Mass Youth Soccer Suspends all activities through April 15th
Effective
Friday, March 13, 2020, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association is
suspending all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide
through April 15th due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. For our
member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues) this includes, but is
not limited to: all games, practices, clinics, training, tournaments,
in-person meetings and Coaching Education Courses.
Trusting
that players, coaches, referees and spectators would never knowingly
compromise themselves or others, the fact is that our sport and its
related activities provide an opportunity for the virus to spread which
we feel is our duty to help avoid (excerpt from the CDC below):
“...COVID-19
is mainly spread through respiratory droplets (sneeze, cough, or sweat)
when in close contact (within 6 feet) OR by touching a surface with
such droplets and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes...”
As
a result, both US Soccer and US Youth Soccer have made a similar
decision regarding soccer activities under their purview. They asked
the state associations to assess the risks and benefits of postponement,
suspension and/or cancellation of upcoming events and Mass Youth Soccer
- along with many other state associations - has taken this guidance
with the highest level of concern. Our decision to suspend soccer
related activities and promote social distancing was made in accordance
with guidance we received from public health and medical professionals
at the federal, state and local levels. We don’t take these types of
decisions lightly. But, in the interest of making the health and safety
of the entire soccer community, in addition to all others statewide,
paramount, we know this is the right step to take.
Mass
Youth Soccer will evaluate conditions on a continuing basis to
determine when it is appropriate to reinstate our affiliated and
sanctioned soccer activities. Further communications will be provided
via email and on our website.