In line with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #149, which permits the resumption of organized youth sports. July 6 will mark the progression to Phase 4 of NJYS’ “Return to Play” guidelines, which allows traditional practices and competitions while maintaining physical (social) distancing. 

IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE OR READY TO RETURN TO PLAY, DON'T. As previously mentioned, our number one priority is the health and safety of our members.

Below are recommended criteria for participation in group training sessions (includes players, coaches and staff):

• No signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have no known exposure to someone that has been ill in 14 days.
• Have no above normal temperature readings; temperature checks should not be conducted by staff but by players and their families prior to attending training.
• Upon arrival to training, coaches or staff should ask each player if he/she is experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (see CDC website) including, but not limited to, cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. If the player has any signs or symptoms of COVID- 19, he/she should be sent home and instructed to contact his/her healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Participants should use their own water bottle, towel and any other personal hygiene products. 
• Ensure participants are wearing appropriate (e.g. government required) personal protective equipment (gloves,mask, etc.) 
• While coaching can occur onsite, coaches must maintain physical distancing from participants.
• Spectators must remain 6 feet apart and wear a face mask
• Follow the NJYS return to play guidelines as posted on the field by the Club

Recommended Coach Responsibilities:
• Prioritize the health and safety of the participants.
• Inquire how the athletes are feeling. Send home anyone you believe acts or looks ill.
• Exercise reasonable care to ensure all athletes have their own individual equipment (ball, water, bag etc.) and station on the sideline for their equipment (e.g. backpack).
• Coach should maintain physical distance requirements from players based on state and local health requirements and exercise reasonable care to ensure players practice appropriate physical distancing (e.g. prohibit high-5s, hugs, handshakes, fist-bumps, etc.).
• Ensure coach is the only person to handle equipment (e.g. cones, disk etc.); do not enlist parental or attendee assistance. The use of scrimmage vests, or pinnies, is not recommended at this time.
• All training should be conducted outdoors and compliant with physical distancing per state or local health guidelines.
• Wear a face mask during coaching.
• Have fun, stay positive – players and parents are looking to you for leadership.

Recommended Parent Responsibilities:
• Ensure your child is healthy and check your child’s temperature before activities with others.
• Stay in car or adhere to social distance requirements, based on state and local health requirements
• Ensure washing (e.g. hands) takes place after every training.
• Ensure clothes and equipment (clothes, cleats, ball, shin guards etc.) are sanitized before and after every training.
• Notify your club immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason.
• Do not assist your coach with equipment before or after training.
• Be sure your child has necessary sanitizing products with them at every training.

Recommended Player Responsibilities:
• Take your temperature before activities with others.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after training.
• Bring, and use, hand sanitizer with you at every training.
• Wear mask before and immediately after all training.
• Utilize your designated location and do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment, water, food or bags.
• Practice social distancing, place bags and equipment at least 6 feet apart.
• Wash and sanitize all equipment before and after every training.
• No group celebrations, high-5s, hugs, handshakes, fist-bumps, etc.
• Follow all CDC guidelines as well those of your local health authorities.