September 10, 2020
Dear Club and League Representatives:
As you may know, Governor Whitmer has rescinded Section 2(d) of Executive Order 153 and Section 7(b) of Executive Order 176. Last night, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order (EO) 180. EO 180 clarifies that, in order to participate in organized sports (except swimming), athletes must wear a facial covering or consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance. Per EO 180, athletes participating in the sports of football, soccer or volleyball are not able to consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance, and therefore, must wear facial coverings.
EO 180 clarifies all previous interpretations with respect to athletes and facial coverings. At this time, there are no exceptions. Athletes have the option of participating with a face covering or not participating. Unfortunately, these are the only options at this time. Enforcement of the facial covering requirement is the responsibility of sports organizers (clubs/leagues). It is important that all clubs and leagues do their part in taking EO 180 seriously and on ensuring compliance. MSYSA’s Game Day Processes outline our expectations on how referees should report those not complying when games and in-state tournaments resume.
MSYSA has received a tremendous number of email inquiries, primarily from parents, regarding the Governor’s Executive Order(s) and the facial covering requirements. Please assist MSYSA in communicating the Governor’s Executive Orders with your players, parents and their families. For reference, MSYSA’s response to these inquiries has been to review the Governor’s Executive Orders and MSYSA’s Return-To-Play (RTP) guidelines.
As a reminder, games are not permitted at this time nor are in-state tournaments. Assuming our affiliated clubs and leagues strictly adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders and MSYSA’s RTP guidelines and safety protocols, MSYSA’s plan is to authorize games to commence no earlier than Saturday, September 19, 2020.
Sincerely,
Thomas Faro
Executive Director
cc.: MSYSA Board of Directors
