CONTENTS

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED PAGE – The Sackville Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) continues to evaluate the Covid-19 (C19) situation and maintain communication with families. 

As the provincial recovery phase at this time (June 15, 2021) allows for contact between family members, family and friends in “bubbles”, and light requirements for social distancing in other public spaces, SYSA will also be maintaining these measures for soccer until there is clearance to loosen these in the future. We will communicate any changes at each step and make informed decisions regarding participation. In particular we will have the following:

•Plan – SYSA adheres to an approved Operational Plan according to Soccer New Brunswick and the Town of Sackville (following a WorkSafe New Brunswick model);

•Personnel – There will be additional SYSA personnel to carry out C19 related roles and responsibilities;

•Screening – There will be screening of all players and SYSA personnel at every session to avoid anyone participating who should not be there; and

•Procedures – There are several limitations on how players come and go from fields, maintain distances from each other, and disinfecting procedures to avoid C19 spread through equipment. 

Having said this, SYSA will have a waiver or “assumption of risk” form to be signed by players and parents. There has always been a risk of spreading illness in sport and C19 is the same in many respects. However, due to the uncertain nature of C19, and despite SYSA undertaking many extra precautions, it must be clear that participants accept some risk.

Guiding principles will meet or exceed the criteria of distancing and sanitary measures. 

1 – Games with modified rules. 

Adjustments to rules will include physical distancing where possible on and off the field of play. Masks worn by players on the bench and to/from the field. Other rules will be applied according to referee direction.

2 – Space management and group organization 

To avoid large groupings and ensure compliance with the 2-meter social distancing criterion on the field, all training sessions must be given outdoors. Permitted player numbers will be calculated based upon the space available and that is required for the designed practice sessions. Players will be divided into small groups and limits on the number of participants will be strictly enforced. The player / area ratio must be respected at all times according to the standards of Soccer New Brunswick and will be monitored by non-coaching field marshals. 

3 – Control of Equipment Management and Use

Personal Equipment –

Personal equipment will be authorized under the following conditions: 

1. It is disinfected before entering the field. The field has a space dedicated to equipment and sufficient such that equipment can be separated or organized so players can maintain social distance;

2. Equipment must be limited to: a bottle of water (Labelled with Player Name), a towel, a disinfectant solution or sanitizer as approved by the Province; and

3. A ball and a bag (both labelled).

Team Training Equipment – 

Balls, cones, etc. must be disinfected before each practice, between practices, and before being stored at the end of practice sessions. Additional sanitizer must be available for coaches, field supervisor and others. 

4 – Creation of the roles of supervisor and reception manager. 

Individuals (parents or volunteers) must be appointed and “trained” as supervisors to:

1. Ensure that the physical distance of 2 meters is respected at all times during training;

2. To coordinate access to the field in order to meet the requirements for distance;

3. Ask screening questions related to the symptoms of Covid-19, using the NB COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool;

4. Make sure that participants (athletes or coaches) at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease (e.g., people over 65 years of age or people with underlying health conditions) are made aware of the risks; and

5 – Mandatory procedures for training sessions 

To ensure the safety of all participants and all stakeholders, health protocols must be put in place by the clubs for the organization of soccer events. These protocols are developed by Soccer NB to be consistent with this plan. Each participant and club (member of SNB) must commit to following the requirements for each training session. If the protocols cannot be implemented, it will be prohibited for a club to start its events. The protocols will be revised according to government directives and the evolution of the situation facing COVID-19. The priority at all times will be the protection of participants and the safety of all. 

SYSA (member of SNB) must follow the requirements for each training session as recommended by Soccer NB and all the government and health authorities. 

The protocols will be revised according to government directives and the evolution of the situation facing COVID-19. The priority at all times will be the protection of participants and the safety of all. 

7 – Continuous Re-evaluation and Improvement 

This plan will require regular review and updating as COVID-19 prevention/protection measures evolve. To be effective, any changes will be communicated to members by e-mail and social media as soon as practical so changes can be applied. The coordinator (or a designated member of SYSA Covid-19 committee) of the club must ensure follow-up with the Safe-Return-To-Play Coordinator. 

8 – Club program acceptance protocol 

SNB will provide a template that each club must complete to demonstrate how they will meet Soccer New Brunswick’s requirements for holding events during the COVID-19 phased return to play process. 

Each Member must have a program plan for that respects/reflects the mandatory hosting, running, ending and transition procedures for events. Plans must be presented to Soccer New Brunswick for approval. Upon approval of SNB, the club can start its activities. 

As with the SNB plan, a re-evaluation of each program must be carried out after each new government directive. Follow-up and assistance will be provided by Soccer New Brunswick. 

Coaches and workers will receive return to play training. 

