WIAA Issues Softball Safety Guidelines

Stevens Point (OnFocus) – The WIAA has issued safety considerations for softball.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Equipment

• Batting helmet –Players should use their own batting helmet. All batting helmets are required to be school colors or neutral (white, black, grey) colors. Only school logos, reward or commemorative stickers are allowed beyond the NFHS requirement

(Rule 1-6-1 and 1-7-1).

• Softball bat – Players should use their own softball bat and not share bats.
• Catching equipment – Players should use their own catching equipment.
• Softballs

○ Coaches must sanitize shared equipment before and after each game.

o Each team shall be responsible for supplying their own game balls (NFHS Approved):

At the conclusion of each half inning, the pitcher shall take the game ball with her to the dugout

To start each half inning, the catcher shall show the game ball to the plate umpire for visual inspection prior to the ball being used by the pitcher

In the event that a game ball goes out of play, the defensive team is responsible to retrieve the ball and provide another ball to the catcher for inspection by the plate umpire.

In the event that weather conditions or other damage create a need to change the ball out, the defensive team is responsible to provide another game ball.

• Maintenance equipment (rakes, bases, paint sprayer, tractor to drag field, etc.) – Daily cleaning and disinfection are recommended.
• Dugouts – No dugouts should be used during practice. Players’ items should be lined up outside and against the fence at least six feet apart. Dugouts should be permitted only during games, and may be extended, by NFHS rule, down the foul lines outside the playing area to allow for social distancing. Additionally, bleachers can be placed directly behind the dugouts for additional seating for team personnel. Players should maintain social distancing unless they are actively participating in the game.

o Daily cleaning and disinfection is recommended.

• What kinds or brands of sanitizer should we be using – The WIAA SMAC recommends referencing and utilizing EPA-registered disinfectants. Balls and equipment may be wiped with listed disinfectants and a damp cloth.

Practice and Game Protocols

• Masks

o Masks must be worn according to the governor’s mandate upon arrival to the venue and until the official warm-ups have started or a player is competing.

o Masks must be appropriately worn at all times, particularly when moving or unable to socially distance. Coaches and officials must wear masks indoors and outdoors.

Spectators must wear masks indoors and outdoors. Optic yellow masks are not allowed.

• Practice – Coaches are responsible for ensuring social distancing is maintained between players as much as possible. This means additional spacing between players while playing chatting, changing drills so that players remain spaced out, and no congregating of players while waiting to bat. Workouts should be conducted in ‘pods’ of students, with the same 5-10 students

always working out together. This ensures more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

• Softball habits

o Coaches should now work to create new habits including staying away from touching their face, not allowing sunflower seeds and not spitting.

o Pitchers are prohibited from touching their mouth, licking their fingers or blowing into their hands prior to delivering a pitch. Any violation of this policy shall be called a “dead ball” immediately, the ball shall be removed from play, another game ball provided by the defensive team and the pitcher’s hands shall be sanitized before play resumes. Players may have 1 to 2 oz bottles of sanitizer in their softball pants and a 1 to 2 oz bottle of sanitizer may be left behind the pitchers’ mound near a rosin bag.

• Media – All local social distancing and hygiene guidelines for spectators should be followed by media members planning to attend games. Media members should contact host school administrators prior to arriving at games to plan appropriate entry and available workspace.
• Press box – Local schools shall determine which personnel should be in the press box considering Wisconsin DHS guidelines.
• Umpire Interaction – Coaches should consider social distancing guidelines (6 feet) when interacting with an umpire or any other individual on the field. Substitutions and a general rules interpretation conversation can occur at social distance. Pre-game: One coach from each team and 2 umpires at home plate may have a meeting with the players remaining in the team dugout.

Normal line-up exchange can take place.

• Hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes – Players, coaches, and umpires are encouraged to provide their own hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and/or sanitizing wipes. The WIAA SMAC recommends using hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) before and after each at bat and when going out to, and coming in from, the field. Additionally, emphasize to all to avoid touching their face.
• Admission or Ticket Selling – Ticket sellers/takers should follow similar guidelines to that of check-out personnel at retail stores. Where possible, stand behind a shield. Wear a mask. Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) frequently.

COVID-19 Coach

• Designate a coach to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns.
• All coaches, staff, officials, and families should know who this person is and how to contact them.
• Train coaches, officials, and staff on all safety protocols. Conduct training virtually, or ensure that social distancing is maintained during training.

General Reminders for Athletes

• Personal Items – It is recommended that each athlete bring their own gym bag for personal items. Gym bags should be placed in a predetermined area 6 feet apart for the duration of the event. No shared clothing/shoes.
• Athletes are encouraged to provide their own hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and use frequently.
• Water bottle – All athletes shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.
• Tell coaches immediately when you are not feeling well.
• Gym Bag – Supplies recommended for your personal gym bag:

o A reusable facial mask should be worn when entering and exiting the venue.

o Towels or other items that are normally used during practices will stay in your gym bag.

o Personal bottle of hand sanitizer creates a smaller possibility of cross contamination and less time standing around waiting to use a shared bottle – be sure to have this inside a Ziploc bag, in case it leaks. This will be used before each game/practice and when entering and exiting the venue.

o Athletic tape and any other tape you normally use during practice.

o Personal water bottles for drinking

o Your street shoes will also be stored in your gym bag, in a separate compartment or bag that is inside your gym bag.

Preventing possible cross contamination with other items in the gym bag.

