2020 youth sports what are leagues doing
- Thread starter BigMike
- Start date
I coach a Boy's HS summer league team in MA. The day these guidelines came out we had a game. The ref mistakenly required all the players to wear masks during that game. So the players all wore masks during the game. They weren't happy about it, but they managed without any real difficulties. I was concerned about the kid with asthma, but he didn't report any problems.
Really? Wow! I watched a HS AAU workout/practice tonight in CT (but mostly MA players) and can't imagine those guys doing that with masks on.
Looking for advice so that I’m not overreacting. My son plays rec soccer in our town in PA. I’ve coached his teams since peewee (he’s 11 now). We signed up for fall soccer and we’re pleased with the precautions in place here which are in line with the Eastern PA soccer regulations. Masks at all time except when playing (when they are optional). Masks for coaches, personal pennies, balls, limit of 1 parent at each game, etc.
So today I got my rosters and my co coach. My son is playing u14 due to number of registrations which I’m ok with. My issue is my co-coach. He’s the pastor at a local “rock guitar“ church (no offense intended). My issue is the church is very vocally anti mask. Their Facebook page shows maskless indoor services, they have published sermons about disobeying state regulations because faith protects them, etc. I honestly don’t want to spend the season fighting with this guy and don’t think any parent should subject their kids to him without knowing. Even if he somehow masks up for games and practices, his two kids are clearly exposed and won’t have masks around the kids.
I’m planning to reach out to one of the league board members I know but I’m unsure of the response I will get. What would others expect here? Note it’s the only u14 team so it’s not as simple as switch teams.
So today I got my rosters and my co coach. My son is playing u14 due to number of registrations which I’m ok with. My issue is my co-coach. He’s the pastor at a local “rock guitar“ church (no offense intended). My issue is the church is very vocally anti mask. Their Facebook page shows maskless indoor services, they have published sermons about disobeying state regulations because faith protects them, etc. I honestly don’t want to spend the season fighting with this guy and don’t think any parent should subject their kids to him without knowing. Even if he somehow masks up for games and practices, his two kids are clearly exposed and won’t have masks around the kids.
I’m planning to reach out to one of the league board members I know but I’m unsure of the response I will get. What would others expect here? Note it’s the only u14 team so it’s not as simple as switch teams.
I'd wait and see what he does and deal with it then. Sounds like you're in a fairly small town, won't the board member already know the guy? (saying this as a board member for a different sport in a fairly small town)
Thanks. This is sorta what we agreed to today when I talked to the board president. He knew he was a a pastor but didn’t really know where or what their deal was. It’s not a mainstream church so to speak so folks aren’t quite as familiar. Their Facebook page leaves little doubt. I think the need for volunteers far outpaces what you want to know. At least the issue is out there now and I was promised zero tolerance. Since I know a lot of the kids and their families, I’m going to stick it out to at least protect them if needed. 2020 sucks.
HS varsity soccer coach with the helpful instructions to his masked players yesterday, "I don't care if you don't feel well, you need to show up to practice and be with your teammates". There is no way we are going to make it through the season!
Decided to give hs (Mass.) officiating a try this fall, figuring that the cooler weather would make mask wearing tolerable. Which, I have to say, it is mostly true. One does get more tired running with the damn thing on, however.
The two games I did there wasn't a lot of, if any, kids taking the mask* off temporarily or, worse, running w/the mask on then putting it on when they got close to anyone. Bottom line, in a small statistical sample, the games felt safe.
The games are a little strange, but at least the kids are out there.
*of course, right on cue, the Globe had a photo of a high school game in Saturday's edition and one in Sunday's. One photo had a player involved in a play with his mask not covering anything. The other photo the nose wasn't covered. Shit like this will shut the sport down if it gets pushed.
The two games I did there wasn't a lot of, if any, kids taking the mask* off temporarily or, worse, running w/the mask on then putting it on when they got close to anyone. Bottom line, in a small statistical sample, the games felt safe.
The games are a little strange, but at least the kids are out there.
