The Baltimore County Department of Rec and Parks announced it will authorize rec. councils throughout Baltimore County to hold youth sports in the fall with strict requirements in place to protect the public health and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Under the guidance of the CDC, the Baltimore County Health Department and the National Recreation and Parks Association, the County has developed guidelines to protect public health that includes wearing face coverings by all individuals who are not actively participating in the sport and limiting parents and spectators to the sport.
The plan requires social distancing and prohibits the sharing of any personal equipment.
The County also stated that tackle football is NOT permitted but flag football and scrimmages are allowed.
Soccer games can be played but throw-ins are prohibited and goalies must wear gloves.
Baseball and softtball are also permitted but a clean ball must be provided every half inning.
Cheerleading is permitted by mask must be worn at all times and no stunts are allowed.
Below is a list of all guidelines for player safety:
•Participation in programs is only allowed if you have had no signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and you have not been exposed to someone who has had signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for a minimum period of 14 days before participation.
•Participation in programs requires a signed Baltimore County COVID-19 Waiver Form.
•If you are sick or feel sick, you should remain home.
•At risk individuals, youth or adult, should remain home.
•Temperature checks, under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, are required for players, volunteers and coaches.
•Hand sanitizer should be available at all activities.
•Assign an area for each player to place their equipment.
•No sharing of drink bottles or any personal equipment.
•No centralized hydration or refreshment areas.
•No spectators at events, with the exception of parents and guardians.
•Masks are required for parents and guardians if not practicing social distancing.
•Masks are required by all volunteers and coaches in the program.
•Masks are required for participants when entering the field and while on the bench.
•Masks are not required for players and officials while on the field of play, but are recommended.
•Social distancing should be practiced at all possible times.
•Participants should refrain from handshakes, huddles and high fives
