2021 GUIDELINES FOR PLAY
The following guidelines have been developed by HiteSaunders Little League to allow Little League play to resume at our fields These guidelines are designed to comply with Little League Internationals Best Practices www.littleleague.org federal guidelines developed by the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and guidance from the West Virginia Governor Justice’s office (http://governor.wv.gov) concerning resumption of youth sports. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a safe and responsible environment for our participants, their families and
our volunteers.
A.FACILITY
1.Beginning on March 1, 2021, the baseball and softball complexes will have clearly marked and separate player and spectator (including specified handicapped area) zones.
2.Players and Spectators arriving at the facility are required to report to their designated area as quickly as possible and cannot congregate in the parking lot or dugout areas.
3. Each field has a single men’s and women’s restroom for use only by the Players and Spectators scheduled to play at the field. Each restroom will have sanitizer available and should be used by the occupant on all surfaces they touch prior to exiting the restroom.
B. PLAYERS
1.All Players will be issued one, athletic/gaiter style cloth facial covering at the commencement of the season, at no cost. Players are expected to wear a gaiter around their neck as part of their uniform at ALL times, including field of play, while at HSLL facilities. The gaiter is to be used as a facial covering while off the field during times when social distancing is difficult to achieve, such as arriving to or leaving the facility. Players will not be required to use the gaiter as a face covering on the field of play during games.
2.Prior to games, Players will be expected to report to a designated warm up area communicated to them by their coach. There will be several areas around the facility designated for warm ups.
3. During games, all players will be designated a seat in the Player Zone. This area will be used as an open-air dugout for players and coaches to maintain social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
4.The dugout areas will be limited to 3 players at a time and limited for use by the pitcher, catcher and batter on deck while on offense, and 3 substitutes while on defense.
5.Each player will be required to self-screen prior to the participation in any game. The Player must notify the coach prior to games that the Player has no current or recent symptoms of fever, coughing or other illness, or recent close proximity to individuals with similar symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days. A Player that reports positive for any of the areas of concern will be ineligible to participate until cleared by HSLL officials.
6.Players are encouraged to bring water to games in containers marked with the Player’s name.
7.Players are prohibited from sharing any equipment. If a player needs a helmet or bat, one will be provided by the coaching staff.
8.Players/families/spectators should arrive at the scheduled field of play no sooner than 15 minutes before game time and will immediately leave the facility after the game as dismissed by their coach. Post-game meetings or gatherings are suspended until further notice.
9.Sunflower seeds and spitting are prohibited at all HSLL activities.
10.For the sake of sportsmanship, Player will give a “tip of the cap” to their opponents at the end of games instead of the traditional handshaking/high-five.
11.Players agree to abide and follow all guidelines as set by the Board of the league we are visiting. Guidelines will be communicated by the Coach to the Player prior to the start of a game outside of the HSLL facilities should guidelines differ.
12. Players with concerns regarding safety shall communicate with their Coach and/or League Officials.
C. SPECTATORS
1.Until further notice, Spectators will be limited to close family members of the players. Spectators will be encouraged to wear facial coverings at the HSLL facilities as recommended by the CDC (www.cdc.gov). Facial coverings similar to those provided to the players will be available for sale at the field.
2.Spectators should bring their own portable seating to sit along the outfield fence of the field they are spectating. They will be required to sit at least 10 feet from the nearest non-family spectator. Spectators will be encouraged to sit in designated Home and Visitor sections of the outfield.
3.Spectators agree to abide and follow all guidelines as set by the Board of the league the Spectator is visiting outside of HSLL facilities. Many guidelines can be found on league social media pages.
4. Spectators with concerns regarding safety shall communicate with the Player’s Coach and/or League Officials promptly.
D. CONCESSIONS
1.Until further notice, concessions will be provided during limited times. Concessions will be limited to drinks and prepackaged items.
2.PayPal will be accepted and are the preferred payment methods. Purchaser will be required to show proof of payment with payment amount and date. Cash will be accepted, but discouraged.
E. TEE BALL
1. Player and Spectator Zones will be combined and grouped by families. Families will sit in the outfield with their respective player. Families are asked to refrain from sitting within 10 feet of the next nearest family.
2. Coaches will wear facial covering at all times when within 6ft of another person not part of their own family.
F. PRACTICES
1.All guidelines concerning social distancing and the prohibition of Player equipment sharing will be enforced during practices, regardless of the facility.
2. Bathrooms may not be available at these facilities so Players should plan accordingly.
HSLL 2021 Resumption of Play Consent
I have reviewed the guidelines about and will cooperate with everything that has been asked of me and my player. I understand that there are many risks associated with youth sports, including the transmission of viruses including COVID-19. I understand that these guidelines are specifically designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 at HSLL facilities, but are not a guarantee that a Player or Spectator will not be exposed to COVID-19 through a youth sport activity.
I have done my best to prepare my player to participate in HSLL activities in a safe and responsible manner by making sure he or she has washed his or her hands thoroughly before coming to games or practice, that he or she wears his or her gaiter or
other facial covering at all times while attending HSLL activities and use it appropriately as instructed. I will work cooperatively with coaches and league officials to make any adjustments that become necessary as the season progresses. I understand that i can withdraw my player at any time if I do not feel safe, but agree I forfeit any fees paid and will not receive a refund. I will report to league officials anytime I have a concern that
others are not acting responsibly or complying with these guidelines. I understand that any Player or Spectator, including me, can be withdrawn from participation in an HSLL activity at any time if either my player or I am unable or willing to follow the above or any other guidelines or rules of HSLL or Little League International.
I understand should the season be postponed or cancelled, I agree that any fees paid will be forfeited and i will not receive a refund.