Below find the COVID Protocols for all State Cup & Presidents Cup matches that will be played this weekend in Rockford. These protocols are based on requirements from the Illinois Department Of Public Health and the Rockford Park District.

 

BE SURE TO REVIEW ALL OF THIS AND SHARE WITH YOUR PLAYERS AND FAMILIES AS MOST IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU ARE USED TO FOR SOCCER MATCHES

 

FACE COVERINGS
Everyone on Rockford Park District property is required to properly wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose, this includes all coaches, players and spectators. 

 

Any individual that refuses to wear a face covering will be removed from the premises and could result in a team forfeit.

 

WE WILL COME TO THE COACH IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH SPECTATORS NOT WEARING FACE COVERINGS. 

 

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE
All players, coaches, spectators for a team should remain in their vehicle and not go to their field until 30-minutes prior to kickoff. Players should come to the field dressed including cleats and shinguards and ready to play to not delay game starts or shorten their warm-up time.

• 11:30am Games - arrive to field no earlier than 11am
• 2pm Games - arrive to field no earlier than 1:30pm
• 4:30pm Games - arrive no earlier than 4pm
• 7pm Games - arrive no earlier than 6:30pm

If we have any delays teams will be communicated with to adjust their arrival time.

All players, coaches and spectators should immediately leave the field after the match. NO POST GAME TEAM MEETINGS AT THE FIELD.  NO removal of cleats or equipment at the field following the match, players should do that at their car. 

 

TEAMS & SPECTATORS SEATING
There are NO benches or bleachers on site.  Players and spectators should bring their own chairs and be distanced 6 -feet apart from each other.

Due to COVID precautions and to limit the interaction between each club, the players and spectators for each team will be sat on the same sidelines.

• The home team players and fans will sit on the side of the field that the teams traditionally sit on
• The away team players and fans will sit on the side of the field that the spectators usually sit on

The coaches and players will sit  from one end line to midfield.  The parents will be sat from the other side of the midline to the other endline - with a 6-foot buffer between team and parents. 

 

There will be cones set-up 6-feet back from each sideline. EVERYONE IS TO SIT BEHIND THE CONEST AND NO CLOSER TO THE FIELD.

 

SPECTATOR CHEERING / YELLING
The current IDPH guidelines state "Sports organizers should direct all individuals to refrain from shouting, singing, or chanting."  Obviously with spectators on the same side as the coach and team, your spectators volume will impact your ability to give instruction during the match.

 

Be sure to instruction your parents to keep their shouting and cheering to a bare minimal not only due to public safety measure but to not impede your ability to give instruction during the match.

 

SPECTATORS ATTENDANCE
Each team must have an log of spectators that will be in attendance that weekend that can quickly be made available to IYSA upon request. 

 

BALL SANITIZING
Each field will have a cleaning spray at midfield that can be used to sanitize any ball used during play.

GAME PLAY

Pre-Game

• Teams should have 6 feet of space between players on the sidelines.  Players should bring their own chairs to sit in while not playing or sit on the grass.
• During player check-in 6 feet of distance should be kept at all time between players, coaches and referees
• The Pre-game meeting and coin toss must be limited to one (1) captain per team or one (1) coach per team.  Each team representative shall stand on each side of the mid field line with a distance of 6 feet or greater maintained at all time.
• No Pre-Game handshakes

 During Game

• Players not playing should be sat at least 6-feet apart from one another and must properly wear a mask
• Each player should have their own designated area for them to sit when they come off the field
• No sharing of water bottles, pinnies or other equipment.
• Group goal celebration including hugs, high fives, etc. should be suspended at this time

 Post-Game

• Post game handshakes are suspended.  Teams can show good sportsmanship by sharing a round of applause at the conclusion of the match.
• Team should promptly leave the field following the conclusion of the match. NO post game team meetings.