Hello Parents, Volunteers, and Players
Programs like South Highline American Little League serve as an escape to everyday challenges and unite communities in an irreplaceable way. For the first time in recent years, we find ourselves without this outlet for our kids. As you all know, this past yea has been unlike any we’ve seen before. Daily life has fundamentally changed, as we deal with the health and economic implications of COVID-19. I’m writing today to share updates regarding the Little League season, the thought process of how we, as a board, are working through this time, and how we plan to return play this year.
Our FIRST priority is to the health of the families in our Community.
South Highline American Little League's goal is to provide our players the opportunity to practice and play baseball and for our league’s families to return to our Little League community. SHALL’s primary concerns are the health and safety of all participants. SHALL will follow guidelines from Public Health and the Governor’s Office when we return to play. All league participants - players, managers, assistant coaches, team volunteers, and family members will assume some risk in all baseball activities.
Key information for SHALL participants per the most recent guidelines:
- Baseball and softball are considered moderate risk sports.
- Low and moderate risk sports are now allowed intra-team competitions and are not restricted to groups of six. No practice, training or competitions with other teams allowed.
- Facial coverings required for all coaches, volunteers and athletes at all times.
- Sporting activities are only allowed outdoors.
- Six feet of distance must be maintained among athletes when not engaged in sporting activities, huddles and team meetings must be physically distanced.
- No spectators allowed except for one parent/guardian/caregiver for each minor-aged participant allowed. Spectators must maintain physical distance of at least six (6) feet between each person and wear facial coverings at all times.
- Stay home when sick or if a close contact of someone with COVID-19
- All coaches and students should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. Screening should consider symptoms listed by the CDC.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after practice, especially after touching shared objects or blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Keep a roster of every athlete, staff and volunteer present at each practice, training session, and contest to assist with contact tracing in the event of a possible exposure. Similarly keep a roster and seating chart for each travel group.
- Attendance rosters and seating charts must be kept on file for 28 days after the practice, contest, or trip.
SHALL recommends that players should not share equipment such as bats, gloves, helmets, and catching gear. Coaches are to ensure to wipe down the gear with disinfectant between practices/games and team catching gear between uses
Brian Lloyd
President
South Highline American Little League
www.shall-littleleague.org