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Parks and Recreation
Athletics
RETURN TO COMPETITIVE PLAY COVID‐19 GUIDELINES/PROTOCOLS: SOCCER
All soccer organizations with valid permit or facility use agreements may resume scrimmages and competition by submitting a
written action plan for a safe return to competition. All plans will be submitted and reviewed by county staff. County staff will notify
the league or team when they can resume scrimmages or competition. Current CDC guidance, affiliation’s requirements and the
recommendations below should be incorporated when preparing the plan. These guidelines are subject to update and plans may be
required to be revised as appropriate.

RTCP PROTOCOL
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Schedules must be submitted to Hillsborough County for approval

Fields in close-proximity must have staggered times
 Only two teams per field

Schedules should be staggered and allow for ample time between scrimmages/game transitioning:
 To ensure social distancing
 Prevent overcrowding
 No early arrivals/late departures
 Competitive play must have a time limit
•
Sports organizations shall distribute the Return to Competition Play safety plans and protocols to all league members
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It is suggested that everyone sign a waiver prior to entering the facility
• Continue to use online registration and use of conference calls or other online/remote platforms for any group or parent meetings
• No on field presentations, awards and/or photos – use of virtual ceremonies is encouraged and recommended
•
Facial coverings/masks/face shields are required to be worn by all upon entry and continuously while onsite
This includes:
 When the recommended six-foot social distance cannot be maintained
 Circulation to areas where interactions (intended or not) are likely (i.e. entering and exiting, restrooms, concession, etc.)
 Players on benches, coaches and officials on and off the playing field, spectators when circulating or not maintaining social
distance.
Exemptions include:
 Those with a medical condition
 Children under the age of five years old
 Players actively participating on the playing field
•
Limit use of shared equipment – encourage players to bring their own
•
Individuals shall bring their own snacks, beverages, water bottles for personal consumption.
 No group water or water coolers shall be used
 The use of candy, chewing gum and/or sunflower seeds is not permitted by players, coaches, umpires
•
Team huddles must allow for safe distancing
• No unnecessary player contact (handshakes, high-fives, fist/elbow bumps, group celebrations)


CLEANING

• Any shared equipment needs to be sanitized between uses
 EPA registered disinfectants only
 Must be COVID-19 approved
 Products must be used safely and per their instructions
 Products must be stored in a secure location – no public access
•
Each team must have FDA approved hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol for coaches and participants
• Clean, disinfect and sanitize common high touch surfaces such as equipment, shared objects, door and sink handles, drinking
fountains, restrooms


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Parks and Recreation
Athletics
Soccer RTCP continued

SAFETY

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Safety plan shall outline the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing process when members report COVID-19 like symptoms
•
Safety plan shall include adequate social distance provisions for inclement weather (i.e. lightning)
•
Immediately notify health officials including the HCPRD Athletics office when members report COVID-19 like symptoms
•
Those who feel ill must stay home
• Bleachers will not be available for use at this time
• Parents are encouraged to remain in vehicles or drop off children when possible

If a parent chooses to watch, he/she must:
 Stay off the field/sideline
 Maintain social distancing
 No intermingling of groups
 Family group sizes should be 10 or less
FIELD/FACILITY


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Soccer organizations are required to operate entry point screening consisting of temperature checks and symptom questions for
everyone who enters the facility (including but not limited to players, spectators, coaches, staff)
o Hillsborough County Parks will provide each soccer site with a plexiglass screening station with symptom questions
signage – Successful screening is required for entry to facility by all
o The station should be set up in a shaded location under cover
o Screening station personnel must wear face covering/masks and gloves
o Each league will receive two non-contact infrared thermometers to screen for temperatures below 100.4 degrees F
o No recording of information is required
o Those successfully completing screening will receive a colored wristband or sticker or other non-contact marking
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Specific entry/exit to facility and drop off/pickup plan that supports social distancing
• Must keep roster/attendance records for 120 days for all scheduled activities to assist with contact tracing, if necessary
• Monitor the players use of restrooms ensuring social distancing to include overcrowding
• Concession stands are to remain closed
• All fields must be locked/secured after use except for the designated public use field
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Signage shall be posted promoting proper hygiene etiquette and social distancing standards
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Facility hours are from sunrise to 9pm

MONITORING/COMPLIANCE

• RTCP plans shall indicate how groups will monitor all usage for compliance
• Consequences for noncompliance may include a suspension from play and/or loss of facility use
• Report any noncompliance or other issues to Hillsborough County Athletics: PRK-Fields@HCFLGOV.net

CDC REFERENCES

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/playing-sports.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports-faq.html

RETURN TO COMPETITIVE PLAY COVID‐19 Guidelines (please sign/date and return to the Athletics office)
in accordance with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department

I, __________________________ as _________________________ LEAGUE’S Representative, with authority to bind the LEAGUE, do hereby certify
compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines as set forth by Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department. The roster and identification cards issued
by the LEAGUE reflects compliance by the LEAGUE for the mandatory COVID-19 Guidelines for all coaches/parents/guardians/volunteers and athletes. The
roster and identification cards will be updated annually or as needed prior to each league’s preseason/season and ensure the COUNTY always has an updated
roster. The LEAGUE takes responsibility for the Covid-19 Guidelines compliance and understands the LEAGUE is solely responsible for implementing and
enforcing all coaches/parents/guardians/volunteers and athletes are following the guidelines.
Signature _________________________________________________ Date___________________________