COVID-19 Guidelines for Participation

Soccer First, Inc.

All policies are subject to change as we receive additional guidance from Governor Dewine’s office, the Ohio Department of Health and/or the Franklin County Board of Health.

Customers and Guests

·         Spectators are NOT permitted for league games.  Bleachers have been removed.

·         Hand sanitizer units have been installed in high-traffic locations (at the front entry of the building, near the front desk and at the outdoor field entrance/exit).

·         Players are asked not to enter the facility or grounds if they are symptomatic.  A list of symptoms is posted on the front doors.  All players must conduct daily symptom assessments before each game.

·         You may have COVID-19 if you experience one or more of the following:  fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.  Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

·         If any player from your team tests positive for COVID-19 during the season, please notify Soccer First immediately so we can provide proper contact tracing to the local health department.

·         If anyone has been exposed to someone that has tested positive or is suspected of being positive, that player may not return to play until they have received a negative test or been quarantined for 14 days.

·         Any player who tests positive, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, shall not be permitted to return to play until a documented medical exam is performed including an assessment of the cardiac/heart risk of high intensity exercise due to the potential of myocarditis with COVID-19.

·         Field assignments and a Field Map will be posted online to reduce congestion at the front of the building.

·         Games will be limited to 35 minute halves in order to decrease player traffic in and around the facility.

·         There will be 15 minutes between each game per field to avoid traffic between teams finishing and teams arriving.

·         Players are asked not to arrive more than 10 minutes before their scheduled activity.

·         Players are asked to enter and exit the fields using designated gates on the street.  Players should enter through the red gate on the street and exit using the driveway behind the Field Sports building near Field A.

·         Please do not use the sidewalk by the Soccer First building as there may be youth programs running in the area next to the patio.

·         In compliance with the Director’s Order for Facial Coverings that went into effect July 23, all individuals 10 years of age or older must wear facial coverings when indoors.  Unless a medical condition prevents you from doing so, please wear a mask at all times inside our facility except when participating in physical activity on the fields.

·         Outdoor players shall wear masks when arriving/leaving the facility and when on the sidelines.  Players are permitted to wear masks on the field, but they are not required while actively playing.

·         Coaches or team administrators are asked to record which players are in attendance in the event contact tracing is needed.

·         Players cannot share water bottles.  It is recommended that every player label their water bottles clearly.

·         Spitting on the field is highly discouraged.  Referees will offer a one warning, but penalties may be awarded for continued occurrences.

·         Participants are suggested to travel to and from their activity with members of their household only.

·         All individuals must avoid congregating in common spaces or parking lot before, during and after events.  Fields will be closed when not in use.  Soccer First Patio/Concessions will not be available at this time.

·         Team benches will be placed on both sides of the field to assist with social distancing.  Bench players should keep 6’ apart at all times.

·         Social distancing should be adhered to at all times (i.e. No huddles, high fives, etc.)

·         Customers not complying with any of these protocols may be asked to leave the facility/grounds.

Physical Spaces / Equipment

·         Social distancing reminders, hand-washing reminders, and other signage has been posted throughout the facility.

·         All vending machines will be available and will be cleaned on a regular basis.  Water fountains will be closed.

·         The facility will be deep cleaned daily.  Restrooms will be cleaned regularly during each day.

·         If weather permits, the front doors will remain open to minimize contact.  Fans will be running to increase circulation of outside air.

·         There will be predetermined one-way entrances and exits to the fields at Soccer First.  These gates will be marked accordingly.

·         There will be predetermined one-way entrances and exits to the building.  Please abide by the posted entrance and exit signs inside the facility.  Enter through the West doors and exit through the East doors.

·         We will not operate a lost and found for the immediate future.  Please take care to not leave any valuables behind.

·         All teams must bring their own equipment, including items such as balls and water bottles.  We recommend teams bring two shirt colors.  Scrimmage vests will not be provided.

·         Game balls will be sanitized before each game and again at halftime.