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Covid-19 Update: Mass Youth Soccer Extends Suspension of all Soccer activities through April 26, 2020

By Dana Flanders, 03/22/20, 9:00PM EDT

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We hope this communication finds you, your family and friends healthy and safe. We would like to start by acknowledging the medical heroes who are on the front line of COVID-19, many of whom are from our extended soccer family. To the soccer parents and fans who work in the medical profession, we speak with one voice in solemn thanks and respect for your efforts against this ominous virus.  

 

Based on information received during the past week from numerous sources including medical professionals, effective immediately, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association is extending the suspension of all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through and including Sunday, April 26, 2020. For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues), this suspension continues to include, but is not limited to: all games (of all types), practices, clinics, training, tournaments, in-person meetings and Coaching Education Courses.

 

Assuming that circumstances do not warrant or require a further extension, commencing Monday, April 27, the suspension will be lifted on all soccer activities as noted above, except for league games (intown, travel and club) and tournaments,which may commence starting on Saturday, May 2, 2020.  

 

All Massachusetts Youth Soccer affiliated League Presidents, with their concern being the ultimate health and well-being of our entire soccer community, are in unanimous agreement with this decision.

 

Our primary focus has been, and remains the safety and welfare of our players, coaches and referees. As importantly, we are concerned for the safety and well-being of our communities and seek to comply with medical directives on how best to stem the spread of the virus. This is not just a soccer decision, but a public health decision.

 

We continue to closely monitor the situation via the federal, state and local health agencies. We remain in contact with US Soccer, US Youth Soccer and other State Associations, who have made significant cancellations and postponements, as well as the other major sport organizations and events throughout the country. Membership can expect regular updates as this situation continues to evolve.

 

As noted in our prior suspension communication, we don’t take these types of decisions lightly. But, in the interest of preserving the health and safety of the entire soccer community, in addition to all others statewide, we cannot emphasize enough that Mass Youth Soccer's primary commitment is the health and safety of all members, players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators and volunteers.

 

A further update from Mass Youth Soccer will be provided on/about April 1st.

Here are a number of different resources and communications from the WHO, CDC and other public health organizations regarding this novel coronavirus:

 

CDC - Coronavirus Overview

CDC - Frequently Asked Questions

CDC - Community Mitigation Strategy

WHO - Advice for Coronavirus

U.S. Department of State - Country Specific Travel Information

USOPC - Coronavirus Update

 

Proper Health Habits

In the meantime, we can better protect ourselves by reinforcing health safety and best practices for illness prevention - to that end, please read and follow the steps listed below:

 

  • Practice “Social Distancing” staying at least 6 feet from others when out in public.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth prior to proper washing or disinfecting.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow the CDC's recommendations for using a face mask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
  • CDC recommended face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.