Bellevue Lacrosse Return to Play Guidelines
The goal of the BBLC return to play process is to remain 100% compliant with local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19 hygiene and management while getting our athletes back on the field in the safest way possible. We are aligning ourselves with the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) and US Lacrosse guidelines.
The health of your player is #1 priority with us. No player or parent should feel obligated to participate in trainings or events if they are uncomfortable with the risk.
We are using the following documents for reference:
1. Health Compliance
It is CRITICAL that each player and family adhere to our Heath Compliance expectations. Coaches and volunteers want to do everything we can to have your son return to play in the safest way possible but we can't do it alone. Each player needs to take responsibility for their health and hygiene.
Here are our expectations:
- STAY HOME - if sick or a close contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19
- Do not participate in practice, or competition if you do not feel well or if you have been informed you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
- Families with individuals at risk for severe COVID-19 should consult with their medical provider regarding participation in athletic activities.
- Contact and follow the advice of your medical provider.
- ACTIVE SCREENING - Coaches will be screening themselves and players for signs of COVID-19 before each in person training session.
- All coaches and students should will screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. Screening includes a temperature check and an attestation to player condition and exposure.
- Any player with symptoms of COVID-19 WILL NOT be allowed to participate and should contact his primary care provider or other appropriate health-care professional.
- PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
- Players and coaches must wear a face covering when not actively engaged in physical exercise (coming to and from practice, engaging in a team meeting, etc.). Players are responsible for providing their own masks.
- Players and coaches should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces. Individuals should wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts or contests.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
- No pre-game and post-game handshakes/high-fives/fist bumps.
- BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE.
- DO NOT share any clothing or equipment.
- Players should shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.
- ADHERE TO PRACTICE SAFETY PLAN - To safely return to play, all players must observe the following guidelines.
- Ensure adequate space between the water and personal equipment of each player so that physical distancing of 6-10 feet can be maintained during breaks.
- No gathering of more than 5 players per Pod at any time (inside or outside).
- Students should report to practice in proper gear and immediately return home to shower at the end of the workout.
- All sessions in Phase 2 will be in “pods” of students with the same students always together. Pods will remain separate with at least 6 feet of physical distance between each pod throughout each practice. This ensures more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.
- Coaches may work with multiple pods as they will keep appropriate physical distancing from students.
- There must be a minimum distance of 6 feet between each individual at all times.
2. Graduated Physical Conditioning
We are following a graduated approach for physical readiness. As we enter Stages 1 and 2 in diagram below. It is critical that your son is physically prepared to participate in a healthy way. Failing to prepare will increase risk of injury, something we all want to avoid.
For those who want to participate with BBLC events for the remainder of this summer and in the fall, we expect each player to engage in Stage 1, at home training, while we transition into our lacrosse specific training activities outlined below.
3. Lacrosse Specific Training and Events
Pod Practices
We are planning a series of in person training sessions per coach and player availability. Planning for COVID related availability is difficult and we appreciate ongoing flexibility as we work to create safe opportunities for return to play.
- In tandem with the self-guided workouts outlined in the Graduated Physical Conditioning section, coaches will engage players in dynamic warm ups and multi-directional drills. Our first priority is a safe return to physical play and the lacrosse specific training will follow.
- No contact drills or drills which require standing in line.
- Focus on skill concepts: wall ball, ground balls, shooting, passing, clearing, and field positioning.
- Equipment will be light. Guidance will be provided for each session.
High School Pod Practices
Practices are being held at the stadium and all parents and players MUST adhere to our COVID-19 return to play procedure.
- Enter the stadium using the East Gate Ticket Booth.
- Exit the stadium using the exit way from the south gate.
- Up to eight total POD’s on the stadium floor will be allowed.
- Restroom facilities are available next to the East Gate Ticket Booth/concessions stand – two people at most at the same time allowed in the rest room at a time.
- You must participate in your assigned POD and ONLY in your assigned POD.
- Assignments we be distributed before the first week of practice.
Events
We are currently tracking Fall/Winter tournaments. All additional BBLC events will be communicated as more information is available.
