North Leominster Little League Return to Action Plan
On Saturday June 6, 2020 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that the state would be transitioning to Phase II of the plan to reopen Massachusetts effective Monday June 8, 2020.
As part of Phase II youth amateur sports can resume operations with detailed guidance.
North Leominster Little League is excited to announce that we are resuming operations in accordance with state and Little League guidelines!
We have reviewed the state reopening standards and requirements for outdoor sports and athletic facilities for Phase II and are implementing protocols to ensure a smooth and safe transition for your athlete(s), our coaches and parents/guardians. As members of our league we recommend familiarizing yourselves with these standards.
Our board, coaches and volunteers are being educated and advised on proper social distancing protocols for any on-field gatherings. Safety is always our top priority.
If you would like to participate in our 2020 season but have yet registered, you can still sign up at:
www.northleominsterlittleleague.com
Registration will remain open until the end of the day on Friday June 12, 2020.
As we begin our activities, please be aware of the following:
• Scrimmages, organized games and tournaments are not allowed for contact sports in Phase II and activities will be limited to no-contact drills and training exercises. Contact sports are those where ordinary play puts players into contact or proximity to one another and includes baseball.
• We expect all nonessential visitors, spectators, staff and volunteers to respect social distancing and mask wearing guidelines per state protocols
• A health screening of every player, coach and volunteer will take place at all practices prior to any player, coach or volunteer setting foot onto the field. The link to the symptoms can be found here at coronavirus symptoms This is required per state guidelines.
• Dugouts cannot be utilized during Phase 2.
• Bleachers cannot be utilized by spectators during Phase 2. We recommend bringing your own chair.
• The players entering the ballfields at each level of play will see white lines painted on the fences along the left and right field line that are spaced out 6 feet. This is where the players will hang their bags and put all their equipment.
• For Tee Ball, we are requiring that a parent or guardian be with their young athlete while they are on the field to ensure proper social distancing and to maintain safety for all players. CORI forms will need to be completed by the parent or guardian.
• At the Instructional level, we will be requesting that parents be present at the field while their young athletes are practicing.
• There will be no sharing of equipment, beverages, and NO spitting, chewing gum or sunflower seeds.
• We recommend that each player has wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer in their equipment bag.
• A face covering is not mandatory for any player on the field, but if a parent wants their young athlete to wear one, then that is 100 percent your right to do so.
• When a coach is not able to maintain the required 6 feet of social distance of an athlete during any drill they are required to wear a face covering.
• Players are not allowed to high-five, hug, fist bump or have contact of any kind. Our recommendation would be to have the players tip their caps, air high five, etc... but maintain proper social distancing.
• Prior to the start of practice and at the conclusion of practice the players, coaches and volunteers will be required to sanitize their hands.
While life hasn’t been “normal” during this pandemic, we will do everything we can to make the 2020 season as baseball “normal” as possible, while also adhering to state regulations.
We are currently working on establishing teams and practice schedules. Coaches will be in contact with you regarding your team and practices.
We look forward to playing games in Phase 3. Just as we are prepping for the return to baseball, the other leagues in our district are doing the same. The number of games compared to previous seasons is going to be reduced; however, once Phase 3 occurs, we will be able to play in July/August.
We want everyone to feel as safe as possible and welcome any feedback, comments, questions or concerns. This process is new to everyone, but you can be assured we care about every athlete here at North Leominster Little League and will do everything in our power to keep everyone safe during these trying times. Please be advised that additional safety measures can be implemented by North Leominster LL at any time during this Phase 2 process based on information we receive from the State and local governments. We are also currently working on written protocols for the cleaning and sanitization of our high touch areas at our facility. These protocols will be consistent with the state guidelines provided.
If you feel with all the new regulations being put in place that you do not want your player to participate in 2020 please let us know and we can arrange a refund, deferral to 2021 or you can donate your registration fee.
For more information regarding the Governor’s announcement, please click the following link:
https://www.mass.gov/…/reopening-massachusetts-baker-polito…
Thank you,
The North Leominster Little League Board of Directors