2021 COVID-19 Return to Play Plan
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As part of the requirements from Slo-Pitch National and the City of Ottawa, each league must have a COVID-19 Return to Play Plan in place.  We are happy to be able to return to the field this year, but it must be done in a manner that is as safe as possible for all players to do so.  Below is a list of guidelines which MUST be followed this year to ensure we are able to complete the season. 
 
PLAYERS MUST FOLLOW ALL GOVERNMENT HEALTH REGULATIONS AND MANDATES
 

• This includes Provincial, City and Municipal restrictions as well as all laws and bylaws
• The league will review all permits/municipal contracts to ensure their specific requirements are understood and met
• All players must pre-screen for COVID-19 before heading to the field.  If any of the below applies to you, you are not permitted to play until you can answer no to all of the questions below:
  • Have you travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days?
  • Have you knowingly been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
  • Are you sick or do you have any of the following symptoms?
    • Runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing, fever, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell, abdominal pain or diarrhea or shortness of breath

 
PERSONAL PLAYER PROTECTION
 

• Do not come to the game if you are ill, showing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is
• The use of masks or face shields is recommended
• The use of personal fitted batting gloves at all times is recommended
• The use of individual antibacterial hand sanitizer is recommended
• The use of individual bats is recommended, but each team will be supplied with bats to be used only for your team
• Balls should be wiped before each inning
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your elbow when coughing or sneezing
• Do not spit
• Wash your hands often

 
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE AT THE FIELD
 

• Arrive 15 minutes maximum before scheduled game time
• Teams will use opposite “dugouts”
• Leave facilities immediately upon game completion
• There will be absolutely no congregating at parks, facilities or parking areas before or after your game

 
SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING THE GAME
 

• There will be no contact between players (handshakes or high fives)​
• Ground rules shall be provided to team representative before the game
• During batting, players will need to line up along the fence outside of the diamond spread out accordingly
• Coaches will stand 2 meters away from 1st and 3rd base at all times, however, it is recommended that there be no base coaches
• The catcher will stand 2 meters behind the strike mat
• A dedicated area will represent where the next scheduled team is to meet, until such time when they have been cleared to approach the diamond by the umpire or when it is apparent that the previous team occupants have vacated the facility
• Immediately upon the completion of the game, all members will leave the diamond area and change out of their gear at their vehicles
• Spectators must sit socially distanced from team members and other spectators, though it is suggested that spectators be restricted until gathering rules are expanded
• No coaching conferences or group huddles
• All garbage must be collected and removed by each team after the game

 
UMPIRES
 

• It is recommended that umpires wear a mask or face shield
• Umpires will provide further detailed ground rules on an as needed basis observing the necessary distancing before the game begins
• There will be no exchange of lineup cards, teams will keep score with their own scorekeeping books
• It is suggested that the umpire utilize a small notepad for necessary game management
• Umpires will stand where they are comfortable calling the game, and at least 2 meters away from the catcher and batter
• Umpire conferences are to be kept to a minimum adhering to distancing requirements

 
Teams and or players who do not adhere to the suggestions put forth by the league and city risk being refused to participate.
 
These measures are being considered and adopted by volunteers who are trying to organize a sport this season that will allow participants to enjoy the game. It is imperative that all participants conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner. Failure to accept the necessary measures put forward by the league shall not be tolerated.
 
Thank you for your patience during these challenging times!!