March 3, 2022
 
Dear Club and League Representatives:
 
As you may know, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their COVID guidance and recommendations. The new guidance places more than half the nation’s counties at ‘low’ or ‘medium’ risk for COVID, meaning the use of masks in indoor settings is no longer necessary there. Those counties account for roughly 70% of people in the country. The recommendations apply to everyone, not just those who are vaccinated or have received a booster shot. The change reflects that the overall risk of severe disease from COVID is lower because of widespread immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection, improvements in testing, and accessibility to new treatments.
 
COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are on a rapid trend downward. Currently, there are no athletic restrictions directed by federal, state, and most local authorities. As such, MSYSA’s (COVID) ‘Game Day Processes’ and ‘Tournament Best Practices’ are no longer recommended and/or required. MSYSA affiliated clubs and scheduling leagues are encouraged to consider local conditions when determining their own respective game day processes and/or tournament best practices.
 
Also, please be aware that indoor gyms and/or indoor facilities, etc., may be subject now, or in the future, to local health department (LHD) orders/requirements, or have masking policies of their own, that could potentially apply to participants, team officials, referees and/or spectators.
 
As we return to normalcy in our sport, MSYSA encourages our members to independently read, review, and carefully consider CDC guidance, with respect to personal COVID mitigation measures, now, and in the future. Some general considerations could include social distancing of at least 6 feet between people who do not live in your household when and where possible, maintaining proper hygiene habits by washing hands often, and covering coughs and sneezes. MSYSA recommends getting tested if you have COVID symptoms and staying up to date with vaccines. If you are at a high risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider(s) about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions to protect yourself and others around you. In the instance of positive COVID cases, please follow guidance from your local health department(s) on quarantine and isolation periods.
 
MSYSA continues to work with a team from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. While we are now moving away from our RTP guidelines/chart, should conditions necessitate a return to a prior phase of our RTP guidelines, you will be notified. Please continue to monitor our website and social media platforms for potential updates.
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Faro
Executive Director
 
cc.:      MSYSA Board of Directors