Mad River Softball Association potential start up COVID rules.

Steps needed for Mad River Softball Season to start. 

1. Still waiting for Humboldt County to rule on whether to phase in athletic gatherings of over 100.
2. MRSA board would then have to meet and create start up plan.
3. MRSA then needs to finish Umpire Association negotiations for umpires safety and pay requests.
4. MRSA needs to find new facility insurance for Arcata Complex.
5. The League may have to turn in COVID health plan to get permission to resume.
6. The MRSA need to hire a Field Supervisor to apply new rules and regulations.

Here is potential new rules. Failure to follow Mad River Softball Association new COVID guidelines could result in forfeiture of the league.

Fees will be slightly higher due to additional staff necessary for sanitation and sanitary supplies.

We hope everyone understands and complies with the guidelines and adjustments we have to make during these unprecedented times.

Adult Softball League Modifications – COVID-19 Mad River Softball Association recognizes that public health and safety is a top priority, and the Adult Softball League can be offered in a manner that adheres to health guidelines through the following procedures and precautions:

Gameplay Modifications:

· A “pass-by” line will be placed behind home plate. Runner will be safe by just passing the line before the ball arrives. This will eliminate contact at home plate.

·All bases will have force out situations. No tagging of runners. If player runs past the bag or slides beyond bag, the runner is out.

· The umpire will be positioned at least six feet from both the batter and catcher, and viceversa.

· Players will not line up to shake hands or make physical contact with the opposing team after games conclude. Captains will not shake hands during pre-game plate conferences.

Equipment Use and Sanitation Procedures:

· Face Masks must be worn by players from parking lot back to parking lot.

· Captains and players should bring their own sanitizing equipment to use throughout the game.

· Game balls will be sanitized before each game by site supervisors.

· Wooden softball bats will be sanitized before each game.

· Players need to use their own equipment such as bats, gloves and batting gloves. No Sharing.

· Bats will be tracked by site Field Supervisor in order to identify which teams/players used the bat on a particular day of competition.

· Scoreboard remote controls will be sanitized before and after use by the site Field supervisor.

· Umpires will be provided with sanitary wipes/disinfectant to wipe down equipment as necessary during games.

Field/Complex Modifications

· Team and spectator areas will be marked with tape to designate six-foot physical distances. If players are unable to maintain distancing in the team area, they are asked to stand along the outside side-fence perimeter.

· Game start times may be staggered to prevent large groups at the same time.

· Teams leaving dugouts after game must take all debris with them out of the park.

· Players must be spaced out 6 feet apart in dugout and must spread outside if need be.

· Teams/Players should stay in their vehicles until the previous groups exit the fields to avoid large groups.

· Players will enter the complex via the main concourse and exit between fields North and South.

· Teams will enter the field through the gate adjacent to team areas and will exit the field upon completion of the game via the outfield gates. Gates will be zip-tied open in order to eliminate “touch points”.

 · Teams will be assigned a staging area adjacent to the field but away from team areas for warm-up purposes. Teams may not enter team areas until the site supervisor completes sanitization.

· The playground is closed and will be cordoned off. Players are asked to not bring children or family to the facility; only spectator’s essential for transportation of players should attend.

· B & B Restrooms will be sanitized regularly by staff during play.

· Lines marked at six-foot intervals will be placed outside of bathrooms and at concession stand waiting areas.

· Signage will be posted in high traffic areas (dugouts, restrooms) regarding COVID-19 symptoms, social distancing reminders, and health information.

· No team coolers or cold packs. Only personal size coolers or water bottles.

· Site supervisors will enforce social distancing guidelines and sanitize team areas after each game.

· All staff, players, umpires and spectators are encouraged to continue social distancing on and off the field during an event.

Communication

· Mad River Softball Association and Arcata Parks and Recreation reserves the right to modify any rules, regulations, or schedules during the season to act in the best interest of health and safety to players and staff.

 · Understand that participating in a group activity may lead to a higher risk of infection during this pandemic. Participants agree to play at their own risk and follow guidelines set forth by the Oregon Health Department.

· Habitually non-compliant teams and individuals are subject to sanctions outlined in the Adult Softball Rules and Procedures document, including suspension and expulsion from the facility.

·No posting of standings and rules at Ball Park.