Dear Players, Coaches, Volunteers, and Families,
As of today, April 30th, 2021, the Soccer Board of Directors (BOD) are still awaiting sector-specific guidance from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding updates to the current COVID-19 Guidelines for youth sports. Everyone must continue to utilize current MA Youth Soccer Spring 2021 Protocols for all soccer activities.
The mask safety protocol will be in full effect in all locations where we practice and play this weekend. Everyone will be required to wear a mask at all times while at any of NVYSL facilities, even if fully vaccinated.
It is reasonable to ask why and here is our reasoning:
- The Governor’s guidance is for the general public - not for sector-specific activities like youth soccer.
- The Soccer BOD follows the guidance from MYSA, which follows guidance from the Commonwealth.
- The Soccer BOD does *not* have guidance from MYSA yet because MYSA does *not* have it from the EEA or DPH.
- MYSA is our insurer, and if we don’t follow the advice, we aren’t insured.
- If we aren’t insured, we don’t have volunteers. Volunteers = coaches. You can't have practices or games without approved volunteers, referees, etc.
There are over 100,000 kids playing soccer, so I am sure this issue is reasonably high up there on the Governor's priorities.
We will post updates as MYSA updates its COVID Hub.
Thanks for the patience.
Questions? Write the Board of Directors here.
