Ahwatukee Lacrosse will be returning to the playing field with a strong set of health and safety procedures this fall to help ensure the safety of our players, their families, and our coaches.
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious respiratory virus that can be spread through contaminated droplets in the air. Although the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are the most susceptible, this virus does not discriminate and can infect people of all ages. To help prevent the spread of the virus, we will implement the following safety protocols for all lacrosse-related activities.
The key guideline is that any player, family member, or coaches who feel sick or exhibit symptoms or has been in contact with someone who feels sick or exhibits symptoms should not attend any practices, games, or other club events.
These policies and procedures may change in the future, adherent to the guidelines set forth by the City of Phoenix, the Arizona Board of Health, the CDC, and US Lacrosse.
General Health & Safety Requirements
Prior to any practice or club event, all attendees (including players, their families, and coaches) must be free of any symptoms for 14 days. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, body aches/pain, headaches and other symptoms associated with the virus.
Any player, family member, or coach who tests positive for COVID-19 must remain at home for at least 14 days.
All players, family members, and coaches must wear face coverings in accordance with the City of Phoenix mandates.
Coaches
Coaches must wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing when possible.
No high-fives, fist-bumps, or hugs.
Families and Spectators
Families must screen their players for symptoms, including fever, before attending any practice or game.
Any player who is experiencing or has been in close contact with someone who is experiencing cough, fever, chills, body aches/pain, headaches and other symptoms associated with the virus should remain at home.
Spectators wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
We ask that, if possible, families and spectators do not come to the field.
Families of 10u and 8u may be present, as may the family member of any player with special needs.
We encourage only one spectator per player.
Any conversations with coaches should be limited, and phone calls or emails are preferred, when possible.
Players
Face coverings for players are optional while on the field. Players not in the game should wear masks while on the sidelines.
During breaks, players must maintain social distancing. Do not gather in face-to-face groups.
Players should arrive to the fields dressed and ready to play.
We encourage players to not bring any items except water to the field.
Water bottles should be kept on the sidelines, at least six feet apart. There is absolutely no sharing of water. Water bottles should be clearly labeled with the player’s name. Any bottles left on the field after practices or events will be thrown away.
Practice Protocols
Practice start times will be staggered to minimize traffic:
14u – 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm
12u – 6:10 pm to 8:10 pm
10u & 8u – 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Before entering the field, very player must check in with whomever is the “yellow vest” for that practice – their attendance and temperature will be recorded.
Age groups will be assigned to specific “zones” on the practice fields – players must remain in their age group zone for the duration of practice.
Within each age group, players will be assigned to cohorts of 10 or fewer players. These cohorts will remain in place throughout the practice season. Unless directed otherwise, players will rotate through activities in their assigned cohorts.
Practices will emphasize skills development by rotating cohorts through “stations” throughout practice. Players will spend minimal time in line, and close contact will be minimal.
Any live-play scrimmages will be limited to small numbers and with minimal contact.
Post-Exposure or Diagnosis Protocols
If any member of the team is in close contact with an individual who has a positive test for COVID-19, that member must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days to monitor for symptoms.
“Close contact” is defined as having been within six feet for more than 15 minutes, having had direct physical contact, or having had direct exposure to infected bodily fluids with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19
Families within the age group and cohort will be notified if any player tests positive for COVID-19. Players should remain home and monitor symptoms. Precautionary testing is strongly recommended.
Players who have positive COVID-19 test will require clearance by a qualified medical professional to return to practice.
Players returning to play after a positive diagnosis and approval by a medical professional will engage in limited aerobic activity.
If at any point, two or more players in an age group exhibit symptoms or test positive, practices will be paused for at least eight (8) days.
