In the WYBSL, the safety of our players, parents, spectators, coaches, umpires and staff is paramount. In these tumultuous times, it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Following the guidelines established by the State of Ohio, Department of Health and in consultation with the City of Westerville, the WYBSL has put specific plans in place to help combat this virus. We ask that everyone do their part to ensure a safe season by understanding the steps we are taking:
COVID Mandatory Guidelines
The following guidelines are to be implemented at all times by all WYBSL participants and spectators to ensure everyone’s safety. The coach(es) are held responsible for following and implementing all required guidelines:
- The Coach must keep a complete list of coaches and players present at each practice and game. This list shall include the date, beginning and ending time of the practice/game, names, addresses and phone contact of all players and coaches to be made available upon request from the local health department. (Roster will be provided with names, address and contact information)
- All participants and spectators must adhere to six-foot physical distancing while outside of the field of play and dugouts.
- All participants and coaches must conduct symptom assessments (self-evaluation) before arriving to the fields. Anyone experiencing symptoms1 must stay home.
- No team water coolers or shared drinking stations. Athletes and Coaches should use individual water containers.
- Compliant game balls must be designated to each team for use while that team is playing defense.
- Face coverings for coaches are recommended, but not required, in the field of play and dugouts.
- Athletes must wear face covering when not in the field of play or dugouts, if unable to maintain a 6ft distance
- Face coverings are currently required for spectators, if unable to maintain a 6ft distance.
- Line-ups will not be passed between the teams or score keepers.
- Upon the third out, the “put out player” should bring the designated defensive game ball back to their respective dugout.
- Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the venue only with members of their immediate household, if possible. Face coverings are currently required while walking to the fields if unable to maintain a 6ft distance.
- Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared. If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.
- No touch rule – players should refrain from high fives and other physical contact with teammates, coaches and spectators.
- Spectators must not enter the field of play, which includes the bench and field areas.
- Spitting, eating seeds, gum or other similar products are strongly discouraged.
- Individuals should not congregate in common areas and/or the parking lot following the event or practice.
- If you become aware of a confirmed case of one of your players or a player’s family, contact the league and we will contact the local health district about suspected cases or exposure.
Head coaches are responsible to follow and practice the mandatory guidelines to ensure player, coach and spectator safety.
1 Per the CDC, symptoms include cough, shortnessof breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
Equipment Sanitation
It is recommended that equipment not be shared by players. Where this is not possible, the WYBSL has put a sanitation procedure in place. This applies to equipment such as bats, helmets, catcher’s gear, baseballs & softballs.
The league will provide all coaches with an EPA approved disinfectant approved for use against COVID-19 and stands ready to re-supply it whenever necessary.
We encourage the use of a designated bench coach/volunteer to monitor this procedure.
Contact Tracing
Coaches will use their rosters and designated “contact tracing” forms to document the coaches and players at each practice. Line-up/scorebooks will serve the same purpose for games. This is necessary should any contact tracing be necessary.