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

July 2, 2020
Dear WYB Family:

WYB is constantly practicing social distancing during all events at our fields and want to make sure we are keeping up with all current mandates from the state, county and city.  Because of Wednesday’s mandate from Governor Wolf, we are now requiring all adults on our fields to wear masks when they cannot be 6 feet from players.  Any player that chooses to wear a mask while playing or practicing is at the discretion of that player/family. We are also recommending that anybody outside of the field (spectators) wear a mask.   Everybody has been doing a great job with this and we understand the frustration and complexity that is involved here.  WYB has to do its part to make this work, the only alternative is to cancel the season.

In addition, WYB is implementing the following rule related to vacations out of the area: Until further notice,  any player or volunteer that leaves to vacation outside of the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio or West Virginia must be quarantined from any WYB practice or game for five consecutive days and nights upon return to Washington. After the quarantine period is over, you will then be temperature checked for two weeks upon return to our league. WYB has supplied each field with infrared thermometers to monitor this. These players and volunteers will have their temperature checked before each practice/game for two weeks.  If these players/volunteers have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, that person must stay home until their temperature is below 100.4 degrees per the CDC guidelines.  

This policy is in effect as of today (July 2, 2020) and we will update and inform everybody if anything changes. 

WYB is committed to keeping our players and volunteers safe at all times. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. We will continue to keep you updated.

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.