April 8, 2021

Dear Club and League Representatives:

The state is averaging close to 6,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the last week. In the last six weeks, the state’s positivity rate has increased from 4.3 % to 15.6%. Unfortunately, COVID-19, and its associated variants, are still present. Despite this trend, our return-to-play (RTP) guidelines, and the current MDHHS risk mitigation strategies, including weekly testing of athletes (ages 13-19), allow children to play soccer at this time.

COVID-19 ‘fatigue’ and non-compliance with MDHHS risk mitigation strategies, such as masking and social distancing, are contributing to the increase in positive cases. Additionally, youth sports settings (primarily indoor sports such as hockey, basketball and wrestling) have recently been identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as a contributing factor. In short, MSYSA is concerned that another potential shutdown of organized contact sports may be looming. Thus, this communication is intended to implore our members (and parents/guardians) to continue to follow MSYSA’s RTP guidelines and MDHHS risk mitigation measures. Per our (abbreviated) guidelines,

  • All participants should take temperatures independently (at home) before attending MSYSA affiliated activities.
  • Participants should stay home if they are sick.
  • Participants with known COVID-19 exposure, or participants experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are not to participate and should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider(s) as soon as possible.
  • Upon arrival for MSYSA affiliated activities, participants should be asked a series of health screening questions, aligned with the CDC’s ‘Coronavirus Self-Checker’ to affirm medical clearance to participate. MSYSA recommends consistent use of the MI Symptoms Tool to screen participants for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • All players, team officials, referees and spectators must wear facial coverings at all times upon arrival to, departure from and during MSYSA activities.
  • Maintain proper hygiene habits. Avoid touching eyes/nose/mouth. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash and sanitize hands often.
  • MSYSA recommends limiting spectators to two (2) per athlete and discourages extended family, nonessential visitors, and spectators from attending MSYSA affiliated activities at this time.
  • Refrain from carpooling to training sessions, games and tournaments with those outside of the family household.

Additionally, MSYSA recommends prioritizing the use of outdoor fields/venues for training sessions and games. Team gatherings before and after games and/or group ‘get-togethers’ at hotels and restaurants are also not recommended at this time.

In closing, MSYSA acknowledges that we have asked you to comply with many requirements over the past year implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. While we cannot control what other sports may or may not be doing around us, we must continue to do our part in order to play.

Sincerely,

Thomas Faro
Executive Director

cc.:      MSYSA Board of Directors