On Field Guidance

• No handshakes/Personal Contact Celebrations
  • Little League promotes Sportsmanship, at end of game instead of shaking hands suggestion is lineup in dugouts and tip caps to each other
  • Parents and players should leave immediately after games/practices

Return to Play

• Drinks
  • Bring own drink from home, either single disposable container or reusable container that will be brought home and sanitized.
  • No shared containers
  • Label containers
• Food/gum
  • No food, gum or sunflower seeds will be permitted in dugouts or on the field.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – taking reasonable protective measures to limit risk
  • Recommendation is that all managers/coaches/volunteers/umpires should wear PPE such as cloth face coverings and gloves whenever possible.
  • Recommendation for players are to wear face coverings in situations where social distance is limited. Ultimately not necessary for players to wear gloves or masks in the fields, but if a family wants their child to wear a mask in the field, then it is absolutely permitted.
• Dugouts
  • Still recommending social distancing
    • Spots will be marked on benches for players to be  spaced following state guidelines. Limit the dugout to 1 coach.
    • Each player has an assigned spot either in the dugout or bleachers (or field accommodation) while waiting for their turn to bat.
• Player Equipment
  • All equipment should be properly spaced out to avoid close contact with players outside of dugout.
  • All sharing of equipment is discouraged. Players should have their own Helmet, Glove, Bat, Catcher’s equipment.
  • Each team will be provided with 2 sets of catchers equipment. Each set must be sanitized after each game and practice.
• Baseballs
  • Umpires need to limit contact with the ball.
  • Players should retrieve foul balls opposed to fans/spectators.
• Spitting
  • Players must avoid licking their fingers.
  • No spitting at all times especially dugout and playing surface.

Game Operations and Umpire Guidance

• Pre-Game Plate Meetings
  • Coaches stand outside corners of batters box if need be. One manager and umpire only
  • Players should not be included in plate meeting
  • Recommendation is face mask is worn
• Equipment Inspection
  • Umpire should avoid contact with equipment when it is called for an inspection
• Field Preparation and Maintenance
  • Fields should prepped and lined in advance to games before everyone shows up.
  • Any equipment used needs to be sanitized before and after use
• Umpire Placement
  • Recommendation to position behind pitchers mounds
  • Keep safe distance from players if at all possible and wear gloves if possible. Recommendation is to wear facial covering for duration of the game.

Facility, Fan, and Administrative Guidance

• Guidelines have been reviewed by the CDC. Resources are at CDC.GOV
  • Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces
  • Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting [PDF – 9 pages]
  • Guidance for Administrators of Parks
  • Visiting Parks and Recreation Facilities
• Clean and Disinfect
  • Players will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer when returning from the field and when leaving the dugout.
• Spreading out Scheduling of Practices and Games
  • Follow Local and State Guidelines, number of people allowed to gather.
  • Time between games and practices to allow one group to completely vacate before next group arrives
  • Limit warm up to 30 minutes

Limiting Spectator Attendance

• Bleachers may be utilized for players only. Spectators will be encouraged to bring their own chairs
  • Practice social distancing, six feet away from families, highly encourage to wear facial coverings
  • Recommendation to mark these locations

Public Restrooms

• The city is not providing portable toilets to public parks. We understand this could be a potential problem. For now we ask you to please plan ahead. We will work to find a solution to this problem.

Concession Stands

• As of now the concession stand will not be operational

Promote Everyday Preventative Actions

• Common sense hygiene, social distancing, if feeling sick, have temperature, showing any symptoms, please do not visit the field

PRACTICES

• During phase 2, only 25 participants are allowed on each playing surface.
• Each team will be issued their own practice balls (as we always have)
• No scrimmages, no officiated games allowed.
• Players’ equipment to remain outside of field, separated at least 6 ft

GAMES

• During Phase 3, 50 participants are allowed on each playing surface.
• Bleachers and dugout area will be designated for players only so we can separate the players.

www.littleleague.org/2020returntoplay