USA Football has developed a phased approach for the return of youth football this year.
The plan is based on phased reopening guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The governing body for the sport in this country advises youth leagues to consult their city or county health departments to determine which CDC phase their community is in; that step begins a youth program’s local reopening procedure during the coronavirus pandemic.
From there, those youth leagues are advised to consult with local school systems to share information and resources.
Naturally, the leagues should be screening for virus symptoms and signs prior to any activities; practice 6-foot physical distancing in the first two phases of USA Football’s plan before adjusting to a separation of 3 to 6 feet in Phase 3; follow sanitizing and cleaning steps; require separate, clearly labeled footballs, drink bottles, towels and other personal items; and make use of face coverings, which are advised for all coaches and optional for players.
“During this very uncertain time, it’s important that parents know that USA Football has a detailed plan for getting their children back to the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. Michael Koester, chair of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. “This document provides expert guidance in safely returning young athletes to football in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.”