Safety Coaches are from each team, typically 2 that can rotate based on their schedules. They are strictly to oversee COVID-related policies as outlined in the Reopening Plan. They have no baseball coaching aspects of their responsibilities.
Check-in Process
Track Attendance at each activity for contact tracing (a team attendance sheet will be provided for you by your league coordinator)
Remove participants if you notice symptoms consistent with COVID-19
Limited activities to players and managers/coaches only
Instruct players/families/spectators to not show up to fields more than 20 minutes before their scheduled activity
Assist all players as they arrive at the field – assign a spot along the sideline for them (for games, spots will be based on batting order)
Pre-Activity
Sanitize any shared equipment before and after each game or practice
If numbers exceed COVID safety regulations, ask players’ families to wait in their vehicles during the activity
Keep each player’s belongings separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers, bags, or areas
Hold before and after activity team gathering the fields where the coach can address the teams while everyone maintains 6 feet distance
Dugouts
Dugouts/benches are closed to all players
The on-deck area can be used by a single player
Assign players a specific location where they will reside when idle during the activity: down the left & right field lines (off playing field & outside of fence) away from throws that might come to 1st and 3rd base
Players will be seated or stand in their assigned location no less than 6’ apart and must have at least one (1) Coach (you) to watch over players in this area at all times
No player personal equipment will be allowed in the dugout. Player equipment will be stored at their assigned bench location to prevent direct contact
Equipment
No sharing personal equipment (i.e., bats, helmets, hats, or gloves)
Encourage players to bring their own equipment
Borrowed SYBSA equipment must be sanitized prior to return at the end of the season
Frequent use of SYBSA-provided sanitizing wipes against on catcher’s equipment
Masks
Neck gaiters are NOT ALLOWED.
Per Massachusetts Guidelines, masks must be worn at all times.
Batters and runners must wear masks
Encourage athletes to arrive dressed for practices and games
Food/Drink
No food (unless medically required)
No gum
No seeds
No spitting
Encourage players to bring their own water bottles (there will be no running water available on site)
Water bottles must be clearly marked with a player’s name and will never be shared
Participants and spectators should only drink from their own containers
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship will be in a touchless manner
No handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, group celebrations, etc.
Acceptable forms of Sportsmanship: air-high fives, dabs, “we’re not worthy” bows, etc.
After games are complete, opposing teams will line up along first and third baselines and raise their caps to one another (no handshake lines)
Post-Activity
Assist all players and parents as they exit the field:
staggered departures
social distancing
masks
etc.
Have players/families vacate the premises as soon as is reasonably possible at the conclusion of the game/practice to minimize unnecessary contact with players, coaches, and spectators arriving for the next game/practice
Teams should be fully vacated within 20 minutes of their activity’s conclusion
At the completion of each game/practice, sanitize frequently touched surfaces
Other
You are required to wear facial coverings and maintain social distancing of 6 feet from players, coaches, spectators, and other persons at all times
If needed, use the SYBSA-provided medical gloves to administer aid to a player until the parent/guardian can attend to their child
You have a sanitizer container for the season for your own use as well as to assist players during the activity if needed
Issues
If any individual develops symptoms of COVID-19 during the activity, they must be promptly removed from the activity
If any participants, volunteers, or coaches test positive for COVID-19 during the time they are participating in the program, they will need to follow the state’s isolation requirements as instructed by the local Board of Health. Promptly notify your Coach or SYBSA so we can consult with the Board of Health and assist with contact tracing
Report all transgressions to the Coaching staff, coordinators, COVID Compliance Officer, and/or SYBSA officials
Communication
Assist all parents in understanding and participating in all aspects of COVID protocol, including:
social distancing from other families and players
mask-wearing
allowing the designated volunteers to help players once they arrive until they leave, sanitize shared equipment, clean up the field, find players’ spots on the sideline, etc.
Communicate with coordinators, coaches, and SYBSA administration in regards to best practices and any upper-level league-wide communication that should be considered
