WYB Covid-19 Waiver and FAQ
WYB Covid-19 Entry Plan

WYB Family, 

Good news! At a meeting of Washington City Council today, a motion was approved to permit Washington Youth Baseball to begin operations on Friday June 5, 2020, once Washington County moves into the Commonwealth’s “green phase” of reopening. We are tremendously grateful to Mayor Scott Putnam and City Council for their trust in WYB’s plan to safely, responsibly resume baseball and serve our children and families. Thank you! 

With approval in hand, please note the following: 

* The deadline to either register your child(ren) for the 2020 season, or request a refund for the 2020 season, is Friday, June 5 at 5 p.m. 

To Register Your Player(s):  Click "Register" at the top of the page. 
To Request a Refund: e-mail: [email protected] and indicate your player name(s) and age level(s)

 * League drafts will occur Sunday, June 7 with team notifications immediately following. Practices will begin Monday, June 8 with games to begin the week of June 22. Single-elimination playoffs will take place the week of August 3 with the season concluding by Saturday, August 8. 

* We created Guidelines that will govern our safe return to play that are in direct alignment with the Pennsylvania Parks & Recreation expanded re-opening guidelines issued by the Commonwealth. A copy of these guidelines are at the top of the page. 

* Finally, in response to anticipated questions, we’ve created an “FAQ” (Frequently Asked Questions) document that is also at the top of the page. In this document, please also find a Waiver that all parents/guardians must sign in order for their child(ren) to participate this year. Team managers will distribute the FAQ and Waiver at their team meetings next week, so no need to print/sign/return now. This is simply for your review and to read answers to common questions. The FAQ is also below.

While our 60th Anniversary season will be non-traditional to say the least, WYB is proud to keep our long tradition alive as the leading youth baseball organization in our area, creating new possibilities and great memories for the children and families we serve. Thanks for being part of our historic season. And with that said, we’ll see you at the Park! 

PLAY BALL! 

Your WYB Council 

Frequently Asked Questions
• If I've already signed up my player(s) and we're ready to play, do I need to do anything to confirm our status with WYB?
No! If you're already registered to play and you wish to stay registered to play, no action is required. Your team manager will be in touch soon.

• How much time will elapse between events to ensure overcrowding?
Between each game/practice window, there will be a 20-30 minute window for a field to empty out and appropriate cleaning before the next event can begin. This is our best effort to avoid an abundance of people in the same place.

• Will I need to sign something in order to participate this year, like a waiver?
Each parent will need to sign a waiver that releases Washington Youth Baseball, the City of Washington, and South Strabane Township from any and all liability resulting from illness or injury associated with participation in any form with WYB this year.

• If a player or coach tests positive, what is our plan?
Should this occur, that participant will not be permitted to participate in WYB activities again until being medically cleared, with written permission from a licensed physician. That participant's team will be subject to a ban on practices and games for at least a 2-week period pending the specific nature of the situation.

• What will my player be allowed and not allowed to bring?
Allowed: Hand sanitizer. Each player is responsible to bring an individual or travel-size container of sanitizer with them in their bat bag, and use it frequently. WYB will also provide sanitizer at all concessions areas.
Not allowed: Gum, sunflower seeds, candy, etc.

• Are there additional guidelines for the Shetland age level?
It is strongly recommended that each parent/guardian stay with their child during all practices and games. With this age group being so young, our coaches will need as much help as possible keeping the players from being so close to each other. Absolutely no drop-off/pick-up permitted.

• Will there be a Shetland Classic this year?
There will be no Shetland Classic this year to avoid large crowds. We apologize for the disappointment this may cause.

• Will there be Sarris candy sales this year?
Yes. All candy commitments, as well as candy buyouts, are still in effect. Team managers will be in touch with parents as the season gets started with further details on how the candy program will work.

• What about clearances in order to get a coaches' lanyard for the field?
All volunteers with valid clearances for the 2019 season will have their clearances remain valid for the 2020 season, due to the closure of many state and federal offices associated with the processing of clearances. This is a one-year rule only and all clearances will need to be current for the 2021 season, if not already.

• Will there still be the DICK'S Discount Days this year?
Ultimately, this answer is up to our retail corporate sponsor, DICK'S Sporting Goods, but as of this time we do not anticipate this happening. If permitted to happen, we will inform all WYB families immediately.

• What about All-Stars?
WYB will not sponsor All-Star teams in 2020.

• Will there be Fall Ball in 2020 given the delayed status of Spring Ball?
Yes. We do anticipate, assuming the continued reopening of our society, a full and normal Fall Ball season occurring at the normal date range. This means the break between Spring Ball and Fall Ball will be shorter; however, our goal is to facilitate as many recreational baseball experiences as possible for the children we serve.

WYB has formed a COVID-19 Task Force that will ensure everybody associated in our 2020 season is following the guidelines that we set forth in order to participate. We are committed to adhering to the re-opening guidelines that the Commonwealth and City have approved until a phaseout of guidelines is approved. WYB is very serious about enforcing these guidelines for everybody’s protection.