LEAGUE UPDATES

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES - Updated August 17, 2021

With guidance from our health advisory partner

BHA

The ZogSports COVID-19 Safety Guidelines include best practices for adult social sports developed in conjunction with the Social Sports Industry Association (SSIA) Safety Guidelines Task Force and experts at the NYC-based health advisory firm Better Health Advisors.

We designed these guidelines to ensure the safety of players and staff through the phased reopening of group activities.

These guidelines are meant to supplement any current restrictions and mandates imposed by state and local authorities and ZogSports’ facility partners. Since guidance and best practices continue to evolve, the ZogSports COVID-19 Safety Guidelines are subject to change without notice.

Remember, if you are sick please stay home!

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Players

Any players not following these rules will be removed from the game, and their rights to continue playing in the league will be reviewed by ZogSports.

Before Games

  • A reminder email will be sent to all teams, team captains, players, staff and officials the week leading up to the start of a league:
    • Any person who is experiencing symptoms of sickness or person living with someone who has symptoms will be prohibited from attending the event
    • All event attendees should follow the best practices of social distancing, masking, and hand-washing
    • All posted and published local and state-regulated guidelines shall be followed
    • Understand and prepare to follow all posted sport-specific rules.
  • Self-Assessment Form:  A COVID self-assessment form link will be included in all Welcome Emails sent to players before the start of the season. Before each game, players must click on this link, fill out the form, and pass the self-assessment in order to participate in games that week.   
  • Quarantine : Players are responsible for self-quarantining and not attending a game if they are on quarantine for such reasons as: exposure to others who are positive or recently travelled to a state that requires them to quarantine. This is the honor system, and players can email COVID19@zogsports.com, if they suspect another player is not following this rule.
  • Hand Washing: Players must wash-hands or sanitize hands before play.  Players are encouraged to bring their own antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. We will also have sanitizer and disinfectant available on site.
  • Social Distancing: Arriving teams should maintain social distance (6 feet) from teams on the field, and players should maintain social distance from teammates as well.
  • Vaccine Proof: Indoor league participants must show vaccination proof at the facility, either to the facility front desk attendant or a ZogSports staff member. You can show your vaccine card or your Digital Vaccine Record, which can be obtained here.  Outdoor league participants are not required to submit proof of vaccination prior to games.  
  • Masking: Mask policies in each league reflect restrictions set forth by the local Health Department and facility and are subject to change at any time. In most of our indoor leagues,  masks are not required for vaccinated players currently. Masks are require for non-vaccinated players. 
  • Cleaning: Game balls and/or equipment will be sanitized before and after each game.
  • Spectators: No spectators are allowed for indoor games.

During Games

  • Social Distancing: Players must always keep proper social distance (6 feet) beginning upon arrival at the facility and as much as possible during play.
    • Along the sidelines, social distancing is required.
    • Players must always keep proper social distance from referees and umpires.
    • Only the team captain can approach the referee to ask questions and gain clarification.
    • Handshakes, high fives, team huddles, etc. are not allowed.
  • Masking: Mask policies in each league reflect restrictions set forth by the local Health Department and facility and are subject to change at any time. In most of our indoor leagues,  masks are not required for vaccinated players currently. Masks are require for non-vaccinated players. 
  • Hand-Washing: Players are encouraged to use hand sanitizer on the sidelines.
    • Hand washing or sanitizing is required before and at halftime for all indoor games
  • Cleaning: Players are encouraged to clean playing equipment and hands between innings/periods/halfs/etc. Do not touch or share anyone else’s equipment, water, food, or bags.

After Games

  • “Leave No Trace” Policy: Teams must leave absolutely nothing at the field and in the dugouts and sidelines, and will be directed to clean their dugouts and team bench areas on departure.
  • Teams must leave the field immediately after their game concludes.
  • All ZogSports sponsored in-person post-game happy hours are postponed until further notice. Players are encouraged to socialize virtually.
  • Players are welcome to email feedback about their experience with the safety guidelines in practice to COVID19@zogsports.com.

Exposure Protocols

  • If a player or game staff member tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days (before or after), they must contact the ZogSports immediately at COVID19@zogsports.com.
    • In accordance with privacy laws, we will not disclose names of any individual (including any staff or player) who has symptoms or tests positive.
    • A designated and trained COVID-19 responder will follow up with players and staff present and work with Better Health Advisors to understand and follow the federal, state, and local regulations around exposures and contact tracing efforts.
  • Any decisions to postpone games due to someone testing positive for COVID-19 will be based on current federal, state, and local regulations.
  • A player or staff member who tests positive can return based on the current guidance from the local Department of Health.