2021 Spring Season Soccer Guidelines

AYSO Region 64

Protocols and Guidelines for Safe & Fun Soccer

Table of Contents:

I. Introduction

II. County Guidelines

III. Pre-Season

IV. Season

V. Contact Information

I. Introduction

COVID-19 as a global pandemic has caused initially a lockdown and later various stages of sheltering in place as a way for local governments and the state of California to reduce the number of infections and transmission of the virus.  Since March 2020 the state has been in various forms of lockdowns and sheltering in place such that the Spring 2020 season for AYSO Region 64 has been cancelled and a modified season was implemented in Fall 2020.

The purpose of this document is to outline and refine what we learned from running a modified season in Fall 2020.  The AYSO Region 64 Board wishes to continue growing the game of soccer and helping children fall in love with soccer.  The region focuses on the western San Jose, Cupertino, and Santa Clara regions but is open to all.  

Keeping in mind the county’s guidelines for a safe and socially distant method of running soccer camps, the board wishes to implement a season where players can develop their skills, learn about teamwork, and have fun!  

II. Pre-Season

In order to grow the game and help provide the local communities a way for their children to get outside, exercise, and relieve stress, AYSO Region 64 has committed to working with professional coaches.  Partnering with the San Jose Surf Soccer Club with the main professional coaches of Jack Saville and Mark Christie, AYSO Region 64 is committed to helping players and parent coaches grow their skills and knowledge of the game.

Realizing the shelter in place order mandated by the state and county may leave some families apprehensive about jumping in to play soccer right away, AYSO is offering a pre-season where registered players may attend and can invite other families or guests to join (provided protocols listed below are followed).  The idea is to help families have their child attend the pre-season sessions (held for 3 Saturdays starting 2/6) and get comfortable with the training sessions.  If the family and child are ready to register the child, AYSO staff will be on-site to help provide details and answer any questions regarding registration.  Below are more details about logistics and coaching within the practice sessions:

Sign-Up

Registered players will fill out a Google Form to pick the date(s) they wish to sign up for corresponding to their age division.  The first pre-season practice session on 2/6/2021 will be open only to those registered and paid for the season.  

Those who are guests of registered players or wanting to have a trial for a free pre-season session must register as a guest.  As space is limited, priority will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of the sign-up process, guests will register and sign a COVID waiver releasing all liability from AYSO Region 64 in the event the player is exposed to a pod with someone who tests positive for COVID.  The region will take every measure to have players self-screen before entering the pod for training.

Location

The pre-season practice sessions will be held at Miller Middle School’s field, specifically on the grass area within the running track. Parking is accessible for Rainbow Drive (see map below).

Dates & Times

Social Distance Protocols

In-line with county and state guidelines for socially distant youth sports, AYSO Region 64 is committed to maintaining a fun and safe environment for all participants, coaches, and volunteers.  As such, the pre-season practices will be focused on individual skill building and no contact with other players.

Upon arrival for the pre-season sessions, players will check-in with an AYSO staff member and/or the professional coach.  If the player is feeling ill, has a fever over 100.4 F, has been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID within the last 14 days, or has lost their sense of taste are asked to not participate.

The professional coaches and AYSO staff on hand are trained and experienced with running socially distant practices in line with county and state guidelines.  They will build out specific areas for players to practice within and be at least 6 feet apart from other players and the coach.  All adults working with players will be wearing masks and frequently sanitizing their hands.  Individuals must bring their own soccer balls as they are expected to do the training with their own soccer ball.

Should a player feel ill, they will be escorted to an isolated area to await pick-up by their family members or guardian.

Despite the social distance protocols, the coaches are excited to use their experience and curriculum to help players develop their skills and still have fun!

IV. Season

The Key to a Safe Season

We have been in contact with the County of Santa Clara Public Health to review guidelines and protocols created for any entity that works with children.  More information regarding these county guidelines can be viewed at the following link: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/covid19/Pages/mandatory-directives-programs-serving-children-or-youth.aspx

In summary, here are the applicable directives mandated by the county as it pertains to AYSO Region 64’s socially distant form of soccer training:

Social Distancing Protocol – All participants and coaches will maintain at least 6 feet of space from one another at all times.  Additional language provided by the county is as follows:

 Within their stable groups:

1. Children/youth in 6th grade and up (or ages 12 and older, for groups not organized by grade level): Children/youth must maintain at least six feet of distance from other children/youth at all times, and personnel shall maintain at least six feet of distance from children/youth at all times.
2. Children in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade (or ages 5 to 11, for groups not organized by grade level): Teach children and personnel to maintain at least six feet of distance from each other as much as possible. Seat children at least six feet from personnel and, ideally, six feet or more from other children
3. Children ages 0 to 4: Children and personnel may engage in physical contact as necessary given the needs of children under age 5.
4. All personnel shall maintain at least a six-foot distance from all other personnel and any visitors.

Signage or Information – Because our operations are outdoors and variable weather conditions, we are opting to keep signage and information included within this document in a binder that is carried by AYSO staff or professional coaches on-site.

Face Coverings – Players are encouraged to wear masks when walking to their designated areas.  They may remove their mask once within their practice area (usually defined by cones).  All adults on site must wear masks.

Stable Cohorts (Pods) – In order to track and contain any possible COVID transmissions, the county is mandating us to have stable cohorts throughout the season.  In other words, if a player joins and practices with a U10 pod that practices 3 times a week, and they want to practice with another team, any transfers will be prohibited.  Therefore, families who sign up and attend a practice session with a given pod is committed for the entire season with that particular pod.

Record Keeping – An attendance record will be kept for up to 1 month per county mandate in the event they might need to investigate the transmission source(s) for COVID.  Pod rosters will be on-site for AYSO staff and volunteer to access for attendance purposes.

Social Distance Protocols

In-line with county and state guidelines for socially distant youth sports, AYSO Region 64 is committed to maintaining a fun and safe environment for all participants, coaches, and volunteers.  As such, the pre-season practices will be focused on individual skill building and no contact with other players.

 Upon arrival for the pre-season sessions, players will check-in with an AYSO staff member and/or the professional coach.  If the player is feeling ill, has a fever over 100.4 F, has been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID within the last 14 days, or has lost their sense of taste are asked to not participate.

The professional coaches and AYSO staff on hand are trained and experienced with running socially distant practices in line with county and state guidelines.  They will build out specific areas for players to practice within and be at least 6 feet apart from other players and the coach.  All adults working with players will be wearing masks and frequently sanitizing their hands.  Individuals must bring their own soccer balls as they are expected to do the training with their own soccer ball.

 Should a player feel ill, they will be escorted to an isolated area to await pick-up by their family members or guardian.

Despite the social distance protocols, the coaches are excited to use their experience and curriculum to help players develop their skills and still have fun!

IV. Contact Information

Registration Information – registrar@ayso64.org 

Regional Commissioner – RC@ayso64.org 

Regional Coach Administrator – RCA@ayso64.org 

Volunteer Coordinator -