Volume 38 | May 6, 2021
Weekly Newsletter - May 6, 2021
Return to Play Update
NYS Current Status - Current as of 5/06/2021

Individual Face Mask Policy

We just wanted to confirm guidance as it stands today for face coverings in youth soccer as set forth in New York State – Department of Health “INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY” (As of March 25, 2021) which provides in pertinent part:
 
For participants -"Responsible Parties must ensure a distance of at least six feet is maintained among individuals at all times, whether indoor or outdoor, unless safety or the core activity (e.g. practicing, playing) requires a shorter distance. If a shorter distance is required, individuals must wear acceptable face coverings, unless players are unable to tolerate a face covering for the physical activity (e.g. practicing, playing); provided, however, that coaches, trainers, and other individuals who are not directly engaged in physical activity are required to wear a face covering. Acceptable face coverings for COVID-19 include but are not limited to cloth-based face coverings and disposable masks that cover both the mouth and nose.” [emphasis supplied]
 
For spectators, the following additional safety measures apply: Responsible Parties must ensure spectators maintain six feet of physical distance between individuals and/or family/household units at all times and all spectators must wear face coverings at all times, so long as they are over the age of two and medically able to tolerate such covering. Responsible Parties may allow spectators to temporarily remove their face covering to consume food or beverages so long as they are seated and socially distanced. ▪ Responsible Parties may facilitate appropriate distancing through the use of markings on the ground or seating areas, and other signage.” [emphasis supplied]
  
Based on a fair reading of the above language we interpret ‘tolerate’ as applied to participants, as contrasted with spectators, not in the medical sense, but rather in the personal feeling sense. The acceptable face covering while playing is a personal choice of toleration by the player. If they can tolerate the mask while playing they should wear one. If they cannot tolerate a mask while playing they should not be compelled to do so.
 
Please ensure that your club/ team policy is consistent with the protocol set forth above.
 
In the event we receive any further information bearing on this issue we will pass it on to you.

NYSW Updates
NYSW State Cup - Playdowns Continue this Weekend!
With more than 140 teams registered, we look forward to a successful tournament. Best of luck to all teams participating in the tournament.

The playdown weekends will be May 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 with the semi-finals and finals being held in Rochester, NY on May 22-23.

The tournament schedule, participating teams and additional information can be found on the State Cup page on our website. Click below to learn more!

Contact StateCupChair@nyswysa.org with any questions.
NYSW Promoting Women in Soccer Zoom-Talk
Managing the Menstrual Cycle - A presentation for coaches and players, men and women!
What is the menstrual cycle? How can we break the taboo and have discussions about the subject? How can we prevent injuries?
We can educate and support ourselves and others!

Sarah Milner (London, England):
Female Health & performance Specialist
Specialist Musculoskeletal Sports and Rehab Physiotherapist 

Some comments from those who attended:
  • Excellent presentation!
  • Very informative.
  • This should be a mandatory course for every coach!!!

Missed the zoom presentation?

Free Intro to Youth Soccer Clinic
Date: Sunday, May 16th
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Hillery Park, Mineral Springs Rd, Buffalo

Advance Registration Required

For more info, contact Diana at dgroth@nyswysa.org

2020-2021 Seasonal Registration Open
Now is the time start registering your players who are participating in spring and summer leagues!

The only way to ensure that club players, team staff and club officials, are covered for medical insurance and liability coverage is by making sure they are all listed in RosterPro as part of your organization.

Completing registration within the club website does not ensure coverage for players. They must be registered with NYSW as well.


Questions about insurance coverage? The webinar recording and slides from our presentation in September can be found here. 

Contact pwhitcomb@nywysa.org with any questions.

US Youth Soccer Updates
2022 Location Announcements
U.S. Soccer Updates
Permission to Host - Youth International Travel - Update April 26, 2021

Permission to host international teams for domestic youth tournaments and permission for youth team international travel - No approvals through June 30, 2020.

In accordance with guidelines set by FIFA, USOPC, Concacaf, the CDC and U.S. Soccer Play on Protocols we are continuing with the decision to not approve the hosting of international youth teams for domestic tournaments and international travel for youth teams through the end of June 2021.

Coach / Parent / Athlete Resources
11 Signs Your Athlete May be Depressed - And They're Not Sad
children_soccer.jpg
Call it pandemic fatigue, call it what you want. But teenagers are experiencing depression in record numbers. The scary thing is that it doesn’t always look like sadness and often they don’t even realize they’re depressed. 

YouthSoccer 101 - Free Tools for Coaches
With YouthSoccer101, coaches receive one practice plan per week via email for the entire season. Coaches cannot jump ahead in the sessions, which helps keep age groups on the same path of development throughout the season. Every practice plan includes activities that are supported by animation or video to ensure that the coaches understand them. Coaches also receive a link for "backyard activities" to share with their players. Those activities coincide with the weekly plans, and players can use them to practice at home.

"Youthsoccer101 has been helping coaches across the country for over 10 years,” said Tyler Isaacson, CEO of YouthSoccer101. “It is a real privilege to be included as one of the many tools New York West Youth Soccer has to offer their members.

When the activities and practices from YouthSoccer101 are used within the context of US Soccer’s Grassroots Play-Practice-Play methodology, they help in providing players, parents and coaches with a learning experience that is realistic to the game and rooted in fun and enjoyment. To access this FREE service compliments of New York West Youth Soccer Association

How to Prevent Soccer Head Injuries
Soccer players’ head injury risk could be reduced with simple adjustments to the ball, study finds. Up to 22 percent of soccer injuries are concussions that can result from players using their heads to direct the ball during a game. To reduce the risk of injury, a new study recommends preventing how hard a ball hits the head by inflating balls to lower pressures and subbing them out when they get wet. 

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).