As a follow up to our last communication regarding best practices during this pandemic, we are now strongly advising that programs operate with no more than 10 people present at any given time. This is change from the previously communicated recommendation of 25 people or less.
We are hopeful that by continuing to employ best practices and common sense, we will be able to continue to operate youth sports without enacting further restrictions that have been issued in neighboring counties.
- https://www.carrollcountymd.
gov/government/directory/ recreation-parks/ - https://governor.maryland.gov/
wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ Gatherings-12th-AMENDED-9.1. 20.pdf
b. Requirement to Wear Face Coverings.
i. Except as provided in paragraph IV.c, all persons in Maryland over the age of five (5) years old are required to wear a Face Covering when they are:
3. outdoors and unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household;
c. Exceptions. Paragraph IV.b.i does not require persons to wear Face Coverings:
i. if, due to a bona fide disability or medical condition, it would be unsafe for the person to do so;
https://commerce.maryland.gov/
- Face coverings are required for all employees, parents or guardians, and participants, including children older than five years
of age, when indoors. When outdoors, face coverings are required if unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from other non-household individuals and are advisable under all conditions. For exceptions to this requirement, please see the
latest Executive Order - Caution should be used in requiring the use of face coverings outdoors during hot days or when children are engaged in vigorous activity. In these settings, face coverings can increase
the risks of heat-related injuries, and may also not be advisable for children with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Face coverings for children aged over 5 years old are only required when they can be worn safely and consistently, with the following
exceptions (for a full list, please see section IV.c of the Executive Order): - Staff and volunteers should be trained in, and understand current COVID-19 health and workplace guidelines, such as hand hygiene and cleaning protocols, along with proper PPE use and
disposal. - • Implement a daily screening process for staff and youth athletes, which includes CDC or MDH recommended health questions, and consider temperature testing.
- • Direct staff and parents/guardians of youth athletes to follow CDC and state guidelines regarding home isolation for suspected or confirmed COVID infections.
- • Encourage staff to maintain social distancing, including during breaks, and modify procedures to avoid staff congregation.
- • Staff should be alert for heat-related signs and symptoms and consider additional protective measures for hot and Code Red days.
- • Train staff on the proper responses to those who challenge social distancing, facial covering, and other protocols.
Rec & Parks Removes Restrictions with Safety Guidelines
Westminster, MD, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – As a result of Governor Hogan’s recent announcement that Maryland will enter Stage 3 of the Road to Recovery, and after consultation with Carroll County Health Officer Ed Singer, effective at 5 pm on Friday, September 4, 2020, Carroll County Recreation & Parks will:
· remove restrictions that prohibited competition and full contact in high risk activities such as tackle football, wrestling and basketball
· eliminate its current 30-mile travel limit for activities, but continues to encourage restraint with regards to program travel for leagues and tournaments
· continue to emphasize adherence to best practices for youth sports including regular wellness checks, social distancing, and regular disinfecting of equipment
Also, state orders regarding spectators and face coverings remain in effect. This action is consistent with the Carroll County Commissioners’ adherence to following the Governor’s Executive Orders.
The department would like to recognize the efforts of all programs that already implemented their return to play safety procedures that help to reduce risk for the community as children return to play. We would also like to recognize and thank our great volunteers who accepted these challenges, met them head on and continue to serve for the benefit of our youth.
From Carroll County Recreation & Parks - July 31, 2020
As you are probably aware, Governor Hogan amended his executive order regard face coverings this week with an effective date of today, July 31, at 5 pm. In short, the order now requires face coverings for all persons in Maryland over the age of five (5) years old when they are outdoors and unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household.
Exceptions to this requirement include the
following:
1. If
due to bona fide disability or medical condition, it would be unsafe for person
to wear face covering
2. Not
required while swimming or engaging in other physical activities where the use
of a Face Covering is likely to pose a bona fide safety risk Per a
previous communication from Maryland State Department of Health, face coverings
are not recommended when outside on very hot days due to the risk of heat
injury
To assist the recreation councils with
interpretation of this order with regards to youth sports programs, we are
providing the following guidance:
1. Youth
sports participants actively engaged in their sport are not required to wear a
face covering.
2. Youth
sports participants who are not actively engaged in their sporty and are on the
sidelines or bench should be wearing face coverings, especially if they are
unable to consistently maintain 6' apart from other players
3. Youth
sports activities may only have parents and family members present as
spectators. We strongly recommend that spectators wear face coverings,
especially if they are unable to maintain 6' apart from non-family members
We have received reports of players and
spectators not practicing effective social distancing and heard concerns about
the possible negative health impact on our community. While we are all
hopeful that the children will be able to enjoy some level of outdoor activity
this fall, we will need responsible behavior from all involved to make that a
reality.
We continue to await more information regarding
fall high school sports and the use of school indoor facilities and related
impacts on rec. council activities.
