2021 COVID-19 GUIDELINES
All coaches, players, parent volunteers, and spectators will adhere to government guidelines and restrictions regarding social distancing. This means keeping 6ft distance when feasible, on and off the field, during practices and games. Parents should continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If anyone is not feeling well, or has symptoms, we please ask you to err on the side of caution and stay home.
Quarantine guidelines
Player safety and League safety are the priority of Grosse Pointe Farms City Little League and we all need to do our part to keep everyone safe.
We understand that the guidance is evolving, and we will adapt and follow recommendations accordingly as vaccines and additional safety measures are deployed.
Parents, Players, Managers, Coaches and Umpires must perform a self-assessment before each Event and shall not attend if they are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Positive Test for a Player/Coach
- Player/Coach/Volunteer: May return to team activities 10 days after symptoms appear as long as symptoms improving and 24 hours fever free without fever-reducing medication.
- Team: If player has team contact, those who fit CDC guidelines for “close contact” would quarantine for 10 days or 7 days with a negative PCR test on day 5 or after. PCR test results will need to be provided to Chris Bernard ([email protected]) and Jay Ricci ([email protected]).
Players put on Quarantine due to contact at school
- Player: Quarantine for 10 days or 7 days with a negative PCR test on day 5 or after. PCR test results will need to be provided to Chris Bernard ([email protected]) and Jay Ricci ([email protected]).
- Team: no quarantine for the team unless player tests positive and team members are determined to be close contact per CDC guidelines.
Players who have had direct contact with someone who has tested Positive
- Player: may return after 10 day without testing or return to action sooner if cleared by Wayne County Health Department with said approval shared in writing with Chris Bernard ([email protected]) and Jay Ricci ([email protected]).
- Team: no quarantine for the team unless player tests positive and team members are determined to be close contacts per CDC guidelines.
*Close Contact is defined by the CDC as a person who was within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more within 48 hours of their symptom onset.
*Player/Coaches/Volunteers who have tested positive for COVID within the past 5 months do not have to quarantine as long as they do not develop symptoms. Proof of positive test (PCR or Rapid) should be sent to Chris Bernard and Jay Ricci.
*Those who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine as long as they do not develop symptoms. Fully vaccinated defined as two weeks after Johnson and Johnson shot or two weeks after the second shot Moderna or Pfizer.
Please remind your parents to err on the side of caution with their players. If the player feels sick, keep them home.
Safety Protocols:
- Players are not required to wear masks during active play.
- Players should have their own individual batter’s helmet, glove, bat, and catcher’s equipment.
No Handshakes/Personal Contact Celebrations:
- Players and coaches should take measures to prevent all but the essential contact necessary to play the game. This should include refraining from handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, group celebrations, etc. Little League International suggests lining up outside the dugout and tipping caps to the opposing team as a sign of good sportsmanship after a game.
Drinks and Snacks:
- Players, managers/coaches, and umpires must bring their own personal drinks to all team activities. Drinks should be labeled with the person’s name.
- Teams will not allow any food in the dugout.
- Sunflower seeds, gum, etc., should not be allowed in dugouts or on the playing field.
Public Restrooms:
- Access to public restrooms will be limited.
- A “one-in-one-out” policy, where only one individual is permitted inside the restroom at one time.
- Restrooms will be disinfected on a regular basis.
Umpire Placement:
- Umpires are permitted to be placed behind the pitcher’s mound/circle to call balls and strikes. Umpires are encouraged to keep a safe distance from players as much as possible.
General Information:
- GPFCLL will disseminate information to all families, volunteers, and spectators about the Coronavirus risk and the efforts our league will be undertaking to mitigate those risks, as outlined above. Information will be disseminated by way of email, league website, social media, coach talks, and public announcements.
- All individuals should measure their body temperature to ensure that no fever is present prior to participating or attending each Little League activity. Anyone with symptoms of fever, cough, or worsening respiratory symptoms, or any known exposure to a person with COVID-19 should not attend any Little League activity until cleared by a medical professional.