JPSA Return to Play

by | May 25, 2020 | Uncategorized

JPSA RETURN TO PLAY
First of all we want to wish a Happy Memorial Day to all of our families, friends, sponsors and supporters. We hope that everyone is safe and enjoying some quality time with your families. 

Below is the official reopening plan from the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA). The plan to reopen is broken down into 3 (three) phases. The first 2 (two) phases include significant restrictions on the number of total players allowed to train (10 or less with social distancing strictly observed).

Due to these restrictions, we feel it would be more beneficial that we return to training in Phase III, which officially begins June 19th. We are planning to have weekly FREE play training sessions on Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30 pm starting June 24th (site TBA). We cannot wait to see everyone and will continue to count down the days until Phase III begins! 

We strive to consolidate our important updates into one email sent every few weeks as to not bombard everyone with constant notifications but, with that said, if anyone needs more detailed information or has any questions or concerns regarding this plan to reopen, do not hesitate to contact us immediately. 

We genuinely hope that you all will join us for some fun this Summer.

COVID-19 NOTICE TO PLAYERS AND PARENTS FROM LSA
Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone across the state during the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic and have monitored countless governmental, health and youth sports organizations for guidance. Undeniably Louisiana has been a global hotspot for the virus, so our response has and continues to be comprehensive. 

This Notice will explain to players and their families how we hope to return to the game in a safe and responsible manner. First is a discussion of LSA’s Phasing. Again, every effort has been made to incorporate the guidelines announced by the Governor and all other authorities and resources. Second is the strict protocol players and their parents must observe at all times until this pandemic is vanquished. Third are important changes and accommodations made in the LCSL Tryout Process we hope to undertake statewide in June. To visit the Coronavirus pages on the LSA Website CLICK HERE.

PHASING
Phasing is not a simple throw of a switch. It is a gradual, science-based plan to return to play safely and in a manner that minimizes the risk of a COVID-19 resurgence. Phasing and the protocols established for each Phase are subject to change as the effects and behavior of the virus change.

Phase One
May 15 – June 5
The Governor’s Stay-at Home Order is lifted, but protocols such as social distancing and avoiding non-essential travel remain in effect. Phase One requires that “Organized Youth Activities that are currently closed should remain closed”. Therefore, LSA’s comprehensive Ban on all soccer activities set forth in our April 28th notice to our Member Clubs must be extended until June 5th.
Soccer Activities Permitted: Individual training sessions in your home/residence using your own equipment. Coaching occurs virtually. No coaches or other athletes present during training 
Soccer Activities Prohibited: Practices, scrimmages, games, etc.

Phase Two
June 5 – June 19
Small groups may return to play under strict adherence with the Return To Play Protocol and Responsibilities below. Phase 2 IS NOT an open invitation to return to the game as we knew it before the pandemic.
Soccer Activities Permitted: Small group (10 or less) training in which social distancing is strictly observed and game conditions are avoided.  Fitness, speed and agility training
Soccer Activities Prohibited: Full practices, scrimmages, games, etc.

Phase Three
Commencing June 19
Phase III is still not a return to what we all understand as a normal youth soccer environment. Again, strict adherence to the Return to Play Protocols is mandatory. Our goal is to permit our Clubs to conduct LCSL Tryouts during Phase III. 
Soccer Activities Permitted: Small group (10 or less) activities. Team practices where players are trained in small groups and not as a full team. Fitness, speed and agility training. Tryouts with strict adherence to the parameters set forth both in the Return to Play Protocol and the Tryout Process and Schedule
Soccer Activities Prohibited: Full practices, scrimmages, games, etc.

Future Phasing
As the pandemic wears on and as we become more effective in battling the virus future phasing will take place. The US Youth Soccer Return to Play Committee has already begun discussions on future protocol, but it is clear any future phasing is entirely dependent upon our ability as a culture to deal with the COVID-19 virus.
 
RETURN TO PLAY CRITERIA, PROTOCOL AND RESPONSIBLIES
Criteria
In order to participate in any soccer activities other than individual activities at home, an individual including, but not limited to, players, coaches and Club staff (“participants”) must satisfy the following criteria

  • No signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have not been exposed to someone that has been ill in 14 days.
  • Live in training location/community for 14 days prior to beginning group training.
  • Take temperature before participating in any soccer activity.
  • There shall be no activities that would require direct or indirect contact between players.
  • Cleaning schedule/protocol of equipment with disinfectant before, during, and after training.

Clubs are encouraged to require all parents to sign an acknowledgment that they have read and understand the criteria and their responsibilities in allowing their child to return to play.
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Parent Responsibilities

  • Ensure child your child is healthy.
  • Check your child’s temperature daily and ask whether they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. cough, fever, or loss of taste or smell).
  • No carpooling
  • Parents are not permitted on or near the field.
  • Parents must stay inside or in close proximity to their car when at any soccer activity. If outside their car, parents  must wear a face mask and must adhere to social distancing guidelines
  • Ensure child’s clothing is washed after every training session.
  • Ensure all equipment, cleats, ball, shin guards etc. are washed or sanitized before and after every training.
  • Notify club immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason.
  • Do not assist coach with equipment before or after training.
  • Be sure your child has necessary sanitizer with them at every soccer activity.
  • Should parents feel the need to communicate with a coach, it must be done via email or by telephone.

Player Responsibilities

  • Take temperature daily
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after soccer activity.
  • Bring and use, hand sanitizer with you to every soccer activity.
  • Wear mask before and immediately after all soccer activity.
  • Observe the separation of the “stations” established by the Coach at the bench area and make certain to place all of your belongings (bags, water bottle and equipment) at least 6 feet apart.
  • Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment, water, snack or bag.
  • Practice social distancing
  • Wash and sanitize all equipment before and after every soccer activity.

Observe social distancing. No group celebrations, no high 5’s, Hugs, handshakes etc.