August 13, 2021
Dear Club and League Representatives:
Michigan continues to see an increase in Delta (COVID) variant cases. At this time, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has no immediate plans to initiate broad masking orders or issuing restrictions on gathering sizes.
As such, with respect to our sport, which is predominately played on outdoor fields, MSYSA is not requiring athletes, team officials, referees, or spectators to wear masks at any time during MSYSA-affiliated activities. MSYSA recommends that our affiliated athletes wear facial coverings in indoor settings (indoor gyms/indoor facilities, etc.) prior to, and immediately following, trainings and matches, and when on the bench or sidelines. MSYSA also recommends our affiliated team officials wear masks in indoor settings when working with our affiliated athletes. 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 athletes, team officials, referees and/or spectators.
The CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and to protect others in areas with substantial and high transmission. The CDC also indicates, in general, individuals do not need to mask in outdoor settings. In areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases, the use of masks is encouraged in crowded outdoor settings, and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. To limit the spread of COVID-19, please continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet between people who do not live in your household, when/where possible, encourage and maintain proper hygiene habits, wash hands often, and cover coughs/sneezes.
Sincerely,
Thomas Faro
Executive Director
cc.: MSYSA Board of Directors
