Update: Return To Play (RTP) Protocols: August 8th

Aug8

Dear BRYC Elite Academy Families,

As we continue to prepare for the fall season, we are adjusting our Return to Play protocols.  Effective today, August 8th, BRYC Elite Academy teams will be allowed full field walk throughs and intra-squad scrimmages in preparation for competitive play.  This is in response to Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) decision to permit soccer matches to be played on Fairfax County fields.  NCS also announced that tournaments for all sports will not be permitted in Fairfax County.

Please be aware that while scrimmages and matches are now allowed we will still adhere to as many of the Phase III protocols as possible, including social distancing when possible, wearing a mask to and from the fields, players not handling any equipment, no sharing of pennies, etc.   In fact, we will be taking addition precautions by adding the following protocols to intra-squad scrimmages:

  • For balls that go out of bounds, play will restart with a pass-in. The objective is to limit players from touching the ball/s with their hands as much as possible.
  • When a player is substituted, they must use hand sanitizer upon exiting the field.
  • No heading of the ball.
  • No practice of set pieces (especially corner kicks)

With respect to matches, we will distribute a 1-page “game-day” procedures document to all participants including the opponents we host at our facilities.  These procedures are based on our Phase 5 – Return to Competition protocol announced to the membership on July 19.  Failure to comply with these procedures will result in disqualification of the player(s) from the match.

As with any protocol during this COVID19 time, player participation is optional.  If a parent is not comfortable with their child participating at this time, it is ok for them not to come to practices or participate in matches.

Thank you for your continued adherence to these protocols as we continue to return to competition in a safe and responsible way and have our children realize the benefits they gain from participating in the game they love.

Regards,
Mark Dolansky
Commissioner
BRYC Elite Academy