Reception Manager	– Take attendance using Field Sign In Sheet – Must administer the Screening Tool questionnaire to all participants before they enter the field – Ensures that all stakeholders and participants who enter the field disinfect their hands
Field Manager	– Ensures that the health rules and regulations are respected – Ensures that ratios and obligations are respected – Validate training content and Intervenes with coaches when needed – Ensures that the equipment is disinfected and maintained in the dedicated area.
Coach	– Manages the training content and the layout of the field (in order to promote social distancing) – Manage players to ensure compliance with instructions
Supervisor Marshall	– Supervises players to ensure compliance with distance rules- Assists the field manager to manage the players – Can play the role of reception manager if necessary – Manage situation when a participant feel unwell

Note: 

• All organizers and training staff health checks will be performed before each training session;
• All organizers and training staff need to take a specific training based on return to play protocol operation plan; and
• All organizers are encouraged to wear the Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. masks, gloves, visors) to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Screening Tool

Tantramar Regional High School (TRHS) fields 

Lorne St. Field 

Parking lot organization:

Scenario 1: 

Scenario 2: 

• Parents will be asked to stay off the field spaces and adhere to social distancing requirements, restrictions and guidelines set forth by the Government of NB, the town of Sackville and SYSA while picking up and dropping off their player. 
• In orange phase, all the recommended signs will be placed at all entrance and exit gates as well as the reception station. 
• In orange phase, players and parents will be asked to follow the arrows placed in the parking lot and use the appropriate lanes to enter and exit the property. 

PLAYER MANAGEMENT
Before	During	After
Consider sending a session plan to parents and players prior to the session. Highlight which zone is allocated to which player. Ensure parents are aware of the Return to play recommendations and guidelines.	Encourage the players to enjoy playing soccer in the current format. Don’t be overly concerned about players lacking technical ability at this time. Keep distancing measures in place between players and coaching staff.	Validate the effort your players demonstrated during the session. Ask players if they have any suggestions for session activities next time. Ensure that each player goes home with their designated household contact.

EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
Before	During	After
Have a designated bag for your equipment and a designated location on the field to place your own equipment. Have enough cones and balls available for your session. Coach sets up all the equipment and follows club procedures for any equipment cleaning process.	Reset cones that delineate the physical distancing parameters whenever they are moved out of place. Ask and remind players to avoid touching the equipment. Be adaptive, If there is not enough goals for the game activities, use cones instead.	Ensure that all equipment is taken from the playing field in a safe manner. Consider cleaning and disinfecting all equipment after the practice is over. Reflect on how equipment was managed and distributed to improve this for next session.

It is critical to take every precaution to help keep all participants safe. Players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that soccer offers so long as everyone practices physical distancing by keeping 2 meters apart from other players where possible and follow the safety guidelines below.

Before you play: 

Do not play if any of you:

a. Are exhibiting any two or more of the symptoms of the coronavirus: 

• Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
• A new cough, or worsening chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• A new onset of fatigue
• A new onset of muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• loss of sense of taste
• loss of sense of smell
• In children, purple markings on the fingers and toes 

b. Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. 

c. Have travelled outside the province in the last 14 days 

Preparing to play: 

Protect against infections: 

a) Wash your hands with a disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer), or use a hand 

sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, before going to the field. 

b) Clean and wipe down your equipment, including soccer shoes, shin pads and water bottles and do not share any of your equipment. 

c) Bring a full water bottle to avoid touching a tap or water fountain handle. The bottle must be labelled with the player’s name.

d) Take extra precautions such as wearing gloves or a mask 

e) If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve. 

f) Arrive as close to the designated time when you need to be there as possible. 

g) Avoid touching field gates, fences, benches. Wipes/hand sanitizer must be available. 

When playing/practising 

a) Remain at least 2 meters apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them (e.g. NO SHAKING HANDS OR A HIGH FIVES). 

b) Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth. 

c) Don’t share food, drinks or towels. 

d) Avoid using your hands directly to pick up the balls. No throw-ins will be practiced. 

e) Stay on your side of the field. 

f) Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
g) If a ball from another field comes to you, send it back with a pass to the safety zone. 

h) No headers will be allowed. 

After playing 

a) Leave the field immediately after practice obeying the required traffic zone and directional flow around the field going clockwise.
b) Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after coming off the field. 

c) Do not use the locker room or changing area. Shower at home.
d) No social activity should take place. No congregation after playing.
e) All players should leave the facility immediately after play. 

If any organization is looking to operate referee specific training, these guidelines must be adhered to. 

If you are not comfortable with returning to play DON’T. 

Players: 

• Adhere to all Return to play protocols; 
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after training;
• Wash and sanitize training equipment after every training session; 
• Do not share water, food, and/or equipment; 
• Respect and practice social distancing; 
• Place equipment, bags, etc. at least six feet apart; and 
• No high-fives, handshakes, knuckles, or group celebrations. 