**Everything inside the gym bag must be disinfected after every practice – before you return to practice again. Be sure to spray the inside and the outside of the bag as well. This is for everyone’s protection.

COMPETITION CONSIDERATIONS

WIAA Event Accountability

• A tracing sheet and verification form shall be kept of all individuals traveling with the team to the contest verifying that the traveling party has been prescreened that day before departure.
• When departing for the contest, coaches take their tracing sheet and verification form signed by the coach and athletic director acknowledging the tracing sheet’s accuracy. If a coach cannot, or does not produce the tracing sheet when verification is requested, it shall be reported to the WIAA office by the opposing coach.

Competition Schedule

• Consider only local, single opponent, single day competitions
• Consider scheduling adjustments to reduce the number of events, duration and/or participants present.
• All personnel and spectators should follow social distancing guidelines.

Competition Area

• Only essential personnel are permitted in the competitive area. These are defined as players, coaches, trainers, and judges. All others, i.e., managers, video personnel, media personnel, etc., are considered non-essential personnel and are to be outside of the competition area.

Sidelines

• Players’ items should be lined up against the fence or in the bleachers at least six feet apart.

Coach Conferences/Team Huddles

• Encourage limiting the number of individuals in a conference to those who must be in close proximity for these discussions.
• Team huddles should be conducted using mask mandate/guidelines and social distancing.

Social Distancing

• Warm-ups/Stretching – Maintain social distance between athletes.
• Congregating of Players and/or Coaches – Discourage congregating upon arrival to the event, prior to warm-ups, and immediately following the meet.

o No congregating of players while waiting in line for drills.

o Players are not allowed to exit the dugout to congratulate teammates after a home run

• Huddles – Social distancing to be maintained, as much as possible, when the coach is communicating with the entire team, or in smaller groups.
• Elimination of Handshakes – Teams may find other respectful ways to acknowledge each other before or after a competition, while maintaining social distancing.
• National Anthem – Align team members in a manner that allows them to maintain social distance from others. 
• Interaction with Umpires – Coaches should maintain social distance when interacting with umpires or any other event worker.
• Seating Capacity/Configuration – Teams, spectators, media, medical, event personnel. Consider tape or paint as a guide, communicate in advance and create signage.

Pre- and Post-Game Procedure

• Establish softball-specific social distancing competition protocols, including the elimination of handshakes, high fives, and huddles.
• Develop awards presentation procedures that maintain proper social distancing.

Hydration

• All students shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.
• Hydration stations (water cows, water trough, water fountains, etc.) should NOT be utilized.

Spectators

• Follow county guidelines on limiting spectators.
• Face covering requirements – Event personnel, media, and spectators must wear masks when moving or unable to socially distance.

o Consider having masks available to purchase or to provide for those who may have forgotten to bring one.

• Ticket sales – If unable to eliminate on-site sales, consider steps to establish social distancing and provide a sanitization station.
• Pedestrian flow – Create protocols and signage to address ingress and egress areas and high traffic areas to avoid congestion. Consider using stanchions, tape or paint as a guide, communicate in advance and create signage.
• Seating – Establish a procedure for all indoor and outdoor venues that allows for social distancing guidelines. The number of spectators allowed must be in accordance with state/local regulations for gathering sizes.

Concessions

• If opening/allowing, post signage at concessions stand for patrons to maintain social distancing of 6’ between parties near food stand.
• Maintain a sanitize solution for wiping cloths during operations and increase cleaning/sanitizing frequency – especially highcontact surfaces such as equipment, utensils and countertops.
• Discontinue self-service operations for the public such as drink stations, condiment trays, cup/napkin/utensil dispensers and other amenities to help maintain infection control.
• Consider the use of fans or open (screened) windows to improve air circulation in smaller indoor stands.
• Use single-use condiment packets and avoid using shared condiment containers if possible.
• Consider barriers such as Plexiglass between employees and customers if practical.

UMPIRES CONSIDERATIONS

Umpires are not responsible for monitoring activities outside the competitive area, such as social distancing, hand washing, symptoms of illnesses and other such issues. This monitoring remains with the coaching staff and school personnel.

• Cloth face coverings are strongly encouraged if no governor’s mandate. Plate umpires should wear masks due to their close

proximity to catchers. Optic yellow masks are not allowed.

• Eliminate any handshakes.
• Bring personal hand sanitizer and/or wash hands frequently. Gloves are permissible.
• Do not share equipment. Bring your own supplies.
• Umpires should use their own water bottles.
• Work with assignors and have backup umpires. Take your temperature before you leave for the event. Anything over 100.4 is considered unacceptable, and you are to notify the school that you will not be attending.
• Umpiring crews should not be changed during the course of an event. Keep the same partner(s) through the event.
• Umpires should not hand out ranking cards. Rely on the WIAA website.

COACHES CONSIDERATIONS

• Coaches are strongly encouraged to wear masks at all times, especially when unable to maintain social distancing.
• Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents. Athlete safety is paramount.
• Communicate expectations regarding minimizing the spread of the virus and the habits that will contribute.

o Reinforce the need for athletes and team personnel to maintain social distance, wear masks, and not attend if exposed to someone with COVID or if ill themselves.

o Remind players to use hand sanitizer prior to entering the competition area and after returning to the dugout.

• Follow the CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the practice/competition venue.
• Coaches should socially distance (3-6 feet) when interacting with an umpire or any other event worker. Conversations can occur at a distance.
• Learn more by taking the free online course: “COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators.” 

WIAA Spring Sports Safety Recommendations

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