League Rules

AVERAGE JOE SPORTS CLUB

SOFTBALL LEAGUES

RETURN TO PLAY PLAN

INDEX

1. ENTRY

2. OFF-FIELD

3. ON-FIELD

4. SPECTATORS

5. ONSITE CONVENERS

6. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

DISCLAIMER: All individuals participating in Average Joe Recreational Softball Leagues do so with knowledge of the risk and potential exposure involved and agree to accept any and all inherent risks to their personal health.

NOTE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS: Average Joe Sports Club does not dictate when local municipalities decide to open their fields and facilities for use by leagues, teams, and players during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams and players should be aware of and respect their local restrictions in relation to recreation participation.

The purpose of this document is to outline plans, guidelines, and procedures in contemplation of a Return to Play, addressing the major areas of concern with respect to physical distancing and to provide a certain level of comfort to participants by outlining steps to be taken to help maximize their safety and well-being.

PLEASE NOTE: This document is comprised of suggestions and recommendations that have been developed for use by all members to help ensure the health and safety of our players as we return to play. This document will be revised on a regular basis as more details become available.

1. ENTRY

• As per Average Joe Sports Club standard rules, only players who are listed on the team roster are allowed to arrive at the field to participate. Average Joe representatives will review every team roster to ensure that rosters are the appropriate size
• On-site conveners will conduct check-ins and take attendance before every game
• Check-ins will be mandatory for every member who wishes to gain access to the field, and will consists of a series of screening questions
• Members of Average Joe Sports Club who exhibit any illnesses or symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, shortness of breath, etc., will not be permitted to participate in or to watch league games
• During the check in/arrival process individuals may be asked if they are experiencing any other symptoms (new or existing cough) to make a determination that will help ensure the safety of all individuals involved
• Individuals that show signs of a fever or illness will be turned away before they enter the park or facility. There is also an expectation that any individual experiencing symptoms should take the initiative to stay home
• Individuals that show signs of symptoms at any point while present at the park will be asked to remove themselves from the park and asked to seek medical advice
• Entry ways to field/diamond area(s) will be dependent on the type/location of the complex or playing fields. All entry points will be clearly communicated to players through venue details on the Average Joe website and/or through email communications
• Emphasis should be placed on providing safe travel areas to reduce contact between individuals entering and exiting the park/complex
• Entry to concessions, washrooms, food/picnic areas will be limited and entry ways should be properly addressed to ensure 6-foot rule can be followed, or temporary closure of concession/washroom facilities may be required
• The establishment of hand sanitizing stations may be applicable for some complexes/facilities
• Hand sanitizer may be distributed to teams/players upon entry. Teams may be advised of being required to bring their own supply of hand sanitizer to be able to participate
• Frequent hand sanitizing will be stressed for players in all league play and may be enforced as mandatory
• All players must vacate the field immediately after the game has ended and must leave the field in an orderly fashion
• At locations where there may be back-to-back games, the league will implement a 15-minute time buffer between games, to ensure that there is no overlap of players coming/going on the field

2. OFF-FIELD

• Concession areas will be off-limits to all Average Joe Members
• Open washrooms will require consistent attention and many washroom facilities will remain closed during play to reduce possible contamination
• Food/picnic areas will always be off limits. If open, eating surfaces will require consistent sanitizing. Guidelines for these areas should be consistent with local guidelines/regulations
• Playground areas will always be off limits. Guidelines for these areas should be consistent with local guidelines/regulations
• There is to be no loitering of any kinds either before or after the games, in or near the park or parking areas

