quarantine, immediately report this to your coach and the league to ensure appropriate actions may be taken.  Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine, but must closely monitor for symptoms for the 14 days after initial exposure.

Q: What does each participant need to do to ensure they or their child is healthy and able to attend practice/game?

A: Coaches, players, and volunteers should conduct a daily symptom assessment (self-evaluation) before leaving for the field, and anyone experiencing any symptoms must stay home.  Please screen for the symptoms as noted on the CDC website for self-monitoring symptoms

Q: What if I test positive for COVID-19 during the time I am participating in the program, on or off the field?

A: The player/player’s parent must immediately stay away from all field complexes, remain at home (except to get medical care), monitor their symptoms, and notify their coach, VP of Baseball or Softball. If they are a coach or volunteer, they must notify the VP of Baseball or Softball. Anyone who tests positive must notify personal close contacts (defined by CDC), assist SYBSA in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from the local Board of Health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative. For most people who have a relatively mild illness, they will need to follow CDC guidelines; to stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms. 

​Q: What if I have received a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Vaccination against COVID-19 is currently ongoing.  Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts no longer requires fully vaccinated individuals to quarantine or receive a COVID-19 test when returning to the state after out-of-state travel.  Also fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in most settings.