Good afternoon all,
I hope everyone continues to be safe and healthy!
A few updates:
Clarification - The Governor has enacted a three phase plan to reopen Oklahoma. There has been questions concerning the return to sport activities under the May 15 Phase II action:
"Organized sports activities can reopen and operate under proper social distancing and sanitation protocols." I have contacted the Governor's office who directed me to the Department of Commerce who structured the reopening phases. The "proper social distancing" applies to spectators and not players. This means players do not have to practice social distancing on the field during practices or games.
Schedules - Dave and Pauletta are currently working on finalizing schedules, these should be in the assignor/scheduler's hands shortly. Questions have been ask about what clubs need to do on rescheduling games. All recreational travel and competitive schedules will be done by OSA with clubs completing times and field assignments. Club in-house and intra-club schedules will continue to be done by the club.
Practice - As communities begin to lessen restrictions, we must also keep in mind state restrictions from the Governor. Although local communities may be allowing gatherings and complexes to open, under the Governor's reopening plan, sports activities can not commerce until May 15. Therefore, team activities and practices are not allowed statewide and are not sanctioned.
Insurance - OSA members, through membership and registration receive the benefits of accident, liability, and director's and officer's (protects board members against actions, no other organization provides this to their members) insurance. Once members are registered and participate in a sanctioned practice or game, there is a possibility to future claims or actions against the club, OSA and USYS. The keys to insurance coverage are:
Registered members
Sanctioned activities
Members (clubs) in good standing (all fees paid and no outstanding discipline issues)
I hope this email has answered some your questions. I will follow up with protocol information early next week for your club for the current May 15 return to play.
Thank you everyone for your patience, commitment, and service to our soccer members.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sid Goodrich
OSA Executive Director