JR. TOMAHAWK RETURN TO PLAY
We recognize in uncertain times that our Plans must remain fluid and nimble. We will be continue to monitor National, State, and Local guidelines as more data and metrics become available.
PRESIDENT: Steve Ciccalone
COVID-19 DIRECTOR: Melissa Infantino
RETURN TO PLAY COMMITTEE CHAIR: Gary Buzzell
PLAYER SAFETY DIRECTOR: Bill Marohn
GYFA Position on Resocialization:
GYFA believes that it is essential to the physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being of its youth participants to safely re-engage in extracurricular experiences, physical activity, and athletic competition. Returning to play does not mean a return to “normal”. While re-socializing to activity we are still responsible for doing our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Our return to physical activity and athletic competition will adhere to all requirements set forth under the executive orders of Governor Lamont, account for the health and safety of all participants, and equitably provide opportunities for all participants. GYFA’s guidelines have been modeled after and incorporate guidelines published by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s (CIAC) guidelines, USA Football’s Return to Youth Football Guidelines, and the AYF/AYC Return to Activity Guidelines.
While there are risks inherent in any athletic activity, we understand there are heightened concerns given the
pandemic and continued spread of the virus. Participation in GYFA is 100% voluntary and that by choosing to participate (whether as a coach or volunteer; or having your child participate as a player) you are freely assuming such risks, both known and unknown, and the participant or participants' parent/guardian assumes full responsibility for their participation.
Youth Sports and COVID-19:
The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. While the risk of serious illness or loss of life is greatest in those 65 years of age or older with pre-existing health conditions, persons in every age group can become infected with COVID-19 and some may become seriously ill or even die.
With rare exceptions, COVID-19 is not claiming the lives of our children. However, a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread that infection to others who may be far more vulnerable.
Medical professionals believe COVID-19 is spread from person to person through contact that is close enough to share droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, speaking, and even just breathing. It is believed COVID-19 can also be spread by touching objects where contaminated droplets have landed followed by touching of mouth, nose, or eyes. Due to this easy manner of transmission, an infant, child, young person, or adult who is infected with COVID-19 can spread the infection to others they come in close contact with, such as members of their household, coaches and players. Infected persons with mild or even no symptoms can spread COVID-19.
Due to these risks, GYFA is adopting and implementing return to play protective guidelines in an attempt to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission.
Consideration of a safe return to youth sports must be with an understanding that COVID-19 is born out of a global health pandemic. This is a health issue, not a sport issue. Sports have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and our participants significantly affected. However, it is our primary responsibility to provide safe physical activity that does not contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Our decisions will come from a mindset that there is still much to be learned about COVIID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome of COVID and we will operate with sufficient flexibility so that we can quickly and nimbly respond to developing best practices and information as it becomes available.
A return to youth football and cheer requires an approach that accounts for participant and community safety as its guiding principal. Returning to the game this season is a team effort. We will have guidelines in place, but parents – as always – are a key component of the success. Why?
Parents play a critical role in helping the league follow its plan and letting your athletes know why they need to stick to the guidelines.
Parents and their athletes should always follow their league’s guidelines as they have been created to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19.
Parents are encouraged to take any additional reasonable steps to make them comfortable with their athlete playing this year.
For our GYFA family to have a successful return all of us must do our part. Parents should monitor the health of their children and not send them to participate in sports events if they exhibit any symptom of COVID-19. Adult participants should do the same. They should seek COVID-19 testing promptly and report results to the COVID-19 coordinator or other team/league staff given the implications for other participants, families, and staff. Parents of minor participants and adult participants should protect any vulnerable persons in the same household with whom they come into frequent, close contact. They should also be aware of the enhanced risks for those age 65 or over and/or with compromised immune systems for 14 days after such frequent, close contact.
