NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS   |     May 18, 2021 4:26 pm   |     Mark Beaumont

Mask Update – (updated 5/21/21)

Updated 5/21/21 Following up on yesterday’s announcements from Governor Baker and subsequently updated guidance from the EEA and Mass. Youth Soccer, we are pleased to provide a further update to… View Article

Updated 5/21/21

Following up on yesterday’s announcements from Governor Baker and subsequently updated guidance from the EEA and Mass. Youth Soccer, we are pleased to provide a further update to our members.

In accordance with and based on the EEA Safety Standards for Youth and Adult Amateur Sports activities mandates, Phase IV Step 1 effective May 18, 2021. (Specific Safety Standards from Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is separate from the broad restrictions being lifted in the state.)

“For Youth aged 18 years and under when outdoors and engaged in moderate risk sports (soccer), a mask will not be required. Players will be required to continue to wear a face covering (mask) when entering and exiting the facility, in all common areas where 6’ of social distancing cannot be maintained and on the bench when not engaged in playing on the field. At their parent’s discretion, players may continue to wear a mask while playing soccer.“

Therefore as of today, Tuesday May 18th, face coverings are no longer required for players and referees aged 18 and under for Needham Soccer Club programs taking place on Needham fields while on the field of play. Participants may still choose to wear a face covering if they wish.
Please note that, this also includes BAYS Travel Games, home and away.

Please note that Town of Needham (and other towns), leagues, and groups have the right to implement additional guidelines and initiatives that supersede any State guidance and that of Mass. Youth Soccer.

Further updates are possible in the coming weeks, and we will update our members on any changes to the below. The below restrictions/guidelines are in place until further notice.

The following restrictions remain in place by Needham BOH, and must be followed at all times regardless of Mass. Youth Soccer and State guidelines until further notice:The following restrictions remain in place by Needham BOH, and must be followed at all times regardless of Mass. Youth Soccer and State guidelines until further notice:

The following restriction remains in place by Needham BOH, and must be followed at all times regardless of Mass. Youth Soccer and State guidelines until further notice:

Due to the high number of groups, activities, teams and sports taking place on Needham fields, all participants, referees and spectators MUST wear masks/facial coverings when entering and leaving fields/facilities.

Summary of changes (updated):

These guidelines have been approved by the Needham Board of Health

Once participants have arrived, at the game/practice/clinic, masks are now NOT required at times when 6′ distancing is possible.

The following apply only at times when 6′ distancing is NOT possible:

• Masks must be worn when not actively participating in the game/practice/clinic
• Masks must be worn on the bench
• Mask must be worn between activities, half times, pre-game, huddles, etc where players are not actively engaged in play.
• Coaches and any referees aged 19 or older must wear masks
• Any participants aged 19 or older must wear masks
  
• As above, masks must be worn at all times when arriving and when leaving the game/practice/clinic regardless of distancing, per Needham BOH.
• Participants can still choose to wear a mask during play and/or at all times if they wish

Spectators (Updated):

As above, all spectators must wear facial coverings when entering and leaving a facility and in all common areas. Spectators may remove their mask only when:

• They have arrived at the field/facility and 6′ distancing is possible
• Family units from the same household do not need to distance, but should remain 6’ from the next spectator group