May 8, 2020
Dear Club and League Representatives:
Please be advised that Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has extended her ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order through Thursday, May 28, 2020. As you know, MSYSA’s return-to-play date is June 1, 2020. However, MSYSA anticipates reviewing the June 1, 2020 return-to-play date on or around May 18, 2020.
For now, MSYSA has suspended all of our soccer activities*, all MSYSA sanctioned tournaments, and all affiliated soccer activities through May 31, 2020. In addition, MSYSA recently developed a new policy for 2020-2021, redefining how travel teams may be formed in the absence of in-person (traditional) try-outs. Please Click here for more information.
*MSYSA affiliated activities includes scheduled games, team practice/training sessions, or sponsored activities that are under the direct supervision of a team official; or sanctioned local or national tournaments as a member of a contestant team (e.g., any activity that MSYSA sanctions and insures).
Currently, the State of Michigan is in Phase 3 (Flattening) of six phases in the MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 4 (Improving) is outlined as the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths declining, with robust testing and contact tracing in place. Phase 5 (Containing) is described as the state’s confirmed case count and death rates continuing to improve, and outbreaks that can be quickly contained. In Phase 5, outdoor recreation (currently not defined in any way) is allowed (limited-size groups) with adherence to social distancing. Phase 6 (Post-pandemic) is when community spread is no longer expected to return, and the economy is fully reopened. It is not likely the State of Michigan will be in this phase until there is a vaccine or cure for COVID-19.
In the near future, US Youth Soccer plans to provide State Associations with guidelines as it relates to a potential, and phased-in, return-to-play. MSYSA future guidelines may be comparable. However, MSYSA guidelines could also include additional guidance/recommendations suggested from the CDC, and state/local health departments. In addition, MSYSA’s guidelines are likely to outline player responsibilities, parent/guardian responsibilities and coach/club responsibilities. Like you, MSYSA is hopeful that the State of Michigan, and the appropriate health departments, share their information, when available.
Our next teleconference (Zoom) update will occur with club and league representatives on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 4:00 pm. A separate email communication will be disseminated to club and league representatives with the call-in number and meeting ID. Please note: This call is limited to club & league representatives only.
Finally, for a potential, safe, and orderly return-to-play, at some point in the future, please do your part to protect yourself and others by following the CDC recommendations.
Sincerely,
Thomas Faro
Executive Director
cc.:      MSYSA Board of Directors
Posted in Notice, Uncategorized