Parents: 

• Check child’s temperature before coming to any training session; 
• Ensure child’s clothing is washed before coming to any training session; 
• Ensure all equipment is sanitized before and after training; 
• Notify club/coach immediately if your child becomes ill for any reason; 
• Supply your child with individual sanitizer; 
• Stay off the green spaces and adhere to social distancing requirement, restrictions and guidelines set forth by the Gov of NB, the Town of Sackville, and SYSA; and 
• Ensure your child has plenty of water. 

In orange phase, Public Health’s Guidance Document for General Public Health Measures and Work Safe NB’s Embracing the New Normal as we Safely Return to Work, New Brunswick organized sports must follow all guidelines and follow public health measures in order to open along with an COVID-19 Operational Plan. The health and safety of all New Brunswickers is our top priority, below includes various signage to be displayed at the entrance of the field, different locations in the facility and office space. 

• Important Notice on Travel into New Brunswick 
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick 
• Hand Sanitizer Poster (Government of New Brunswick) 
• Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands (PHAC Infographic) 
• Screening Tool (bilingual) 
• Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 
• Use of a Community Face Mask to Help Reduce the spread of COVID-19 
• Wash your hands poster (bilingual) • 

We will be using signage around our field to in the entrances, exits and reception/information station. We will also work collaboratively with the Town of Sackville staff to install signage that demonstrates the proper ways to move in and out of the field facility. 

Example Signage:

1. NB Screening Tool poster – https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/ScreeningEF.pdf
2. Hand Sanitizer Poster – https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/SanitizerDesinfectant.pdf
3. Steps for Effective Handwashing Poster – https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/WASH_LAVEZ.pdf
4. Cleaning and Disinfection Info Sheet – https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/Cleaning_DisinfectingE.pdf
5. Covid Public Health Poster – https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/h-s/pdf/en/CDC/PosterCL.pdf

First Aid

For critical interventions – call 911. 

First aid protocols for an unresponsive person during COVID-19: https://www.redcross.ca/training-and- certification/first-aid-tips-and-resources/first-aid-tips/first-aid-protocols-for-an-unresponsive-person- during-covid-19 

In the event that first aid is required to be administered during an activity, all persons attending to the injured individual must first put on a mask and gloves. A parent of the injured player should be the first to administer first aid. Try to limit the number of individuals in contact with the sick person. While wearing PPE, clean and disinfect items which have touched the patient. After cleaning, dispose of PPE and perform hand hygiene. 

Outbreak Plan 

Early detection of symptoms will facilitate the immediate implementation of effective control measures. In addition, the early detection and immediate implementation of enhanced cleaning measures are two of the most important factors in limiting the size and length of an outbreak. An “outbreak” is two or more cases; a “case” is a single case of COVID-19. 

1. Identify the roles and responsibilities of staff or volunteers if a case or outbreak is reported. Determine who within the organization has the authority to modify, restrict, postpone or cancel activities.

 2. If staff (including volunteers) or a participant reports they are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 and have been at the workplace/activity place, implement enhanced cleaning measures to reduce risk of transmission. If you are not the facility operator, notify the facility right away. 

3. Implement your illness policy and advise individuals to: 

– Self-isolate 

– Monitor their symptoms daily, report respiratory illness and not to return to activity for at least 10 days following the onset of fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. 

– Use the COVID-19 self-assessment tool at NB COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine if further assessment or testing for COVID-19 is needed. Individuals can contact 8-1-1 if further health advice is required and 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. 

4. In the event of a suspected case or outbreak of influenza-like-illness, immediately report the potential exposure to WorkSafe NB by email (conformite@ws-ts.nb.ca) or calling 1 800 999-9775. 

5. If your organization is contacted by a medical health officer in the course of contact tracing, cooperate with local health authorities. 

SYSA, understands our players want to start playing soccer again in an organized environment and we also believe soccer will play an important role in the social and emotional well-being for our youth players across a variety of age groups. 

SYSA Covid-19 committee is in continuous communication and collaboration with Soccer New Brunswick and the Town of Sackville. The committee is engaged to adhere to the appropriate requirements set by SNB and other overarching public health measure and ensure a safe and secure Return to Play to our players and volunteers.

We understand that sport is important for our members and its benefits go far beyond improving physical attributes. It is only with the aid of our members in combination with our volunteers will we be able to ease our Return to Play operations into action. The Club sees our opposition (Covid-19) as an ever-changing foe and we will do what is necessary as the safety and health of our members will be first and foremost in the decision-making to come. With all the uncertainty surrounding these unprecedented times and any development that may occur in the future, SYSA will have to adjust its operational plan to meet the government and health authorities’ requirements.