*of course, right on cue, the Globe had a photo of a high school game in Saturday's edition and one in Sunday's. One photo had a player involved in a play with his mask not covering anything. The other photo the nose wasn't covered. Shit like this will shut the sport down if it gets pushed.
The commissioner of our youth hockey league (south shore conference in MA) sent an email tonight basically ripping people for being too lax w the rules and saying games could be eliminated. Within an hour of getting that email I also heard of a local youth club hockey team that had a breakout of covid. It sure doesn’t feel like we will get a full season of games in.
My son’s hockey org (South Windsor CT) just had its first Covid related game cancellation from another league (Norwich CT).
Terriers (club team south of Boston) had a bunch of cases and cancelled some games last weekend and this weekend. Last weekend their home rink closed on a Friday for a deep cleaning. There’s a lot of tournaments happening this weekend amongst club teams and many of those kids also play for their local town teams. I could see some cases pop up mid week leading to a MA shutdown for hockey.
Hearing MA Dept. of Public Health is shutting down hockey (non-collegiate) in the state as of 5 PM tomorrow thru Nov 6th.
No link, just a fuzzy phone pic of the statement.
No link, just a fuzzy phone pic of the statement.
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Yes, this is true and it’s highly disappointing. Hopefully hockey will really reopen in two weeks and people will be more vigilant / follow the rules.
I find it to be b.s. that the government forces a shut down as I think people need to make their own decisions, but am doubly enraged by inconsiderate people not following guidelines.
I find it to be b.s. that the government forces a shut down as I think people need to make their own decisions, but am doubly enraged by inconsiderate people not following guidelines.
Northern Bergen county, NJ: just this week, we formally canceled our grade K-10 rec indoor soccer league, which historically would have run from New Years thru late March.
Seems our high school basketball will be cancelled this year. Last year I had the team to go all the way and a city final, with our hated rivals top player suspended and #2 injured cancelled. This year we look strong again, but probably won't play.
A buddy and I are attempting a private league a facility that has space, protocols in place. We are asking al players to get a test, then will practice once a week and play once a week. Failing that we may just have th egym for shooting drills, etc.
A buddy and I are attempting a private league a facility that has space, protocols in place. We are asking al players to get a test, then will practice once a week and play once a week. Failing that we may just have th egym for shooting drills, etc.
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CT youth basketball - nothing through our club but coaches are running teams - weekend games in private facilities are available.
Practice time is $$ and tough to come by - will be a weird season with more games than practices, which I hate, but making the most of it
Practice time is $$ and tough to come by - will be a weird season with more games than practices, which I hate, but making the most of it
The statements Mass. put out the last couple days are pretty vague, but seem to indicate basketball and hockey will happen this winter.
The soccer games proved kids could play with masks on. What I don't see happening in basketball is a ton of rule changes. The only ones I would expect to happen are the administration of out of bounds plays and foul shots (only the players touch the ball, not the officials) and the elimination of all jump balls (there's usually only one in a game anyway).
The soccer games proved kids could play with masks on. What I don't see happening in basketball is a ton of rule changes. The only ones I would expect to happen are the administration of out of bounds plays and foul shots (only the players touch the ball, not the officials) and the elimination of all jump balls (there's usually only one in a game anyway).
We’ve had a bunch of kids who play on “elite” teams in Mass but live in CT come asking around our organization now that they can’t cross state lines to compete.
While we certainly could use acouple kids at the squirt level (10 players total on both teams), we have really great team dynamics and I worry those players could upset the balance pretty well.
While we certainly could use acouple kids at the squirt level (10 players total on both teams), we have really great team dynamics and I worry those players could upset the balance pretty well.
NJ:
Governor Phil Murphy
@GovMurphy
NEW: Starting this Thursday, ALL interstate games and tournaments for indoor youth sports – up to and including high school – are prohibited. It is simply not safe for teams to be crossing state lines at this time to participate in indoor competitions.
