As youth sports start back up in some communities, remember these steps to help keep players, coaches and families
safer during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Before the sports season starts:
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| Check to make sure sports and recreation activities are approved by your local and state government.
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| Understand the new safety rules and expectations for participation during COVID-19.
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| Each child should have their own
cloth face covering,
hand sanitizer, towel, water bottle, and tissues labeled with their names.
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| All youth athletes should have an up-to-date
sports physical before participating.
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Prior to practice or games:
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| Athletes should stay home from practice or game if they're feeling sick or have a fever.
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| Wash hands before arriving, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
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| Bring labeled (with name) personal sports equipment, water bottle, towel, tissues, hand sanitizer, and cloth face covering.
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| Stay in the car or assigned school location until the coach is ready to start practice
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| Avoid gathering in groups before practice, maintain
social distance and wear a cloth face mask.
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During sports practice or games:
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| Whenever possible, athletes maintain 6-8 feet of physical distance during drills and conditioning.
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| When possible and safe, athletes should each wear cloth face covering--especially on the sideline, in dugouts, and during team chats. However, masks should not be worn during: |
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| Avoid these behaviors:
Huddles, high-fives, fist bumps, handshakes, etc.
Sharing food or drink with teammates.
Cheering, chanting, or singing when closer than 6-8 feet from others.
Spitting or blowing nose without a tissue.
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| Store personal equipment 6-8 feet away from other teammates' equipment.
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| Minimize sharing sports equipment when possible.
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| Sanitize hands before and after using shared equipment such as balls, bats and sticks.
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| Tell a coach if you are not feeling well and leave practice or game with parent or caregiver.
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After sports practice or games:
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| Sanitize or wash hands.
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| Wash cloth face coverings, towel and practices clothes or uniform.
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☐ | Clean personal sports equipment and water bottle.
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Remember
Talk with your child's pediatrician if you have any questions about youth sports participation safety based on COVID-19 in your community and your child's health.
More Information
Along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, this information was developed jointly by:
