Recommended COVID-19 Guidelines for 2020 NELSA Soccer Events:

1. Coaches are responsible for ensuring social distancing is maintained between players as best/much as possible. 

2. Please keep 6 feet spacing among players while stretching, performing drills, waiting in any line and while on the sideline so that players can remain distanced. 

3. Players maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet apart when receiving coaching instruction. 

4. Do not allow physical contact between coaches, players and spectators who are not members of the same household.

5. Only essential personnel are permitted on the field of play. The field of play is defined as the area within the boundary lines and the goal lines. Essential personnel are defined as players and coaches. All are expected to be on the sideline, maintaining social distance of 6 feet apart, and not entering the playing field. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated in this to help ensure social distancing. 

6. Seating of no less than 6 feet apart shall be limited to persons who are members of the same household.

7. Seating will not be provided – spectators are asked to bring their own chairs and socially-distance yourself from others not in your household.

8. No handshakes will take place following the match. All pre-game/post-game handshake engagements have been suspended. Coaches must assist to facilitate in the reduction of handshakes, high fives and fist bumps.

9. Hand sanitizing should be used as much as possible. NELSA recommends using hand sanitizer when going on and off the field. Players are encouraged to provide their own hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes.

10. Masks are recommended to be worn by players and coaches when on the sideline. Only the participating players on the field will not be required to wear a mask. 

11. Players must have their own water bottles/jugs for water consumption. Water is to be consumed ONLY. Players should not rinse their mouth out for spitting purposes or pour water on their faces or necks. 

12. Players are not to handle team equipment. Players may only touch their own equipment and are not to assist the coach in any cleanup following training sessions or games.

13. Coaches and parents are asked to refrain from congregating/not engaging with players and coaches while entering, exiting or moving about.