Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for the 2021 Season

The following guidelines and modifications were created to allow for the safe participation of children during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The following guidelines follow best practices and recommendations from the CDC and will continue to remain within the scope of all state public health orders.

General Guidelines:

-Masks are recommended to be worn at all times by all individuals participating in the activity, even with heavy exertion as tolerated.

-Social distancing measures shall be in place at all times, other than when engaged in competition.

-Permissible face coverings are required to be worn at all times by all attendees present.

-Temperature checks shall be done before each practice and game in the presence of a 2nd adult.

Physical Distancing:

-Maintain at least six feet of distance between sport participants and others to the maximum extent possible, including when on the sidelines.

-Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between coaches and participants and facilitate physical distancing between participants to the maximum extent possible

Event Limitations:

-Limit observation to immediate household members, and for the strict purpose of age-appropriate supervision. This includes observation of practice and competition. Limit number of observers to ensure physical distance can be maintained, reduce potential crowding.

Pre-Game Conference:

-Limit attendees to Head Coach of both teams and umpire.

-Participants must maintain social distancing protocols during the conference.

-No line-up card exchange.

-No handshakes.

Team Dugouts:

-Players and coaches shall wear face coverings while in the dugout or on the sideline.

-Coaches, game personnel and players only permitted in the dugout.

-Social distance requirements must be observed by all in the dugout.

-If the dugout area is not large enough to provide for social distance requirements, players and coaches may move outside of the dugout area and/or into the bleachers to meet the requirements.

-Spectators shall not be permitted near the dugouts and/or the immediate area of the dugout or bleachers if they are being used by players or coaches.

Post-Game Procedures:

-Replace handshakes after the game with a socially distant acknowledgment, e.g., tipping your cap.

Equipment & Accessories:

-Players shall utilize their own equipment bin for all personal gear in the dugout.

-Minimize the sharing of playing equipment (bats, batting helmets and catchers gear). Equipment must be sanitized between usage of multiple players.

-Sanitize all equipment and accessories after each game. Each coach is responsible for sanitizing the dugout area after each game. This includes picking up trash and disinfecting hard surfaces in and around the dugout and bleacher area.

Water Bottles & Hydration Stations:

-Team members shall not share water bottles.

-Hydration stations are not to be used.

Umpires:

-No line-up card exchanges.

-Observe social distance requirements when communication with coaches and players.

-Face coverings are required at all times.

-Carry hand sanitizer and use frequently.

Game Personnel Considerations (coaches, players, umpires):

-No sunflower seeds, spitting or gum.

-Hand sanitizer is provided in the dugout. Use it frequently.

-If a pitcher puts his/her hands to their mouth and touches the ball, “TIME” is called, the pitcher must sanitize their hands and a new ball is inserted before throwing the next pitch.

Returning to Sports After Infection:

-No one with symptoms of COVID-19 or who is in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19 is permitted to attend practices or competitions.
Anyone with symptoms of or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should consult their physician for testing and is to immediately notify their coach of their symptoms and test results.

-Symptoms can include chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, lightheadedness, feeling faint or fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, chills, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

-Youths recovering from COVID-19 will have different paths to return to sports based on the severity of their illness. In order to be able to return after recovering from COVID-19, the child will need to be cleared by a medical professional. That proof will need to be presented to the SB PONY board before reinstatement is granted.

For information on the Seal Beach PONY protocol for COVID-19 exposure, see the following: COVID-19 Exposure Chart