Volume 25 | February 4, 2021
Weekly Newsletter - February 4, 2021
Return to Play Update
NYS Current Status - Updated 1/25/2021

  • In State -
  • Individual games or league play: No restrictions on a single match in a single day that does not require an overnight stay.
  • Tournaments of multiple games, match, or scrimmages (regardless of the game length) that require travel outside of your COVID region or beyond the COVID region that borders the one you are in are prohibited. You can find the link to the COVID regions and counties included here.
  • Travel for practice or play to, or from, any area within New York that has been designated as a red or orange zone may only be permitted following consultation with the respective state or local health authorities with consideration of the abovementioned factors. Travel for practice or play to, or from, any area within New York that has been designated as a yellow zone is permitted so long as it adheres to all applicable DOH guidance.
  • Out of State - Travel to neighboring states for practice or play is strongly discouraged, however if you do travel, keep in mind that the New York COVID-19 Travel Advisory must be followed, as well as that of the State or States you are travelling to.
  • The travel guidelines require all New Yorkers as well as those visiting from out of state, to take personal responsibility for compliance in the best interest of public health and safety.
  • If teams wish to travel to CT, NJ, PA or MA they must fill out the Online Traveler Health Form but are not required to quarantine. 
  • If teams wish to travel to a noncontiguous state, US territory or CDC level 2 and higher country, they must fill out the Online Traveler Health Form and quarantine for 10 days upon return.  
  • Travelers may 'Test-Out' of the 10 day quarantine. (Guidelines Here)
  • Teams from other states may practice or play in NYS as long as they follow the NYS Travel Restrictions which include quarantine or the testing out process.

An updated COVID-19 Hold Harmless Waiver has been developed for use. If you had the form signed previously, you do not need to re-sign. This is for use moving forward.

NYSW Updates
NYSW Esports Opportunity - Open to any child wanting to play!
We are excited to launch our winter battle pass for kids to connect, have fun, and play video games with each other.

The Gamer Club community strives to provide fun events for kids to teach them about teamwork, communication, strategy, and sportsmanship. This is a great way to help with their cognitive and social development, and to introduce them to kids their age to forge long-lasting friendships.

Open to anyone ages 8 - 18. You don't need to be a soccer player to join the Esports league!

Learn more about our community and sign up:

Clubs - Are you interested in earning money for your club while supporting our Esports program? Contact dgroth@nyswysa.org for more information!
Soccer through Soccer Newsletter - January
Two Feet - Two Weapons!
Both-footed soccer players have a huge advantage in many game situations on the soccer field. If a player can control the ball or shoot with either foot, he or she will make the difference on the field. The ability to play and control with both feet will give players a time lead, a better orientation on the field, and a protection shield against the defender. The player will develop their individual flexibility and is therefore less predictable for the defender. In this article we want to demonstrate the basics in techniques and the unconscious use of both feet in the game situation.

NYSW State Cup
We are currently finalizing the dates and venue for the 2021 NYSW State Cup. Additional details will be shared once finalized.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Summit - Get Your Free Ticket
18 Champions - Of Change

3 Days - Feb. 22nd - 24th, 2021

1 Goal - To share, discuss and review best-practices in the EDI space so that organizations of every kind can move from great intention to POWERFUL ACTION!

Leaders, discover best-practices from some of the most influential people around the world in the EDI space.
Whether you lead a big or small organization, are just starting, or are in the throes of implementing important EDI initiatives you are sure to get powerful insights to help you along the way!

US Youth Soccer Updates
USYS 2021 Awards Gala
At the 2021 Awards Gala, the 13th class of Boys and Girls Competitive and Recreation Coach of the Year, Administrator of the YearVolunteer of the Year, Male and Female Young Referees of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, and the TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year. The Dr. Thomas Fleck Award and newest US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

The Power of Positive
Continued Training in Social-Emotional Learning
With the return to youth sports in some states, it is critical coaches have the skills to deal with the social and emotional needs of our athletes as they emerge from the trauma of COVID-19.

PCA programming specifically addresses helping athletes and teams stay connected during our time apart, remaining flexible and keeping things in perspective, and parenting during a pandemic. Now more than ever, we will need to be ready to support our athletes when sports return.

U.S. Soccer Updates
Guidelines for Indoor Soccer Released

U.S. Soccer has released guidelines for indoor soccer as part of its PLAY ON campaign, providing coaches, players, parents, referees and administrators with considerations to continue to ensure safe play indoors as winter approaches.

U.S. Soccer encourages playing outdoors whenever it is safe to do so in accordance with its Cold Weather Guidelines. When weather doesn’t permit outdoor play, these indoor recommendations will help evaluate and mitigate risk.

The guidelines advise the use of larger indoor facilities for acceptable social and physical distancing, as well as higher frequency air exchange rates to reduce risk. Shorter training sessions with fewer players on the field and no throw-ins can also help decrease risk, while players and coaches should continue to wear a mask when not physically active.

All the resources for the PLAY ON initiative can be found in a virtual hub at ussoccer.com/playon. PLAY ON guidelines are intended for use only when and if state and local authorities have deemed it safe to return to the field, indoors or outdoors.

US Soccer guidelines for indoor soccer do not supersede the specific requirements a venue has in place. The requirements of the venue should always take precedence.
Coach / Parent / Athlete Resources
Black History Month Challenge
The Black History Month Challenge is a fun and interactive way to explore some of the lesser-known stories about the Black experience in the U.S. and to earn a valuable scholarship.

Complete the 30-minute course on topics such as Black business titans and Black contributions to medicine, and then submit a short essay for an opportunity to compete for one of three scholarships.

Scholarships
The scholarship essay contest is open to all students ages 13-18 and ends on February 28, 2021.

  • 1st Place: $10,000
  • 2nd Place: $6,000
  • 3rd Place: $4,000

How to Eat for Immune Support during COVID-19
Nervous about your young athlete’s immune system as cold and flu season continues and COVID-19 is still a part of everyday life? You’re not alone. But luckily, there are some easy ways to boost your child’s immune health without turning to supplements or pills: Food can be a powerful tool in your efforts to keep your child healthy this year.

Here, TrueSport Expert Kristen Ziesmer, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, shares her best tips for boosting immunity in the kitchen.

Minor Athlete and Parent SafeSport Training
Policy 212-3 requires members to offer SafeSport training to youth participants. The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers this training free of charge to anyone.

This training is available without creating an account or going through the NGB Portal, and you can offer this training to your players and parents, but note that parental consent is required for any minor athlete to complete the training.
New York State West Youth Soccer Association | PO Box 1247, Corning, NY 14830
607-962-9923 | office@nyswysa.org

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is the parent organization for over two hundred and fifty affiliated clubs and leagues in Western New York State. NYSWYSA is affiliated with US Youth Soccer, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation de International Football Association (FIFA).