1:09 PM · Nov 9, 2020
Governor Phil Murphy
@GovMurphy
NEW: Starting this Thursday, ALL interstate games and tournaments for indoor youth sports – up to and including high school – are prohibited. It is simply not safe for teams to be crossing state lines at this time to participate in indoor competitions.
1:09 PM · Nov 9, 2020
My son's hockey team will be practicing with masks on under helmets for the first time tonight. Very curious how it goes. A few of the parent/coaches are concerned about kids breathing in their own CO2.
Gotta remember to take son's mouthgard off his cage. Water breaks are going to be a major PITA as well.
Good times, thanks COVID.
Gotta remember to take son's mouthgard off his cage. Water breaks are going to be a major PITA as well.
Good times, thanks COVID.
This recommendation came from a friend of mine whose sons ply youth hockey in CT:
Hey hockey friends working through the new face mask requirement - it was nothing but positive feedback from the boys after their first practices tonight with these face coverings from Bar Down Creations LLC. They are made from a really lightweight breathable material and attach to the inside of the cage with Velcro. They said they had no trouble breathing or seeing with them. They are meant to work with cages, not bubble/fishbowl style shields (a version is in the works), but a goalie version is available. Great price point at $10 and super fast shipping - I ordered Thursday night and it arrived Monday.
Hey hockey friends working through the new face mask requirement - it was nothing but positive feedback from the boys after their first practices tonight with these face coverings from Bar Down Creations LLC. They are made from a really lightweight breathable material and attach to the inside of the cage with Velcro. They said they had no trouble breathing or seeing with them. They are meant to work with cages, not bubble/fishbowl style shields (a version is in the works), but a goalie version is available. Great price point at $10 and super fast shipping - I ordered Thursday night and it arrived Monday.
"Water breaks are going to be a major PITA as well. "
That was the first thing my son said - how do we do water breaks? and then he said with a mask on they'll need more water breaks than usual
Masks are going to get pretty gross too. One of my older sons went an entire season without washing his practice jersey, that can't be allowed to happen with a mask.
That was the first thing my son said - how do we do water breaks? and then he said with a mask on they'll need more water breaks than usual
Masks are going to get pretty gross too. One of my older sons went an entire season without washing his practice jersey, that can't be allowed to happen with a mask.
My son (squirt) has been wearing a mask at all times on the ice since August and has had no issues. He’s been wearing a gaiter style that loops over his ears. We got a ccm game on mask for him and had issues with it being too high pre game last week and abandoned it for the gaiter again.
It went pretty well on Tuesday. Most kids had the CCM masks, a couple tried the Bar Down ones @Saints Rest mentioned. Those are OSFA and some of the kids complained they were too big and uncomfortable.
Kids with the shields seemed to have the most problems, either trying the strange membrane things to block the airholes or just with fogging in general. Lot of coaches helping snap cages back on after water breaks and whatnot.
CHC finally came out with a communication to organizations reiterating the state guidelines and urging everyone to abide by them so hockey doesnt get shut down in CT.
EDIT - @Foxy42 My son (also a squirt) had similar issues last night, took me a while to get it properly situated around the cage bars so it was comfortable for him. We're going to wash it after every use, so that will be fun to go through every time he goes on the ice.
Kids with the shields seemed to have the most problems, either trying the strange membrane things to block the airholes or just with fogging in general. Lot of coaches helping snap cages back on after water breaks and whatnot.
CHC finally came out with a communication to organizations reiterating the state guidelines and urging everyone to abide by them so hockey doesnt get shut down in CT.
EDIT - @Foxy42 My son (also a squirt) had similar issues last night, took me a while to get it properly situated around the cage bars so it was comfortable for him. We're going to wash it after every use, so that will be fun to go through every time he goes on the ice.
Sorry hockey guys - I hope this doesn't carry over to hoops. Does the cold from the ice make it worse for hockey?
