PA Governor's COVID-19 Guidance for youth sports

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COVID-19 Guidance for Sports

Of interest for DVHL youth practices and games:

"Organizations Subject to This Guidance
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All sports in Pennsylvania, including professional, collegiate, Pre-K to 12 school athletics, and amateur and recreational sports, are covered by this guidance.

Sports organizations and teams may only conduct in-person operations if they are able to do so in accordance with all applicable guidance. They are not required to reopen per this guidance.

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Recreational and Amateur Sports (NOTE: Assuming this relates to informal/pick-up leagues as well.)

Recreational and amateur sports organizations and teams (not affiliated with a public or private PK-12 school), including, but not limited to, basketball, hockey, field hockey, football, soccer, swimming, baseball, softball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and kickball, are permitted to conduct in-person activities, including games and practices, in counties designated as being in the Green phase only if they strictly adhere to the requirements of this guidance, including the limits on total occupancy outlined below. For youth sports, refer to the CDC guidance on youth sports as well. Considerations for Youth Sports | CDC

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Of interest in PA governor's guidance under Guidance Applicable to All Sporting Events (The list is LONG; these are a few of interest; assuming that not following the list completely and thoroughly would VOID any liability waivers issued by teams or rinks.)

Coaches and league officials must review and consider the CDC guidance on consideration for youth sports to modify practices and games to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. This includes focusing on individual skill building versus competition and limiting contact in close contact sports. (NOTE: This is where USA Hockey and Hockey Canada's Phases come in and recommendation for practices, then in-team scrimmages, 3x3 and 4x4 games, and at the very last phase games between teams of different regions.)

The community, league, or team must designate a primary point of contact for all questions related to COVID-19, and all parents, athletes, officials, and coaches must be provided the person’s contact information.


The community, league, or team must develop a plan of action in the event an athlete, coach, or official falls ill, make the plan publicly available, and explain it to the entire sport community.

Coaches and athletes must maintain appropriate social distancing at all times possible, including in the field of play, locker rooms, sidelines, dugouts, benches, and workout areas. During down time, athletes and coaches should not congregate.


Coaches and athletic staff must screen and monitor athletes for symptoms prior to and during games and practices. If individuals participating in sporting activities show symptoms, have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or are sick, they must be sent home.


In counties in the Yellow Phase of Reopening, indoor training or sports may only be conducted by organizations subject to supervision or regulation of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association or National Collegiate Athletic Associations, and only in accordance with guidance provided by those governing bodies. Start by limiting games, scrimmages, and matches to teams in your region first. Expand beyond regional play if cases continue to stay low.


Caregivers should monitor their children for symptoms prior to any sporting event.  Children and athletes who are sick or showing symptoms must stay home. NOTE: Symptoms include
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Enforcement

Law enforcement officers should refer to Pennsylvania State Police Enforcement Guidance.

If employees or customers want to report possible health and safety violations related to COVID-19:

    File a complaint with a local health department or a law enforcement agency.
    Submit this web form https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/doh/COVID-19-Complaint to the PA Department of Health.
    Review OSHA guidance and, if appropriate, file a complaint at OSHA.gov.