as of August 2022
Natick Soccer Club uses the following COVID-19 procedures to ensure the safety of all players, coaches, referees, parents & visiting teams. These best practices follow guidance from the State of Massachusetts, Natick Department of Health (DOH), Mass. Youth Soccer Association, and the Boston Area Youth Soccer League (BAYS).
These guidelines apply to all participants in Natick Soccer activities (players, coaches and spectators).
GENERAL SAFETY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES
- Guidelines set by the Natick Department of Public Health (DPH) will take precedence for all soccer activities.
- Face coverings are not required, but may be worn at the discretion of the player’s parent/guardian.
- Follow CDC recommendations regarding vaccinations for all soccer activities.
- Players should have all of their own personal equipment (i.e. water bottles, etc.).
- Shared team snacks are not permitted.
- Follow proper hygiene during soccer activities. Continue the use of alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect any equipment provided at the end of each game or practice.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
- All players and coaches should ensure that they complete a health assessment prior to participating in any soccer activities.
- This health assessment should include taking one’s temperature daily.
- If there are any symptoms, even mild ones, do NOT attend practice or a game.
POSITIVE CASE / CLOSE CONTACT PROTOCOL
- Affected parties should notify coaches and the NSC COVID Safety Officer, Heather Bonner.
- All players/coaches are expected to follow the quarantine process provided to them by the Natick DPH.
- A player can return to soccer activities on the return date issued by the Natick DPH.
- The remainder of the team can continue to practice as normal.
- Participating in soccer activities will not be considered close contact.
- Notification of the team and any opposing team will be based on recommendations by the DPH in accordance with current CDC recommendations.
- With all close contact protocols, if a person is vaccinated they should follow the guidelines set by the CDC and the Natick DPH.
- If you are unvaccinated and anyone in your household or anyone that you have had close contact with (within 6 feet for approximately 15 minutes over a 24 hour period) displays symptoms, you should self-quarantine based on current CDC guidelines and on direction from the Natick DPH.