Latest Updates - 5/13/2020
We wanted to touch base with everyone after Governor Walz's address last night. He provided good news from many aspects. The SSA Leadership group has been working with TCSL and MYSA, as well as surrounding clubs, to determine our next course of actions. On Monday, May 18th, the Stay at Home order will be lifted, but it is still unclear what that means for youth sports. We have worked hard on our Operational Plan to resume soccer and over the next several days, we hope to have a better understanding of what it means for kids to resume playing soccer together. We will continue to update everyone as we get more information.
The good news is TCSL and MYSA are sitting in with a large group of Minnesota sports (youth, high school and others) who are working with the Governor's task force on a collective return to play plan that will be presented Friday. Below is information about the plan being presented.
TCSL & MYSA have developed a phased approach to resuming youth soccer safely: https://tcslsoccer.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/2020/05/Youth-Soccer-Safe-Return-to-Play.pdf
Star Tribune Article: https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-youth-soccer-associations-pitch-plan-for-return-of-play/570386872/
Stay Safe,
SSA Board and Staff
Statement from the SSA
As Covid-19 moves into the US and Minnesota, SSA is following the news and hoping to keep our families healthy. We urge all players, families and coaches to stay informed and take precautions to reduce the spread of respiratory illness.
We have been monitoring MYSA and TCSL guidelines in which SSA teams play and will follow their soccer-related recommendations, if any.
Please watch the CDC website or the MN Dept of Health for updates.
SSA is recommending the following to ensure the safety and health of our athletes:
- Players, coaches, parents and supporters with illness or symptoms should not enter the Blast or attend futsal, training or games. Players will not be penalized for missing training due to illness (communicate with your coach).
- Players - bring your own water bottle to training & games and NEVER handle or drink from someone else’s water bottle.
- Eliminate post-game handshakes & high-fives to avoid unnecessary personal contact.
- Have hand sanitizer available for players on the bench for before/during/after the game.
- If you travel for Spring Break and visit a country designated as Travel Warning Level 3, please do not attend any training or games for 14 days upon return in accordance with CDC recommendations.
All of us can practice simple habits to prevent the spread of germs, including:
- Stay home if you have a fever or are sick!
- Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap & water are not available.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
We will continue monitoring all league and tournaments for cancellations or travel advisories.
Resources:
Covid-19 symptoms: Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath
Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC Travel information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Stay healthy!
SSA Board