Pequannock Youth Lacrosse Covid-19 Protocol

Updated: 3/4/2021

The following information is intended to establish the protocols  that Pequannock Youth Lacrosse will follow to limit the potential transmission of Covid-19 among our players and coaches. The knowledge and subsequent guidelines surrounding Covid-19 are frequently changing and the Club will adjust our protocols as necessary.  Pequannock Youth Lacrosse will attempt to contact trace when necessary and will follow Club quarantine protocols that closely align with the CDC.  The Club will not provide medical advice.  Please consult your or your child’s medical professional for questions or concerns beyond the contents of this document.  The Club will follow all federal, state, and local guidelines established by the NJ Department of Health and CDC.

COVID_GuidanceForSportsActivities.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

Covid-19 Protective Protocol:

Face Masks / Coverings:  Must cover the mouth and nose. This can be accompanied by a face shield, but is not replaced by a face shield.

Social Distancing:  Maintain 6-feet of distance between two individuals.

**Both practices are required regardless of an individual’s vaccination or anit-body status.**

Above all else, please practice good judgement and be respectful of the health concerns of those around you.

This document will frequently refer to “your player”, which shall universally apply to the boys and girls league. All coaches are to follow the same guidelines, no exceptions.

BASICS:  When to stay home?

• If your player does not feel well, the player is required to stay home.
• If someone in your household tested positive for Covid-19 or is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, the player is required to stay home.
• If your player has been exposed to someone who has Covid-19 within the last 14-days, that player is required to stay home.

PRACTICES:

• ONLY Pequannock Lacrosse Club coaches and players will be allowed on the practice field.
• Coaches and players should only practice or play games with their assigned teams unless officially approved by the Club Board of Directors.  
• All participants, including coaches, MUST fill out the electronic health form prior to EVERY practice. This is absolutely mandatory to contact trace in case of a Covid-19 positive and is a required part of our agreement to use the fields.
• Players will wear face coverings onto and off of the practice field.
• Memorial Field has limited access.  Allow teams to fully leave the field before entering for your game or practice.
• Coaches must remain masked for the duration of the practice.
• Coaches will be provided with hand sanitizer.
• Players are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
• Players in the Boys Program should arrive at the field fully dressed and equipped. 
• Players in the Boys Program should leave the field fully dressed. Do not remove equipment on the sidelines after practice or games.
• Bring only a marked water bottle to the practice field.
• NO water bottles or equipment shall be shared.

Coaches:

• Goalies in the Boys Program should use their own helmets. Teams in the Girls Program should have two helmets if more than one goalie will be used per game.
• Do not “huddle” teams.
• Water breaks should be given in small, socially distanced groups.
• Provide instructions in spread out groups.
• No high fives, handshakes, etc.
• Wherever possible, use drills that limit person-to-person contact.

GAMES:

• Spectators will be allowed in accordance with the current state and local guidelines.
• Spectators must wear face coverings.
• Spectators are expected to socially distance from those not in their household.
• All participants, including coaches, must fill out the electronic health form prior to every home game. This is absolutely mandatory as it gives us the ability to contact trace in case of a Covid-19 positive.
• All participants, including coaches, must fill out Covid-19 health form electronically or paper when visiting the opponent’s field for a game. 
• Players not currently in game are to be masked on the sidelines at all times and socially distanced.
• All coaches and time keepers are required to wear a mask at all times.
• Players and coaches are to maintain social distance from referees.
• Coaches must bring Club provided hand sanitizer to all games.
• Players are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
• No post game handshakes, fist bumps, etc.
• Players should wear face covering immediately following the game.
• Exit field area as soon as possible to allow for subsequent games, players to take the field.

COVID-19 Exposure and Quarantine Guidelines:

If your player or a coach has been exposed to a person who has tested positive for Covid-19 or is under quarantine for any reason the following people should be notified immediately:

Coach or player in the Girls Program contact:

Curt Zegler

201-259-0574 

Coach or player in the Boys Program contact:

Doug Torrisi

973-600-9642

The Club will contact trace in regard to exposure within the Pequannock Youth Lacrosse program only

In some instances the CDC, State of NJ, Pequannock Health Department, and our Leagues vary in the length of time that a coach or athlete must quarantine from their team.  The Pequannock Lacrosse Club protocol shall be the following:

Definitions:

Quarantine - the length of time a player or coach must be separated from their team.

Close Contact - Two or more people who are 6-feet of distance apart, or less, for a total of 15 minutes or greater, regardless of indoors or outdoors and regardless of face coverings (includes all household members).

Direct Contact - examples: hug, kiss, sneeze, cough.

Close or Direct contact with a Covid-19 positive individual will result in a 14-day quarantine from date of last contact.

A negative PCR test taken 5-days after exposure, may result in a return to play at 7-days from date of initial exposure.

If a player or coach has a positive test for COVID-19, the person(s) must be quarantined from the team and may return  after 14-days from the positive test. The individual must be fully symptom free and fever free without fever reducing medications for at least 72-hours. A doctor’s note, clearing your player for return to play, may be required.

Any player who has an underlying health condition such as, but not limited to, asthma, or any player who had moderate to severe symptoms including any respiratory symptoms, should seek medical clearance from their doctor before returning to play.

EXCEPTIONS to QUARANTINE:

A player or coach who has a confirmed positive Covid-19 test within the  last 90-days or has been fully vaccinated, is not required to quarantine on exposure, but must self monitor for symptoms and if begin to experience symptoms must quarantine.  The Club has the right to review requested documentation to prove the aforementioned conditions. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must quarantine regardless of prior infection or vaccination status.

*The above exceptions are only to quarantine. All other aspects of the Covid-19 protocol must be followed by ALL participants in Pequannock Youth Lacrosse at all times*