Saw the CIF put out their guidelines for high school baseball, if there is a season. Wow. Scratching my head on some of the guidelines.
Posted here for all to see.
The guidelines also include a new ban on playing HS and club at the same time, and a 3/13 start date if the local area is red.
The big problem with these guidelines is that fomites (i.e. objects and surfaces) are not a known vector for transmission. Especially outside, where wind and sun degrade the virus very quickly.
Baseball Guidelines & Covid-19 Modifications
General Guidelines
• Masks should be worn at all times by all individuals participating in the activity, even with heavy exertion as tolerated.
• Social distancing measures shall be in place at all times other than when engaged in competition.
Event Limitations
• Adhere to local county guidelines.
Pre-Game Conference
• Limit attendees to Head Coach of both teams and game umpires.
• Participants must maintain social distancing protocols during the conference.
• No line-up card exchange.
• No handshakes.
Team Dugouts
• Coaches, game personnel and players only permitted in the dugout.
• Social distance requirements must be observed by all in the dugout.
• If the dugout area is not large enough to provide for social distance requirements, players and game personnel may move outside of the immediate dugout area to practice social distance requirements.
• Spectators shall not be permitted near the dugouts and/or the immediate area of the dugout.
Post-Game Procedures
Replace handshakes after the game with a social distance acknowledgment of the team’s choosing.
Official Scorekeeping Area
Limited to one (1) person from each team and must observe social distance requirements behind the backstop.
Equipment Sanitation
• Each team provides sanitized balls (bucket) while on defense.
• Have a “dirty” ball bucket available, so they can be sanitized after the game.
• Sanitize bases after each game.
Equipment & Accessories
• Permissible face coverings are required to be worn at all times by all attendees present other than when engaged in competition.
• Players shall utilize their own equipment bin for all personal gear in the dugout.
• Minimize the sharing of playing equipment (bats, batting helmets and catchers gear). Equipment
must be sanitized between usage of multiple players.
• Batting gloves are encouraged to minimize contact with bats, balls and bases.
• Sanitize all equipment and accessories after each game.
Water Bottles & Hydration Stations
• Team members shall not share water bottles.
• Hydration stations may be utilized but shall be touched only by a single appointed monitor.
Umpires
• No line-up card exchanges.
• Observe social distance requirements when communicating with coaches, players and other umpires.
• Face coverings are required at all times.
• Carry hand sanitizer and use frequently.
Game Personnel Considerations (coaches, players, umpires)
• No sunflower seeds, spitting or gum.
• Carry hand sanitizer and use frequently.
• If a pitcher puts his/her hands to their mouth and touches the ball, “TIME” is called, the pitcher must
sanitize their hands and a new ball is inserted before throwing the next pitch.
Regional Championships
• All games played at host school sites.
• Championships shall be single elimination.
• No pre-game player introduction assemblies on the foul lines.
• Awards ceremonies will be limited to ensure safe social distancing and to minimize mass gatherings.
Uniforms
Long sleeves are encouraged to reduce skin contact with the ball and bases.
