COVID POLICY/PROTOCOL

NVASA COVID POLICY/PROTOCOL

• We have endeavored to maintain a minimalist view to crafting this policy/protocol as each of you is likely already implementing the recommended return to play safeguards in other aspects of your lives.
• We expect our members to respect the protocols and guideline set forth here:
  • Exercising both common sense and common courtesy will keep us on track;
  • we have the utmost confidence in our membership that this will not be difficult for any of us – we can DO IT!
    • of course, should any of you need an assistance, we are at your beckon call;
  • unlike other organizations, we do not have the resources (read $$$) to have monitors or enforcers of the policy so we are depending on each of you.
• If you are sick or have been around any who is sick please stay home;
  • return to play once you have been cleared of any possible infection;
  • teams have been/will be provided with PPE (masks, hand sanitizer, hand held thermometer);
    • if someone shows to play and has a higher than normal temperature you should exclude them from the game;
    • They should only return to play until they are at or below a normal body temperature and been cleared of any infection;
  • a sick player participating in a game will be cause to exclude the entire team from play for the remainder of the season (pro rata refunds will apply).
• Teams shall sit at opposite sides of bleachers, or on opposite benches, whichever arrangement applies at a particular field.
  • players while on the bench should sit 6ft apart and wear masks
• Referees shall also sit separately from each of the teams.
  • Referees when speaking with one another or players shall maintain 6ft of distance between them where possible and wear a mask when doing so in both instances.
• Please refrain from allowing/bringing spectators.
• Captains/teammates will be responsible for self-policing these policies and guidelines.
• There are no major variances necessary to The Laws of the Game as the officials are already empowered by the LotG to enforce safety measures. But, having said that we must also discuss the following:
  • Spitting - natural in athletic activity; gross but perfectly reasonable;
  • SnotRockets – equally if not grosser but again, part of the activity;
  • COVID/CONCERN – while it would be best if neither occurred at all, at the very least be mindful that you do not do either near any other person, whether the ref crew or either team, including your own. If absolutely necessary, duck in to the woods or behind a tree or something away from folks.
• We have spent half of the year away from the beautiful game we expect our return to be a little (a lot) less competitive than usual. We are playing to get back on the field and nothing more.  We have suspended promotion/relegation for this reason.  However:
  • While every season we hope for zero disciplinary actions, this season we are expecting it. Which is to say, we will have zero tolerance for purposeful or egregious violations not only of the LotG but the COVID Policy/Protocol as well
• EXCEPTIONS TO PLAYING RULES AND CHECK IN PROCEDURES:
  • Team captains or one designee, will hand their roster to the referee before the game begins. All of our regular standards apply as to write in players and forgotten rosters (check the rules on the site as this doc is already long enough);
    • Individual check-in is not required to minimize the instances of face to face encounters.
  • We will utilize a KICK-In in place of the usual throw-in;
    • When the ball leaves the field of play please handle the ball with your feet. Using your hands to do so is a habit that we will have to modify so, should you inadvertently use your hands quickly put the ball at your feet and then use some hand sanitizer before restarting play;
    • The KICK-In will be treated as an Indirect Kick and will be subject to the LotG on IDKs. If you don’t want to look up what that is, in a nutshell:
      • players must give ten-yards of space from the spot of the kick, and
      • OFF-SIDE law APPLIES;
      • Refs will give guidance on this if needed.
    • Exercise care with one another and no one will have any cause for concern. Should our passions for the game begin to overtake us let us be gentle in our responses so that we cause no harm.
    • We are here to help should anyone need anything so do not hesitate to email me questions, comments or concerns.