March 12, 2020

Dear Coaches, Managers, Players, Parents, Referees, and our BYSA Community,

We are taking the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) seriously and ask that each of you take extra precaution to make sure you continue to be in a safe environment when stepping onto the soccer field this Spring.  We are closely monitoring updates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), US Soccer, US Club Soccer, as well as any information coming out of state agencies and state health departments.  Additional information can be found on the CDC website at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

At this time, Bayonne Youth Soccer Association is asking that you follow these guidelines before engaging in games, practices, or any soccer related activities so we can all remain safe during our soccer season:

• Please contact your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.
• If you or anyone who may be sick, has a fever or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.
• If anyone has been sick to the point of missing work and/or school, we please ask you to refrain from participating in soccer activities until receiving medical attention.
• We please ask that you continue to practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands regularly as well as using any alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid excessive touching of your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• We advise to avoid handshakes or congratulatory gestures to prevent excessive contact between anyone who may have recently been sick.
• We recommend that the hand shake "tradition" both with officials and captains and by the teams after the game be discontinued.
• We recommend the hand shake between officials working the game be discontinued.
• Please cover your mouth and nose to the best of your abilities when sneezing or coughing.
• Do not share drinks or food with anyone who may have been recently sick.

As you will appreciate this is a very fluid situation that may require additional measures as the situation develops.  All updates will be posted to the BYSA website and we encourage you to use our website to answer your questions.

As we hear more from the CDC, US Soccer, US Club Soccer, and local agencies/authorities, we will update you accordingly.

FAQ’s:

1.       What if my town/county is quarantined? – In the event that an entire town or county is under a quarantine then all games with clubs from affected towns or counties will be cancelled or postponed until the quarantine is lifted.

2.       What if I have players on my team that are required to self-quarantine?  Obviously anyone (player or coach) that has been asked to self-quarantine cannot be present at any BYSA function.  It is also recommended that any club learning of a player or coach being asked to self-quarantine by a healthcare official should immediately notify BYSA of the player/coach name as well as the team involved.  The BYSA will notify upcoming opponents and if all parties determine that the game should be rescheduled.

We appreciate your cooperation and safety measures in advance during this time. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Bayonne Youth Soccer Association
[email protected]