2021 COVID SAFETY PLAN

Updated 4/23/21

 

As many of you heard yesterday, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) updated the masking recommendations for student-athletes participating in outdoor sports.  I have included the newest guidelines below, and the full PDF file is attached for you to review.  We will recommend that those involved with St. Louis Park Little League will follow these recommendations. 

 

In addition, spectators will NOT be allowed in the stands at this time, as it is a congregation space.  We would prefer that families physically distance along the first and third baselines and/or the outfield.  Please remain at least 12 feet away from the players/coaches on the field.  Please do your best to not congregate in common spaces as best as possible. 

 

We will continue to monitor recommendations/guidelines from the MSHSL/MDH/CDC for the most up-to-date information, and we will pass that along as soon as we can.  MDH should have Spring/Summer youth sport guidelines out soon.   

 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding,

St. Louis Park Little League Board

 

 

Outdoor Masks/Face Coverings for Student-Athletes:

 

Not Required:

• Masks/face coverings are not required for student-athletes in outdoor contests and practices when they are actively engaged in competition and/or practice.

• Current MSHSL spring sports which are held outdoors include baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, golf, and lacrosse.

 

Required:

• Masks/face coverings are required to be worn when outdoor sports participants are not actively practicing or competing and cannot maintain physical distancing.

o Masks are required for any area of gathering including, but not limited to: transportation, on the sidelines, in dugouts, in team camps, and other areas of gathering.

o For example, masks/face coverings are required for track athletes whenever they are gathered with others, including prior to a race or prior to their attempts in a field event.

• Masks/face coverings are required for any outdoor sports when practicing or competing indoors.

 

 

Masks/face coverings for other game and contest personnel:

Required:

• Coaches must wear masks/face-coverings at all times at indoor and outdoor events contests and practices.

• Officials must wear masks/face-coverings at all times at indoor and outdoor contests.

• Spectators at indoor and outdoor events must wear masks/face coverings.

 

Mask Exemptions

Per the requirements of the MDH’s COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults, people who have medical or other health conditions, disabilities or mental health, developmental, or behavioral needs that make it difficult to tolerate wearing a mask/face covering may be exempt from wearing a mask/face covering.

 

Those individuals seeking a mask/face covering exemption must obtain a written, medical exemption from a licensed medical professional who is registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise statutorily (MN Statute Chapters 147 & 148) authorized by the state to provide medical treatment and is practicing within the person’s medical training and scope of practice. Page 3 of 3 MSHSL Mask/Face Covering Guidance and Information 4/22/21

 

The written, medical exemption must be provided to the school’s Activities Administrator or another school administrator. Activities administrators should keep mask exemption documentation on file at the school. Coaches should have a list of those student-athletes who have exemptions.

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IF A YOU HAVE A POSITIVE COVID TEST

  • Contact your coach or myself as soon as possible. (slpllsafety@gmail.com)
  • Stay home.  Do not attend school, baseball practice or games.
    • Stay away from other people in your home (as much as possible).
    • Wear a facemask if you need to be around other people.
    • Avoid sharing household items.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Follow the MDH guidelines for positive test result
    • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sick.html
  • Recommendations about testing
    • Anyone with symptoms
    • Anyone who was close to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Close contacts and Contact tracing
    • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html
  • What to do if you have COVID-19
    • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/case.pdf

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IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO SOMEONE WITH COVID-19

  • Contact your coach or myself as soon as possible. (slpllsafety@gmail.com)
  • Stay home.  Begin quarantine.
    •  Do not attend school, baseball practice or games.
    • Stay away from other people in your home (as much as possible).
    • Wear a facemask if you need to be around other people.
    • Avoid sharing household items.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Follow quarantine guidelines 

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RETURN TO BASEBALL

  • 14 day quarantine is considered the gold standard.
  • 10 day shortened quarantine
    • Must have no symptoms of COVID at any point.
    • Limited, timed exposure: ie, school, sports.
    • NO COVID TEST NEEDED
  • 7 day shortened quarantine
    • Must have no symptoms of COVID
    • Limited, timed exposure: ie, school, sports
    • NEGATIVE COVID TEST at Day 5 or later 
    • Can return to baseball on Day 8 
      • For example, player has last exposure to someone with COVID on April 23rd.  Quarantine count begins the next day, April 24th would be Day 1.   COVID test could be done on April 28th or later.  If negative test result, then player can return to baseball games/practices on May 1st.
    • Must send documentation of Negative COVID test to slpllsafety@gmail.com before returning to baseball activities.

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OTHER RESOURCES

MDH Guidance

CDC Guidance