Best Practices for Health:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus (Covid-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed. Everyday preventive actions should be taken:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 facemask.
- CDC now recommends that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
- Facemasks should also 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.
Below, we've listed some helpful information and links from The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Helpful Information & Links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides helpful information about COVID-19, and those links are included below for more information about prevention, travel, and other coronavirus resources.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
- Coronavirus Prevention & Treatment:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
- Coronavirus Travel Information:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Helpful Links On The PA West Soccer Web Site
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety First
Play will occur while the Covid-19 virus is still a threat. Players, coaches, referees and spectators should exercise all recommended safety protocols to minimize risk. Coaches and parents will need to make an informed decision as it relates to their personal situation.
Decision Making
What sources is PA West Soccer using to decide if/when the season will start? PA West Soccer is utilizing the guidance of US Soccer, USYS, USASA, CDC, PA Advisories, and directives from local government. We also monitor resources like the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Real Time Map and the IHME Covid-19 Projection web site. Decisions are made in accordance with directives that keep everyone safe.
If the state and local governments permit the season to begin, how will you take into account the indefinite suspension of PA schools and the other state (OH and WV) governments? The suspension of PA schools is one of many tools used by the state to help prevent the spread of the virus. It’s speculation to suppose that the state will lifts bans but keep the school suspension in place; it’s also speculation to assume that the suspension will be lifted with the other bans. The school suspension shouldn’t affect our decision to return to play but we recognize that access to school facilities will affect some clubs’ options for training and games. Actions by neighboring states have no direct effect on PA West Soccer but we will work with any of affected clubs from those areas.
Can individual clubs cancel their own season if they do not feel comfortable playing? If so, what are the potential repercussions? Would we still owe registration fees in this case? Clubs always have the option to participate or not participate. There will be no repercussions and registration fees won’t be owed for teams not participating.
Would you consider asking clubs if they do or don’t want to participate this spring, then schedule accordingly? The district/division directors should be communicating with their clubs to ascertain contingency plans.
Are there any thoughts of having scheduled doubleheaders if we are able to play a shortened season that would allow for more games to be played?
Doubleheaders are an option for helping address a variety of issues related to scheduling.
If parents and coaches are not comfortable playing is PA west going to allow teams to un-declare? Yes, the club that they play for would make that final decision.
Open Tournament
Where do we stand with the Open Tournament assuming we can play prior to the event dates? The 2021 Open Tournament has started accepting registrations.
Clearances
For referees awaiting a third clearance document, will there be a waiver so they can get on the field until they acquire their FBI clearance? PA West Soccer does not have the authority to waive a state law.
If a coach is waiting for an FBI Clearance or to get an affidavit notarized will there be a waiver? There will be lag time between the lift of the Stay At Home directive and the begin to play which should allow those needing an affidavit notarized to complete that task. The FBI clearance might be more challenging and we’re exploring options currently. We should have a directive within 7-10 days.
Coaching
Will the coaching requirements be relaxed since many of them can’t obtain the in-person portion (affidavits, classes)? We’ve adjusted our in-person courses to include virtual field sessions to allow coaches to complete the course they need during this time. We are also looking at what will be required.
Referees
Referee certifications stopped. Can we still have games with or without refs? PA West Soccer rules require a certified referee for all league games and friendlies. Scrimmages can be played without referees. Recerts are online and can completed right now. Entry level course requires both an online and in-person component; the online components can be completed now so the in-person portion can be completed as soon as they are available.
Will there be any kind of waiver or carryover on referee certifications should the season be terminated? There will be people out there who will pay to recertify for spring 2020 but will only referee games in Fall 2020. Would consideration be given to changing the certification cycle to match the playing cycle, or is that a decision made above PA West? USSF sets the calendar and registration cycle for certification. Certification is for the entire year and must be renewed annually per Federation policy.
Fields
Where will teams play if schools / fields / parks are not open? There are a number of communities that have closed their parks and facilities, as well as the school districts, so we understand the availability to fields will be a challenge for some members. Working with neighboring clubs to help solve field issues is another option.
Medical
What is PA West Soccer’s intention of use for collecting and administering the players being turned in to for exposure to COVID19? We are collecting the info at the direction of USYS. The info is collected without names, just affected age groups. This info will be used to attempt to avoid exposing an entire age group in a manner that would require shutting down the league.