COVID-19 Information
The Oneonta Soccer Club understands how important it is for coaches, parents and players to play organized soccer again. OSC plays under the umbrella of ENYYSA (Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association) which has mandated that soccer will not be played until a Phase 4 reopening under NYS Guidelines. ENYYSA is encouraging it’s clubs to follow US Soccer and CDC Guidelines upon reopening. While we are excited to play, we are also extremely dedicated to following the rules and keeping our members safe.
OSC is planning to begin practices for the U10 groups and above. Practices will consist of 9 players on the field at a time with a coach. Teams with 9+ players will be split per the coaches discretion. Practice times will be 1 hour in order to accommodate all members of the team. Practices will consist of team training, individual skill development, and general fitness. Play will be not begin until Phase III of US Soccer protocol, which we will inform people when that time comes.
US Soccer protocol establishes its own phases of play. These phases occur AFTER the NY State Guidelines for Phase 4 are in place:
Phase I (US Soccer recommends 4 to 6 weeks)
Maximum of 9 players and a coach (really should be two adults if possible)
Maintain social distancing during training (see below)
Phase II (US Soccer recommends 3 to 6 weeks)
Full team training allowed
Maintain social distancing off the field
Phase III
Full team competitions may occur
Continue with COVID-19 mitigation strategies
Focus on local competitions
Phase IV
Return to regular play - COVID-19 is no longer a public health matter
Regardless of which phase we are in, we revert to an earlier phase if any of the following occur. Follow local public health official guidelines at all times.
Cluster of infections occur
Inability to maintain COVID-19 prevention and response protocols
Inability to track and/or isolate players or staff
External factor exposes a COVID-19 risk to your team or club
Changes to local public health official guidelines regarding group gatherings
Safety Precautions
We encourage anyone coming to the Wright National Soccer Campus:
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others.
- Wear a mask if unable to maintain physical distance.
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be used through the practice session and players are encouraged to bring their own.
- Drop children off at their practice field, minimal contact with other players and parents is appreciated.
Coach responsibilities
- If a coach is sick, has been in contact with someone who has been exposed or has symptoms of any type of illness: STAY HOME.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from others.
- Avoid activities involving high levels of group interaction (ex: team huddles).
- Avoid general physical interaction including “high fives”.
- Sanitize sports or exercise equipment after each training session. Only coaches touch training aids - cones, flags, gates, etc. Coaches keep their own equipment, whenever possible.
- Player equipment and water will be staged at least 20’ apart from each other.
- Clean and disinfect bathroom facility.
- Coaches must keep a record of attendance. Prior to starting a session coach must review the protocol and ask if anyone is experiencing symptoms.
- Set up cones or stations for each individual to be seated and put their bag or personal items.
- Ensure that everyone wear masks when not physically active.
- Coaches training plan is prepared to make use of exercises which maintain physical distancing.
- If a player is injured and a coach needs to evaluate the player in close contact, the player and the coach will wear a mask. Coach will wear gloves if player evaluation involves touching the hands, neck or head.
Parent/player responsibilities
- The safety of our coaches, players and families is our top priority. If a moment happens that requires social distancing protocol to be broken (emergency care), we will do it in the safest possible manner.
- If you/your child are sick or have symptoms of an illness: STAY HOME.
- Parents must advise the coach if any possible exposures have occurred in the team, training or club environment. Parents (not the player) should communicate with the coach and or Oneonta Soccer Club.
- Absolutely no spitting.
- Avoid touching your eyes/mouth/nose as much as possible.
- No player is to handle another player's equipment.
- Every player must bring their own water bottle to practice.
- Please bring your own ball to every practice.
- Shirts must be worn at all times.
- Sanitize your ball before and after practice.
- You will be provided with a pinney. Please launder and always bring your pinney to practice. They will not be shared amongst the team.
- Wash your player's training gear after each training session.
- Parents of U14 children and below are encouraged to remain at practice while maintaining 6ft social distancing for a few reasons: Coaches would prefer not to touch or assess a player should they get injured. We also hope that parents will join us in making sure that children are keeping an appropriate distance whenever possible and following the rules we put forth. If parents must leave, please stay within a reasonable distance in preparation for being called upon.
- Players that struggle to play by the rules will be asked to leave.
Social Distancing Oversight
Team administrators and coaches will help monitor fields and facilities to politely but firmly ask any groups of parents or players to disperse and maintain appropriate distancing and that failure to do so risks the sanctioning and protection for the players and the club.