Governor Lamont, along with the 5 governors in New England (+ NJ), will suspend interstate youth hockey competitions for public/private schools, effective 11/14/2020, until “at least” January 2021. The reasoning is the increase in COVID-19. Doesn’t affect pro level players. (11/12/2020)
https://www.reddit.com/r/Connecticut/comments/jswmae/governor_lamont_along_with_the_5_governors_in_new/
Governor Lamont, along with the 5 governors in New England (+ NJ), will suspend interstate youth hockey competitions for public/private schools, effective 11/14/2020, until “at least” January 2021. The reasoning is the increase in COVID-19. Doesn’t affect pro level players. (11/12/2020)
https://www.reddit.com/r/Connecticut/comments/jswmae/governor_lamont_along_with_the_5_governors_in_new/
We checked on that and were told before our game today the game on ones were not allowed even though the pro shop said his CCM rep says there should be an annnouncement Monday that the Velcro ones have been HECC certified.
Oh, yeah, this will sit well with the players' parents:
Governor Phil Murphy
@GovMurphy
Indoor sports practices or competitions will be allowed to exceed the 10-person limit – ONLY for individuals necessary, such as players, coaches, and referees. In most cases, where those necessary individuals exceed 10 people, spectators will not be permitted.
12:10 PM · Nov 16, 2020
Governor Phil Murphy
@GovMurphy
Indoor sports practices or competitions will be allowed to exceed the 10-person limit – ONLY for individuals necessary, such as players, coaches, and referees. In most cases, where those necessary individuals exceed 10 people, spectators will not be permitted.
12:10 PM · Nov 16, 2020
The Game On masks have been HECC certified and are listed on the HECC site as such.
Lungarini (CIAC executive director) says they played about 7,800 contests throughout the fall. Including practices, a little more than 31,000 events. Through data they collected, only 7 positive cases (through contact tracing) were linked back to CIAC activities.
View: https://twitter.com/McFarland_Shawn/status/1328781478008860674
CT DPH communicated to CHC that the Game On masks, though HECC certified, are not DPH approved and can not be used.
These groups need to get their shit together.
These groups need to get their shit together.
The masks won't be an issue...
All youth, club and high school sports in CT shut down until January 19. Does not affect college or pro teams.
All youth, club and high school sports in CT shut down until January 19. Does not affect college or pro teams.
I just saw this afternoon from the governor's office. I am in MA, but the folks covering the MIAA have been reporting adjacent states moves as they likely will impact us.
Sorry late to the party but curious how this turned out. Since you didn't post again, I'd hope that the guy fell into line?
Not sure how robust the data collection is for this but from this response to what seems to be a similar report out of WI, experts are thinking that youth sports can contribute to the spread of COVID. Here's the article: https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/coronavirus-and-youth-sports/reports/2020/10/27/experts-dismiss-survey-claiming-no-extra-risk-of-virus-through-sports. Here's a couple of quotes:
Researchers at Wisconsin collaborated with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association to collect the data, which informed findings that stand in stark contrast to some reports elsewhere in the country that increasingly tie youth sports activity to COVID-19 transmission. [Note: findings in the underlying report were that there is "virtually no extra risk of coronavirus transmission from playing sports. More than 30,000 athletes in eight sports at hundreds of schools across the state participated in 16,000 practices and 4,000 games, and only one of them contracted COVID-19 through high school sports."]
“Although I would like for (UW’s) conclusions to be true, it is not consistent with many reports nationwide, including here in Atlanta, of clusters of COVID-19 cases in student-athletes,” said Dr. Neel Gandhi, a professor of infectious diseases, epidemiology and global health at Emory University.
Just last week, the Shelby County (Tennessee) Health Department shared that out of the first 500 positive COVID-19 cases of students and school staff in the county, 83% traced back to sports, according to The Memphis Commercial Appeal. The department’s chief of epidemiology said these cases involved either a player or a coach on one more team at secondary schools and universities, involving the sports of football, basketball, cheerleading, soccer and volleyball.
This week, Minnesota health officials said they have connected more than 3,400 cases to sports, requiring 7,200 households to isolate. The state infectious disease expert said 593 of those cases have been traced to high school athletes and 309 to middle school athletes.