Wisconsin Woodchucks Coach, Player, & Umpire Safety Guidelines
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Woodchucks Play ball plan WISCONSIN WOODCHUCKS COACH, PLAYER, & UMPIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES Last Updated: 6/10/2020 Each player, coach, and umpire should be aware there are currently active cases of COVID-19 in Marathon County. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. Most people who are infected with COVID-19 develop mild or moderate symptoms, but some people develop severe complications, including hospitalization or death. The Woodchucks have laid out guidelines, in consultation with state and local health authorities, to ensure as safe and enjoyable an experience at the ballpark as possible that minimizes the risk of exposure. This document is subject to updates and changes as more information and guidelines regarding Covid-19 are released. However, anyone playing, coaching, or umpiring may be exposed to COVID-19, and all persons assume the risk of contracting COVID-19. Each player, coach, and umpire are freely and willingly choosing to play baseball in Wausau this summer. For this reason, the Woodchucks encourage all players and coaches to consult with his or her health care provider to determine his or her individual risk associated with playing, coaching, or umpiring this season. The Woodchucks also ask everyone to follow all state and federal guidelines, including social distancing, hand washing, and the use of masks, while in attendance to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Furthermore, these guidelines are in addition to, and do not limit the Northwoods Leagues Rules and Regulations. Coaches, players, and umpires who do not follow guidelines set forth are subject to suspension and/or dismissal from the team. Last Updated: 6/10/2020 GOLDEN RULE: Per the CDC, the majority of COVID-19 spread comes from close contact between person to person (sneezing, coughing, talking). With that being said, if you are a Woodchuck player, coach, or umpire it is strongly recommended to avoid being within 6ft of someone else, with a mask on or without, for 15 or more minutes. ARRIVAL, LODGING, AND MEALS • Players and coaches are required to be tested for COVID 19 upon arrival in Wausau. - After the test, they must remain isolated, and are not to report to practice or the stadium, until cleared. - If the player is staying with a host family, they must wear a mask until cleared based on their test results. • If a player tests positive, please see the Woodchucks Emergency Action Plan for next steps. • Players and coaches will be housed either with a host family or in a sponsored dorm for the season. • If housed in a dorm, 3 meals will be provided daily, regardless if you are playing or not. • If housed with a host family, the host family will provide all meals except for post-game meals, which will be provided by the Woodchucks. • Dorm rooms and host families will be assigned, and it is assumed that players remain in the same living arrangement unless you receive direction otherwise. DAILY BALLPARK ARRIVAL GUIDELINES • If a coach or player is not feeling well, they are required to contact their head coach or team General Manager. Under no circumstances is a coach or player allowed to come to the ballpark if not feeling well, running a fever, or showing any signs of COVID-19 including cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, new loss of smell, or taste. - If not feeling well, coaches and players will be instructed to isolate and follow the guidelines allowed below in the Player and Coach Emergency Response Plan. • Players are encouraged to travel alone to and from the ballpark or with a member of their household pod. • Upon arrival at the ballpark, all coaches and players will receive temperature and symptom screenings and are encouraged to check their temperature at home each day as well. • Players and coaches will be provided masks by the team and are encouraged to wear it until on the field or during strenuous activities. • The Clubhouse locker room is to be used for changing, equipment, and as the Coaches office only. - Locker room capacity is limited to 10 individuals at one time. - Players are not permitted to store any belongings in the locker room. Personal equipment bags should be kept in players vehicles and only essential items brought to the dugout and bullpen. Last Updated: 6/10/2020 - All team gatherings are to take place on the field with proper distancing. - Additional restrictions on clubhouse access – media and front office staff are likely to be prohibited. - Cleanliness of the clubhouse is to be increased • Players will use the restrooms designated for player use only. • For all player meals and snacks, please ensure you practice social distancing and good hy- giene. - Buffet-style food service will be discontinued and all utensils