Some sort of youth sports season this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic became possible recently under the guidelines proposed by Governor Gina Raimondo’s Phase II reopening plan for the state.

The following are the key elements for sports:

• Stable groups: Participants are required to be organized in “stable groups” of a maximum of 15 people. The term “stable groups” means the same individuals, including children, staff and any adult leaders, remain in the same group over the course of the entire program. Children shall not change from one group to another, and groups should occupy the same physical space. Parents and caregivers should choose one stable group for their child per season. It should be noted that coming into close proximity with someone outside your household increases your risk and should be limited as much as possible.

• Physical distancing: Physical distancing is encouraged, but not required within each stable group; however, activities where at least six feet of distance can be maintained are encouraged and 14 feet of distance is preferred. When not engaged in active play, members of a stable group should maintain physical distance of six feet between each person.

• Space between stable groups: Stable groups are required to maintain a minimum of 14 feet between the outer limit of their group play and any other stable group or passersby.

• Quarantine: All out-of-state participants in Summer Youth Sports should be advised of and adhere to any executive orders regarding the need to quarantine prior to participation in Summer Youth Sports.

• Screening: Screen adult leaders and youth participants prior to the activity for any symptoms of COVID-19. A screening tool is available, in English and Spanish, to aid with proper screening at https://health.ri.gov/covid/for/business. Any person exhibiting signs of illness or who have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 must be excluded from the activity in accordance with CDC and RI Department of Health guidelines at

https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019.

• Hand cleaning: Teach and reinforce handwashing with children engaged in sports activities. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol may be used. Handwashing and/or sanitizing should occur before, during, and after Summer Youth Sports activities.

• Facilities: Close shared spaces, such as locker rooms, if possible. Otherwise, stagger use and clean and disinfect between uses. For any facilities in use, a cleaning schedule must be implemented to ensure the frequent cleaning of high-touch areas or equipment, daily cleaning, and a cleaning and disinfection between sessions. This may include cleaning frequently touched surfaces on the field, court, or play surface at least daily, or between uses by different stable groups. Find guidance on cleaning and disinfection at CDC Youth Sports Guidance.

• Shared objects: Discourage sharing of items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect between use (e.g., balls, bats, racquets). Participants should bring and use their own equipment where possible, or have equipment designated and labeled for individual use by the organization. Shared equipment should be limited and sanitized between users. Equipment should be staged to allow physical distance between users and to limit multiple touches. All participants must have their own food/beverage items. Cups, bottles, or other food/beverage items are not to be shared.

• Practice vs. team play: Focus on practice and drills is encouraged rather than games, even within stable groups. Team play may be allowed when physical distancing can easily and continuously be maintained during competitive activity. Risk of transmission increases when there are combined activities or games between two or more stable groups. Competition between groups or teams and travel to play other groups are prohibited.

• Face coverings: Coaches and staff are required to wear a face covering in accordance with RIDOH regulations and Executive Order 20-30 or when unable to easily, continuously, and measurably keep six feet of physical distance from others. Youth participants are encouraged to wear face coverings when not engaged in active play. While engaged in the active play of sports or strenuous activities, youth participants do not need to wear a face covering. However, youth participants should be encouraged to wear face masks at all other times.

Face coverings shall not be required of those who are unable to comply for health or developmental reasons, including young children who may not be able to effectively wear a mask.

• Plan and communication: Summer Youth Sports organizations shall provide parents, caregivers, and participants with their COVID-19 plan. Organizations are encouraged to appoint a team parent to support coaches in monitoring compliance with COVID-19 plans during practices and drills.