The final decision to get back on the field has been returned to local leagues and clubs in every district, county, and city. The decisions leagues and clubs make to return to play must abide by and be done in conjunction with directives established by the State of California and local county health directors and departments. Cal North has prepared a number of recommended guidelines to aid leagues and clubs in developing their own unique return to play protocols.
We recommend that leagues and clubs start planning now for a full fall season if you have not already started to do so. It is important for your league, clubs, and teams that you plan now so that when play is fully opened, you are ready to go. Returning to play will be accomplished in stages/steps similar to those now established by the State and Counties. The recommended guidelines and lists of responsibilities we have developed should be used to help each league and club develop their approach to getting players, teams, and coaches back on the field.
Please remember that the protocols developed by your league or club need to be applied in conjunction with State and local directives and followed by your coaches, players, and parents.
The 1-4 step approach for Return To Play provides direction and understanding for coaches, players, families and communities to safely engage in youth soccer. How play is “re-opened” is a local decision made by each League and Club subject to State and local government directives. We urge you to review the recommendations we have provided and adapt the steps to fit within your respective circumstances, while also following the directives from the State of California and your local health directors. Before beginning to play games, leagues and clubs need to introduce training and practices in a manner that provides a safe environment, not only relative to COVID-19, but also to the prolonged layoff that athletes have had.
NOTE: While the CDC recommends six (6) feet for social distancing, due to the nature of physical activity in sport, the social distancing distance is increased to ten (10) feet.
Low Risk – No ContactTraining – 12 or Less Participants
* In-person training for minimum 14 days prior to moving to Step 2.Medium Risk – Return to Activity – Group Size of 30 or Less
* In-person training for minimum 14 days prior to moving onto Step 3Medium-High Risk – Team Training – Controlled Scrimmage or Practice Game – Some Physical Contact
* Resumption of full team training &introduction of scrimmages & practice gamesHigh Risk – Full Return to Play with Resumption of League Play
* No limitation on participants per fieldThe recommended responsibilities below are based on information provided to us by US Youth Soccer, the CDC, the State of California, and local health experts. We urge you to review the recommendations we have provided while also following the directives from the State of California and your local health directors.
In the development of your league or club's return to play protocols, you must follow the directives of the state of California and your local county health department.
California Department of Public Health
December 14, 2020 - Statement on Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Recreational Adult Sports
America Academy of Pediatrics
COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports
