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WYSA Updates

By Lisa Hoeme, 05/20/20, 10:15AM CDT

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Here are the latest updates from WYSA as of May 15, 2020:

Thank you for your continued support of WYSA, and your commitment to youth soccer players across our state. This week’s Supreme Court decision has raised many questions about the course of our organization. Please know that WYSA does not intend to reverse the action to cancel Spring programs. Instead, we are focusing on Return to Play Guidelines and the return of youth soccer, under a thoughtful and deliberate approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about cancelation of the spring season and the 2020/2021 soccer year can be found in this COVID-19 Response FAQ.

Policy Amendments

Based on feedback from member clubs, action was taken to amend the 2020 Tryout Policy and the Youth Academy Policy. As a reminder, the Period of Open Promotion has been delayed and may now begin Monday, June 29. Registration of youth academy players begins today, May 15.

Return to Play Protocol

WYSA Return to Play Guidelines are being developed in consultation with medical professionals and are based upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, State and Local Health Departments, US Youth Soccer and U.S. Soccer. Guidelines will be released in advance of a return to play date and include webinar opportunities for members to ensure proper implementation of WYSA guidelines.

Clubs should anticipate a phased approach where activities are initially limited to small groups. Guidelines will include suggested criteria for group size, hygiene, sanitization, and social distancing. Games will resume in the latter phases of our Return to Play Protocol, as the phased approach demonstrates successful transitions into more relaxed settings. WYSA may adopt more permanent policies around hygiene and sanitization as part of our responsibility to provide safe environments.

Waivers

In addition to the standard Release of Liability Waiver, clubs should begin collecting a Communicable Disease Waiver which documents that WYSA and/or Clubs have advised the registrant of the risk of contracting a communicable disease in a group sport setting. The Communicable Disease Waiver must remain separate from the Release of Liability, requiring its own signature or acknowledgement of the agreement. Communicable Disease Waivers should be collected for all players in the 2020/2021 season, plus any 2019/2020 players who participate in a return to play that occurs before August 1.

Refunds

Refunds of Spring 2020 program fees are underway. (This process will take several days to complete.) Refunds of player registration fees will begin next week. Clubs with an outstanding debt to WYSA will not receive refunds until those balances are resolved. (Please contact Julie Schmitt with questions about your club’s balance.)

Club Outreach Opportunities

Member service and player engagement are high priorities for WYSA during this unusual time. The pandemic has presented unique opportunities to connect with members virtually. Most recently the WYSA Directors of Coaching have rolled out topical webinars for individual clubs, specific to coaches or players. These interactive meetings focus on things like position specific roles or the functions of each position on the field. Sessions can be for club staff, multiple teams, or age groups. To request a webinar, please contact Jim LaunderCraig Carlson or Julie Schmitt.