must be pre-packaged. • Post-game dinners will be served to players via staff. On the Field Guidelines • Players are encouraged not to interact within 6ft for longer than a few minutes with a member of the opposing team to avoid close contact. • Players are advised to avoid touching their face, licking their fingers and should use hand sanitizer in between innings. • High fives, fist pumps, hugs, with teammates or opposing team are prohibited. • Limitations on the use of commonly “spit” items, including, but not limited to seeds, gum and peanuts. • Tossing balls or any objects into the stands is prohibited. • Mound visits will either be eliminated and conducted from the dugout or restricted to only one coach, the pitcher, and catcher and each must maintain 6ft of distance. • When warming up and playing catch players are encouraged to have one teammate to play catch with all season. • First and third base coaches are not allowed to approach baserunners or umpires within 6ft • Fielders are encouraged to retreat several steps away from baserunners between pitches (6ft). • Fielders are strongly encouraged to not throw the ball around the infield after an out. • Pitchers should have their own set of balls to throw during bullpen sessions. • A new baseball will be used to start each inning. • Last Updated: 6/10/2020 Dugout & Bullpen Guidelines: • Position players will sit in the dugout during games and pitchers will sit in the bullpen. It is strongly encouraged each player maintains 6ft between themselves at all times. • The dugout, bullpen, and locker room will have hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray or wipes. • Woodchucks players will be given masks to wear. • The visiting team is required to bring and wear their own masks. • Players are encouraged not to share personal equipment and to use hygiene and proper sani- tation. • No sunflower seeds or tobacco products will be allowed in the dugout, bullpen, bus or at any on field activities. • Individual water bottles will be given to each player at the start of the season and players are encouraged to use hand sanitizer after filling up bottles. • To preserve the field conditions, players are instructed to stay off the grass outside the dugout and near gates as much as possible. Players and coaches should not stand on the field side of the dugout rail. • Only the catcher and Clubhouse Manager are encouraged to retrieve foul balls in the field of play. Foul balls should be disinfected before returning to use. • Clubhouse Manager will disinfect team equipment before and during games including hel- mets, bats, balls, catcher’s equipment, etc. • Medical personnel are the only individuals to surround a player if there is an injury. • After the game, players are strongly encouraged to disinfect all equipment before bringing back to the hotel or host family and/or leave in a vehicle. - Avoid touching surfaces until showering. • A full list of guidelines will be posted in the bullpen and dugouts. • Autographs and high fives with fans are not permitted. Umpires • No pre-game handshake at plate meeting. • Baseballs will be rubbed with batting gloves by umpires’ pre-game with water and mud only. • Lineup cards can be exchanged at the plate meeting with hand sanitization afterwards. • No sharing of pens etc. by plate umpire/managers. • Umpires should have social distance at all times possible. • Umpires will not meet between innings in close proximity to each other. • Should a crew need to get together to discuss a play, they should maintain some distance. Last Updated: 6/10/2020 AWAY FROM BALLPARK GUIDELINES: • The Northwoods League and Woodchucks will not formally restrict the activities of players and coaches when they are away from the ballpark, but it is expected that the members of each team act responsibility. - The careless actions of a single member of the team place the entire team and their host families at risk as well as the season. - Each player and coach are strongly encouraged to maintain 6ft from all individuals when out and about. • Players and Coaches are strongly encouraged not to attend large gatherings of 10 or more. This includes, but is not limited to, parties, bars and large public events. • Players are encouraged to social distance, use proper hygiene and minimize contact with surfaces when in public places such as grocery stores and restaurants. • Woodchucks Players are provided access to a local gym (LIFT). - Woodchucks players are all required to abide by gym rules. - Please visit LIFT GYMS for clear guidelines. - Failure to follow rules may result in loss of access to the gym. • There will be no player or mascot community appearances. • When traveling to and from an away game the Woodchucks will abide by all guidelines set forth by Progressive Travel, their travel partner. Let’s do our part to keep everyone safe and healty! Last Updated: 6/10/2020.