COVID19 Precautions
General Guidelines:
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people.
- Masks are recommended to be worn by all spectators at all times.
- Stay home if you feel sick and contact your health care provider.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
- Avoid contact with other individuals (shaking hands, for example).
- Use hand sanitizer or soap and water (when available) often.
- It is recommended that players from different households do not drive/carpool together.
Prior to Arriving:
- Daily Health Screening - each player and coach should check his/her temperature at home, and refrain from participation if he or she has a fever (≥100.4 degrees F).
- He/she is not currently demonstrating or suffering from any ill symptoms (see Appendix A).
- He/she has not had a suspected or documented case of COVID-19 in the last 10 days.
- Any player that does not meet the above criteria should be restricted from participation and sent home.
At the Field for Training and Games
- Players/Coaches are recommended to wear masks when arriving to the soccer facilities.
- Players are recommended to wear masks when not actively participating in training/games but not mandatory.
- Coaches are recommended to wear masks when physical distancing cannot be achieved but not mandatory.
- Any team pre- and post-match handshakes should not occur.
- Player’s equipment should be spread appropriately out so during breaks players remain at least 6 feet apart.
- Handshakes or contact in substitutions should be avoided.
- Celebrations should not contain physical contact.
- Appropriate physical distancing should occur between players and coaches at all times.
- Players on the sideline/bench should remain physically distanced (6 feet minimum) at all times.
- Teams should not congregate, post-training or post-game and debriefs should be kept to a minimum.
Departing the Soccer Facilities
- Players/Coaches are recommended to wear masks when departing the soccer facilities.
- Participants should try to leave immediately after their training session or the conclusion of the game.
Reporting of Positive or Suspected Positive COVID-19 Infection:
- Any participant with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or confirmed exposure should notify their respective clubs immediately. For all Valley AFC/UNITED participants should Contact– Cory Carroll, Director of Soccer 540-353-3907 or email at cory.carroll@valleyunited.us
Equipment:
- Players and coaches should bring their own equipment (hand sanitizer, water bottle, etc.) that should not be shared between individuals.
Spectators:
- Everyone is expected to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing (into the nape of the elbow).
- Anyone feeling sick should leave the facility immediately, go home and if needed, seek medical guidance from a healthcare provider.
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands whenever possible.
APPENDIX A - SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 INFECTION
Individuals with COVID-19 can exhibit symptoms ranging from the following:
The most common symptoms associated with infection include:
- Fever ( ≥100.4 degrees F)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Less common symptoms that may still be evidence of COVID-19 infection include:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle / joint pain
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Chills
Note: Some people do not have symptoms, or have very mild symptoms. Persons with COVID-19 may be infectious two days prior to symptom onset.
Revised 1/2/2022