Mitchell Soccer Association

COVID-19 Response Plan

MSA will follow the “Covid Tip Sheet - Positive Identification Guide” published by US Youth Soccer in the event that a player, coach or parent is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19 during the season. This applies to all MSA coaches, players, and families.

USYS COVID TIP SHEET

POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

When a member is showing symptoms, or thinks they may have contracted the virus, their Association should direct that person to be tested and follow up with their local or state health department. Players with symptoms or having been exposed to anyone with the virus should not participate in team activities until they receive a negative test result.

Any player that tests positive or has been in contact with a person that tests positive, should be removed from training. That player, and all those that have been in contact with them should self-quarantine according to CDC and local health guidelines.

When a player has tested positive and the case is confirmed by local health officials, all members of the Assocoation and their families should be notified that a player of the Association has tested positive.

The Club should not identify the individual, but rather leave that communication to local health officials. All members should follow their local or state guidelines for contract tracing and quarantine requirements.

Clubs, in cooperation with their local health department, should clean and sanitize their entire facility. Associations should work with local health officials to determine when their facility can be reopened.

MSA Notification

It should be understood that sick individuals should not attend any MSA soccer activities, and that they should immediately notify Bill Nygard, MSA President (605-999-3924) if they or someone in their household become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.

After notification MSA will close off all areas used by a sick person within the last 24 hours and the areas will not be allowed to be used until after they are cleaned and disinfected. For outdoor areas, this includes surfaces or shared objects in the area, if applicable.

Return to Play Protocol

If any coaches or players get sick, they should not return until they have met the following CDC criteria.

A.      I think or know I had COVID-19, and I had symptoms

You can be with others after

·        At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and

·        At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and

·        Symptoms have improved

B.      I tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms

If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after:

·        10 days have passed since test

·        If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “I think or know I had COVID, and I had symptoms.”

Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19. If you will be tested, you can be around others after you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart. It is important to remember that anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after exposure based on the time it takes to develop illness.

A Few Important Reminders about Coronaviruses and Reducing the Risk of Exposure:

• Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects.
• Normal routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs and dirt from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.
• Disinfectants kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. EPA-approved disinfectants are an important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. If disinfectants on this list are in short supply, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions).  Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
• Store and use disinfectants in a responsible and appropriate manner according to the label.  Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together–this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.
• Do not overuse or stockpile disinfectants or other supplies.  This can result in shortages of appropriate products for others to use in critical situations.
• Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used when you are cleaning and disinfecting. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be needed based on setting and product. For more information, see CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities.
• Practice social distancing, wear facial coverings, and follow proper prevention hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and using alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

Youth Soccer League (YSL)

 Q: Does the YSL travel?  What programs are available?
A: Little Kickers, U6-U8 DO NOT travel as all practices and games are played in town and are only offered in the Fall/Spring seasons at this time.   Academy DOES travel (more information provided below in the Academy FAQs section)
 
Programs:

U4 (Little Kickers)  (2018) $55:  (Entry level program for players 3-4 who have not played soccer and for approved players age 5 who do not want to start league play as a U6 player) Little Kickers is for our youngest soccer players to learn basic skills of soccer.  We will go over dribbling, passing, kicking and not to use our hands! Each session with include 30 minutes of instruction. YSL will provide instruction, but parents are encouraged to help. (No games) All participants will receive a t-shirt.

U6 (co-ed) - U8 (Boys/Girls) $55: (U6 2016-2017) (U8 2014-2015)  each group will attend a practice once a week. Sessions will include learning a skill, practicing that skill and incorporating them in to game and pressure situations. We will instruct players to use proper techniques for the correct way to dribble, pass and kick. Volunteer coaches needed. (Saturday Games) All participants will receive a t-shirt.  

Academy $65: (2012-2013)  The MSA Academy was developed specifically to bridge the gap from the recreational soccer player to a skilled soccer player learning more aspects of the game. The  goal of the YSL is to get players introduced to soccer and to develop basic soccer skills. The Academy will take the basic skills and develop them further to become a more skilled player and take the next step in learning the game. All participants will receive 1 game jersey. Players will be assigned to a team based on age level. Approval to play at a higher age level must be obtained from the Board of Directors. (more information provided below in the Academy FAQs section)

Q: Where does my child practice, what would be the days and times?

A:  Where: Pepsi Cola Soccer Complex
     When: Practices will be either Tuesday, Thursday or both if in Academy 

YSL Season: Spring Season 2022 TBD
Cost: $55 (includes t-shirt)
Practices:  TBD
Games:  U6 & U8 divisions will be Saturday mornings  9:00 - 11:00am 
Game Schedule TBD.

U4 (Little Kickers)
Practices: TBD
Time: TBD
No Games

U6 (Co-ed)
Practices: TBD
Time: TBD
Games: Saturday mornings 9:00 - 11:00am 

U8G
Practices: TBD
Time: TBD
Games: Saturday mornings 9:00 - 11:00am 

U8B
Practices: TBD
Time: TBD
Games: Saturday mornings 9:00 - 11:00am

**U6 teams will be co-ed. U8 teams will run girls separate from boys, but if registration numbers are low, they will be combined.

Q.  What day are games played?
A.  All U6-U8 games are played on Saturday mornings at the Pepsi Cola Soccer Complex 

U6- U8 Game Dates: TBD
If games are cancelled due to weather, they will not be rescheduled during a practice night. We will only reschedule 1 day of make up games to be played on a Monday evening if necessary.

Q.  What does my child need for equipment?
A.  All players MUST have a soccer ball clearly marked with their name (size 3 for players U3-U8, size 4 for players U9-U12, size 5 for U13 and up), shin guards, socks that go over and cover the shin guard, and a water.  We also ask each player to have a personal hand sanitizer. Players may wear sweat pants as long as socks and shin guards are wore under. Jerseys will need to be worn on the outside and visible. We have no requirements for shorts or sock colors.  Regular tennis shoes or cleats may be worn.  If you have cleats you CANNOT use a baseball/softball cleat as they have a toe cleat.  They may only be worn if toe cleat is cut off.

Q.  How do I know what team my child is on?
A.  YSL will send out an alert/email assigning your child a team. 
Teams are created by birth year and are coached by a parent volunteer.

Q. How do I know my child's game time?
A.   Blue Sombrero registration site will have field location, time and date of each game or find it listed on the Mitchell Soccer Association Facebook page.

If games are cancelled due to weather, they will not be rescheduled during a practice night. We will only reschedule 1 day of makeup games to be played on a Monday evening if necessary.

Q.  Inclement Weather?
A.  All games and practices will be played rain or shine unless there is an eminent danger of threatening weather like lightning that compromises player safety. Soccer is a game that is typically played in various types of weather conditions. A little rain and light wind we will still play!

If we would have to cancel games/practices due to lighting, or poor field conditions due to excessive rain we will let you know if a few ways:     
1. If you follow Mitchell Soccer Association on Facebook
2. We will call the local radio stations  and have them make an announcement

Q.  What if I am interested in helping coach a team?
A.   Contact Lacey Hayes at [email protected]

Parent Coaches:  In order for this league to be successful we need parent volunteer coaches for each team.   In order to make our U6 & U8 fall league successful, we need parent volunteer coaches to help. Some prior soccer experience would be beneficial but is not a requirement. MSA will pay the fees if a parent volunteer coach is interested in participating in a coaching module/certification course. All coaches will be required to complete a background check.  Risk Management – Online Disclosure form at the following address (https://www.southdakotasoccer.com/risk-management/)

Q: What if we are not able to afford registration fees?
A: The MSA/YSL has a scholarship program available. For questions in regards to the scholarship program, please contact President Bill Nygard @ [email protected]

Academy Boys and Girls

Birth year: U10  (2012-2013)
Price: $65   (uniform jersey & tournament fees are extra cost)
Dates:  Winter 2021/2022 Season:  November 15, 2021 - February 20, 2022
Practices: 

A: The MSA Academy was developed specifically to bridge the gap from the recreational soccer player to a skilled soccer player learning more aspects of the game. The goal of the YSL is to get players introduced to soccer and to develop basic soccer skills. The Academy will take the basic skills and develop them further to become a more skilled player and take the next step in learning the game.

Q: Why should we join the MSA Academy Program?
A: The MSA Academy Program will focus on developing each youth soccer player on detailed individual skills, learning to pass under pressure, foot skills, player spacing on the field, and a solid introduction to the beautiful game. Begin the journey into the sport of soccer under a quality coaching staff to provide fun and development to the Academy players! Get set for an exciting and new adventure!

Q: What will my player's commitment level need to be for the Academy program?
A: Practice and play as your schedule suits! Take advantage of the next step in development for your player with regular practices, quality coaching, and opportunities for games against like skilled players from communities around Mitchell such as Sioux Falls, Yankton, Brookings, and more! Take advantage of growing your player's skill level with the MSA Academy!

Q: NEW! Do Academy players need to purchase a uniform?
A: Yes, players will be required to purchase 1 black MSA jersey at Sungold Sports located at 714 E Kay Avenue, Mitchell. Players will need to provide their own all black shorts and all black knee high socks for games. 
* Black uniform jersey will be used for at least the next 3 years and player will not have to purchase another one if entering U12      competitive teams unless needing a new size.

Q: Where are the tournaments/matches and do we have to attend each match?
A: Soccer matches will be in Mitchell and surrounding areas. More information on games, friendly matches and option tournament(s) will be released at the Parent meeting once the schedule is finalized! 

Q: How will we communicate and know about practices, tournaments etc?
A: The Academy will communicate through TeamSnap- once registration closes you will receive an email invitation to join the group through the app.

Q: What if we are not able to afford registration fees?
A: The MSA/YSL has a scholarship program available. For questions in regards to the scholarship program, please contact President Bill Nygard @ [email protected]