FYSA Update on Corona Virus and this Weekend
Teams,
We wanted to provide you a brief update on the status of games for this upcoming weekend as it pertains to the spread of the coronavirus.
On Monday, March 3, 2020, we reported on our current position about the coronavirus. We've been in contact with US Youth Soccer (USYS) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to gather additional information about the virus and best practices for preventative care from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). All available information can be found via our website link here: https://www.fysa.com/fysa-on-the-coronavirus/ .
At this time, games will continue as planned. USYS has canceled competitions that require air travel. Since our competitions do not require it, we feel it's proper to continue as scheduled. We will continue to monitor and advise as needed. Should there be any domestic travel advisories or alerts that impact our upcoming events, we will contact all parties involved about the status of state-level competitions or programs.
FYSA encourages our soccer community to take all reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in their daily lives. Coronavirus and influenza are spread by exposure to droplets via coughing and by contact with surfaces touched by an infected person. Touching an infected surface and then touching your face, eyes, mouth or nose is a preventable route of transmission.
We've included FAQs below on several questions that we have received from the membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are fields closed this weekend?
No. Currently, all fields are open and ready to be used for this weekend's games.
2. Will FYSA close fields because of the coronavirus?
Since FYSA does not have governing control over the closure of fields, local county or city governments will update us on the closure of any/all soccer complexes. Should this happen, we will inform all teams via GotSoccer communication and our website at www.fysa.com .
3. What if my team wants to back out of the competition before this weekend?
If any team desires to back out of their games for this weekend due to concerns over the coronavirus, please contact Jill Hartley and Jonathan Spradley via email before Thursday, March 12, 2020, by 5:00 PM EDT. No fees will be fined to those teams wishing to back out of the competition, but please note that this action will prohibit any further participation in the FYSA Presidents Cup.
4. What can we do to prevent illness?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (at least 30 seconds).
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose with your hands.
- Clean or disinfect all areas of your training area after every use.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizers in addition to frequent hand-washing. Carry small bottles of alcoholic disinfectant to use when hand-washing facilities are unavailable.
- During camps, training, and tournaments, maintaining hygiene is extremely important. Clothes should be washed after workouts.
- Support your immune system with a varied, a vitamin-rich diet with sufficient vegetables and fruit to help prevent infections. Fruit containing vitamin C, such as oranges or grapefruits, are particularly important.
- Keep hydrated and drink enough to keep mucous membranes moist. Flu vaccines are always
recommended.
- If an athlete, coach or staff member has symptoms such as coughing, fever or general malaise, they should contact their physician, should NOT attend practice and should be evaluated by your personal physician.
Our primary commitment and focus always are the health and safety of our FYSA members, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
The Florida Youth Soccer Association