Club leadership has been working hard with the medical advisory committee to develop a plan to return to the field. Of course, the start of any field practices must be in line with local, state, and public health guidance, and is also dependent on field availability. Although the exact date we can phase into field training is uncertain, please know that the health and safety of our players and coaches is our top priority. Following the release of the state of Washington’s Phased Approach to Recovery, we have created an initial plan on how we will return to the field when the opportunity arises. Below are 10 key features of Seattle United’s Return to Play Training Plan – Phase A (small groups at a time). Parents please take the time to review this information with your player. It is critical that everyone observe the same procedures when we begin field training. Our coaches will also be going through the training plan and important safety guidelines with their teams in the coming weeks. This starts only when we are allowed, by Governor Inslee’s order, to return to the fields.
Seattle United – Return to Play Training Plan: Phase A
1. Non-Contact and Social Distancing
Coaches and players will execute small group training sessions without physical contact during all activities and drills. All players and coaches will observe 6 feet distance from each other. No handshakes, high-fives, or fist bumps!
2. No Symptoms
Players and coaches with any of the following signs or symptoms should NOT attend practice: fever (>100.0), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, body/muscle aches, diarrhea, sore throat, new headache, loss of taste or smell.
3. Masks and Facial Coverings
All Seattle United coaches will wear cloth masks during the training session. Players should wear a cloth mask before and after the training session when moving between the car and field. Use of facial coverings during exercise and drills is optional for players.
4. Hygiene and Hand Sanitizer
All players should have hand sanitizer in their soccer bag. Players should use hand sanitizer before practice and avoid touching their face during practice. Players should immediately use hand sanitizer after practice before putting on their cloth mask.
5. Small Groups
We will train in small groups of ≤ 5 players (consistent with Washington’s Phased Approach Reopening Plan). Coaches will be centralized to the small groups and maintain social distancing. Depending on time and space constraints, teams may be divided into two 45 minute blocks and further split into groups of 5 or less for training.
6. No Shared Equipment
Players should bring their own water bottle and ball to training. There is no sharing of water bottles, and players will not touch or share training equipment such as cones or gear bags. Coaches will handle all equipment, and pinnies will not be used.
7. No Lines, No Huddles
Training will be appropriately spaced, with technical demonstrations and team-talks executed from a distance. Training activities will not include waiting lines.
8. 10 Minutes between Sessions
We will observe a 10 minute break between training sessions to transition the groups in and out. Where possible, teams will approach (enter and exit) the training field from separate directions, and players will remain in their car and away from the field until the 10 minute break after the prior session has concluded. Coaches and teams will receive specific instructions for which area of the field they will be working as a small group.
9. No Gathering, No Delay
Players should avoid social gatherings before and after practice to maintain appropriate social distancing of 6 feet and to facilitate rapid turnaround between sessions. Soccer bags should be placed 6 feet apart.
10. Parents Sideline Distance
Parents should not gather and socialize on the sideline and are encouraged to remain in their cars if staying at the practice site. If parents come to the sideline for pick-up or drop-off, they should wear a facial covering and maintain the appropriate distance from the training group and other parents.
