Announcement

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Important Message regarding WAA plan for Return To Play

Posted by Team Chicago Academy on May 19 2020 at 07:23AM PDT in 2019-2020

To All Wheatland Ducks, Spikes and Team Chicago Participants and Families;

Wheatland Athletic Association’s mission statement states its goal as providing “a SAFE and positive environment for kids to learn and play.” With this guidance and in light of these extraordinary times, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to assess our summer and fall programs especially the upcoming summer activities and schedules of Team Chicago, Wheatland Ducks and Spikes.

The Board realizes that its decisions require balancing member interests and their safety with inconsistent local, state and national restrictions and orders constantly in flux. The Board pledges to continue to meet, monitor all updates from the State of Illinois and the CDC, and revise its decisions accordingly.

Currently, WAA’s plan to return to team activities and play will follow the precipes of Restore Illinois’ Phased-in Plan set forth by Governor Pritzker. Below is a general guide of the phases that WAA is required to follow, subject to updates by the State of Illinois. Individual sports should adapt their activities to these Phases.

Phase 2: This is the current Phase. Non-essential gatherings are prohibited. It appears that we will be in this Phase through May 29, 2020.

What does this mean for WAA participants? – No WAA events are allowed. This includes travel and out of state tournaments.

Phase 3: Outdoor recreation activities in groups of 10 or fewer are permitted, with social distancing.

What does this mean for WAA participants? – Limited Practices with no contact.

· How – Groups of 10 or less in designated field areas with specified pick up and drop off areas.

· Where – WAA outdoor facilities or available rental fields

· What – Practice and training only. Only activities that maintain participant social distancing.

· Travel – Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance. WAA does not condone out of state or out of region team travel , games, or other activities that does not comply with Phase 3 guidance. *

· Other – Face masks will most likely be required. Participants and coaches should practice all recommended CDC recommendations for hygiene and stay home if you or someone you live with has been exposed to Covid-19. Only participants and designated coaches are allowed. Parents will need to drop off and if staying, will have to stay in cars, parked in designated areas.

Phase 4: All outdoor recreation allowed. Gatherings of 50 people or fewer will be allowed.

What does this mean for WAA participants? – Practices and Games will be allowed if 50 or fewer people.

· How – Groups of 50 or less for practices and games.

· Where – WAA outdoor facilities or available rental fields. WAA indoor facilities may be open with capacity limits.

· What – Practice and games for participants. Spectators will be limited if allowed.

· Travel and tournaments – Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance. Team travel out of state or out of region for tournaments, games, or other activities must comply with Phase 4 guidance. *

· Other – Participants and coaches should practice all recommended CDC recommendations for hygiene and stay home if you or someone you live with has been exposed to Covid-19.

Phase 5: All Activities Allowed

What does this mean for WAA participants? – We will celebrate!

*Travel – All team travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance. Team travel for tournaments, games, or other activities outside of Illinois or the Restore Illinois Northeast Health Region will require pre-approval by WAA upon a showing of special circumstance. The Restore Illinois Northeast Health Region includes the following Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Will. The Board is currently considering objective criteria to be utilized in its approval process.