3. ON-FIELD

• There will possibly be a limit on the number of diamonds in use, depending on the size of the complex/park
• There will possibly be a limit on the number of people on each diamond, depending on the regulations passed down from the provincial government
• Hand sanitizing should be done consistently throughout the game
• Dugouts will be completely off limits to every Average Joe member. Members will be asked to bring their own fold-able chairs, or to stand/sit on the grass beside the dugouts. This will provide more space for the necessary social distancing
• For coin toss, one representative from each team should be allowed at home plate, with 6-foot distance maintained by all parties
• It is recommended that there is the reduction of bat sharing if possible, and bats can only be shared between teammates. When a bat is shared between teammates, it must be sanitized after each use
• Individual Player’s Equipment (gloves, batting gloves, etc.) must remain either with the individual or in the individual’s bag and cannot at any time be put in a common area, such as on the bench or the fence
• Players should be reminded to reduce the amount of shared equipment and attempt to keep each individual’s equipment isolated and reduce coming into contact with the equipment of other players
• There should be no sharing of protective face masks or helmets at any time
• Face masks for the purpose of reducing potential virus transmission MAY be a required stipulation for being on the field or entering the park/complex/facility
• The league will consider implementing a rule that the defensive team supply their own balls while in the field to reduce contact with individuals on the opposing team
• Consideration should be made for safe ball retrieval (home-runs, foul balls)
• Balls may require consistent sanitizing (possibly by team captains)
• Players will need to maintain 6-foot distance, when possible. May need different conditions dependent on the size of the field/backstop
• Catcher and Batter will need to maintain 2-metre distance
• Umpires will not be used anywhere on the field
• Whereas standard Average Joe rules state that the batting team will supply umpires/coaches at 1^st and 3^rd base, a rule amendment will remove this rule and state that the pitcher, also from the batting team, will make the calls at every base
• Batter should attempt to reduce any unnecessary contact with other players. Should also avoid using their hands to contact the ball at any time
• On-Deck Batter circle should be clearly marked to reduce the ability of the batter/umpire/catcher to remain 6-feet apart. If not possible, on-deck circle may need to be removed entirely
• No tag plays, all outs are force plays. This may help to reduce contact between defensive and offensive players by negating the requirement of tagging
• Since there should always be two sets of bases at each game (one per team), it is suggested that both sets of bases should be used. The suggested set up will be as follows: One 1^st base bag at first base, another 1^st base bag at 2^nd base, two sets of standard bases at 3^rd base.
• Commitment lines between 3^rd base and home-plate are common practice for Average Joe leagues, and commitment lines will also now be required between 1^st and 2^nd, as well as 2^nd and 3^rd.
• No sunflower seed, gum chewing or spitting of any kind
• General spitting will be discouraged for all participants, both on and off the field
• Sunflower seeds/chewing tobacco/gum will be handled with a zero tolerance policy, that may become enforceable through potential ejection from the game and/or removal from events
• Game sheets can be discarded immediately after the game is over. A photo can be taken as a reference if needed
• Pre-game/post-game huddles should not be conducted at any time
• Post-game handshake will not be allowed or required following games at any level
• Capacity of players on bench / dugout will need to be consistent with government guidelines relating to number of individuals allowed to gather in a given area
• Players may be required to sit behind the bench/dugout to help maintain safe distances between them
• During the game, players entering and exiting the playing field should do so in an orderly fashion that allows a 6-foot distance to be maintained between players as much as possible
• Any player not required to be on the field should not enter the playing surface (e.g. home-run celebrations)
• First and third base coaches are not permitted
• No high-fives or any other physical contact at anytime either before, after, or during the game, between teammates and/or opponents
• If medical personnel are on hand, injured players should be dealt with primarily by these individuals, unless further assistance is requested
• The number of individuals attending to an injured player should be limited to the number necessary based on the severity of the injury. First-aid and PPE kits might be provided wherever possible to help increase the safety of their interaction with the injured player
• Call Challenges may be made as long as the challenge is made by a recognized captain in a controlled and orderly fashion, and the captains are able to remain at a safe distance in which neither is put at risk

4. SPECTATORS (Where Applicable)

• PLEASE NOTE: The allowance of spectators will be dependent on the guidelines set out by the Ontario government and local health officials. In general, spectators will be discouraged
• Spectators will not be allowed to watch the game from inside the infield baselines. It will be required that any spectators (if allowed) will need to bring their own chairs or blankets and sit down the foul line or outside of the outfield fence.
• Seating areas including bleachers and picnic areas should be considered off limits to prevent congregation of groups of spectators.
• Players who are not required to be present for a game should be considered spectators and will be required to follow spectator guidelines
• Established hand sanitizing guidelines will need to be followed by all spectators. Personal supply of hand sanitizer will be recommended if hand sanitizer is not provided
• As is consistent with guidelines for participants, spectators will not be allowed any seeds, gum, or chewing tobacco and will be asked to remove it from the area
• Spectator use of food/picnic, washroom areas will be dependent on the operational guidelines of these areas/facilities outlined by facility management
• Spectators and participants will be asked to leave small children/pets at home if possible, to reduce the number of individuals present at a game or event. If they are present they must be supervised at all times by a parent/guardian
• Crowding will not be tolerated. Individuals will always be asked to respect the 6-foot rule when possible and gatherings of individuals will be asked to separate when necessary

5. ONSITE CONVENERS

• Average Joe Sports Club runs self-officiated recreational sports leagues, and will not be employing any umpires or officials of any kind for our Softball League games this season
• Onsite conveners will be in place wherever possible, to ensure that the above rules are being followed and enforced
• On-site conveners will conduct check-ins and take attendance
• Conveners will abide by the distancing guidelines set out by the Ontario government and local health officials, and their primary role will be to remind and all participants of the rules when necessary

6.EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

When a positive COVID-19 test is confirmed amongst an Average Joe Member(s) currently playing, Average Joe Sports Club will provide the following:

1.      Positive test confirmed with Average Joe Sports Club staff

2.      Team Captain of positive teammate to be contacted immediately to inform remaining teammates

3.      Team Captains from opposing teams in bubble notified

4.      Internal communication with convener/referee/staff and general manager

5.      All staff/players in bubble referred to Ontario Health Authority (Telehealth Ontario: +1 866-797-0000)

6.      Communication to Region/Town/City staff of emergency response plan in action

7.      Emergency resolved

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