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Memorandum

To: Families of Anderson Youth Sports

From: Jim Tavernelli, President

Date: May 8, 2020

Re: COVID-19 Update III

On April 30, 2020, the State of Ohio issued a “Stay Safe Ohio” order that extended the current stay at

home order through May 29, 2020. The current order, which can be found here, outlines the following

pertinent items:

• Prohibited activities. Public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside

a single household and connected property, or living unit and connected property are

prohibited, except for the limited purposes permitted by this Order. Any gathering of more

than 10 people is prohibited unless exempted by this Order.

• Businesses covered by the Order. For the purposes of this Order, covered businesses include

any for-profit, nonprofit, educational entities, or governmental entities…

• Closed Business Operations. For the purposes of this Order, the following businesses and

operations are to remain closed until this Order is amended or rescinded:

o Entertainment/Recreation/Gymnasiums. . . . Recreational sports tournaments,

organized recreational sports leagues, residential and daycamps shall be prohibited.

On Monday evening, officers of the Anderson Youth Sports Board of Directors convened by video

conference to discuss immediate next steps. Because of the current Stay Safe Ohio order, AYS will

extend the current suspension of baseball activities through June 1. We are hopeful that nonprofit,

recreational sports leagues like AYS will be provided with clear direction by June 1 on how to reopen its

recreational activities.

In the event the State of Ohio reopens recreational activities by or before May 29, the Spring 2020

season for ATLL and Aces will immediately begin on Monday, June 1. The ATLL season will run through

July 18 allowing for 7 weeks of play. The Aces teams will have no defined end date as those teams may

play beyond the traditional baseball months into the Fall.

Safety has always been our top priority and that priority is elevated in these times. The basis of our

safety measures will come from protocols put forth by the CDC, Little League International, and the

State of Ohio. Additionally, we want to protect all individuals from liability should COVID-19 be

transmitted or contracted at any organized practice or game. For those who choose to participate in the

Spring 2020 season, you will be required to sign the following release of liability waiver to protect your

player, coaches, and the league from such liability.

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We also recognize it is important to simply feel comfortable allowing our children to participate despite

best efforts of everyone to keep our community safe by following these protocols. Should you not be

comfortable allowing your children to participate this season, please click this link and complete the

following form by Sunday, May 17 to withdraw your registration(s) such that we can process a refund of

your registration fees accordingly.

In the event recreational activities remain closed after May 29, the 2020 ATLL Spring Season will be

officially cancelled. Shortly afterward, we will provide refund options as it relates to the registration

fees you have paid. The Aces program will remain on suspension until a date to be determined later.

It is understood there are many questions that aren’t specifically addressed in this memo. As we

continue to plan for baseball activities, we offer this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to

help provide assurance and clarity.

On behalf of the AYS Board of Directors, I want to thank all our players, coaches, volunteers, and

parents for your patience, leadership, and understanding.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

Anderson Youth Sports

COVID-19 Response

Frequently Asked Questions

With the current suspension expiring on May 11, 2020, what is the status of the season?

AYS baseball activities will continue to be on suspension until June 1, 2020.

If recreational activities reopen by or before May 29, 2020, what is the proposed length of the 2020

Spring Season?

In the event recreational activities reopen by or before May 29, 2020, the ATLL Spring Season will

immediately begin on Monday, June 1 and run through July 18 allowing for 7 weeks of play.

Our Aces teams will also immediately begin on June 1, but activities from that point forward will be

planned on a per team/per manager basis. There is no defined end date for the Aces Spring season.

What protocols and safety measures will AYS put in place to ensure player, coach, and spectator

safety?

The basis of our safety measures for the Spring 2020 season will come from protocols put forth by

the CDC, Little League International, and the State of Ohio. This includes obvious measures like

taking temperatures of players and coaches prior to practices and games; physical distancing of

players and spectators; providing hand sanitizer to managers for team use in disinfecting hands and

equipment; encouraging our players to not touch their face; etc. Other general safety guidelines can

be found here – AYS Spring 2020 General Safety Guidelines.

Additionally, we want to protect all individuals from liability should COVID-19 be transmitted or

contracted at any organized practice or game. For those who choose to participate in the Spring 2020

season, you will be required to sign the following release of liability waiver to protect your player,

coaches, and the league from such liability.

Have any equipment requirements changed because of COVID-19?

The Board believes it is in the best interest of all participants that players furnish their own helmet

and bat. It is highly recommended that players do not share helmets or bats.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

Where can I find what Ohio is doing to educate myself on the coronavirus?

AYS advises you to follow the guidelines set by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC), and Ohio’s public health department.

How will AYS communicate to its members about any confirmed cases of coronavirus in the league

(players, parents, volunteers)?

Unfortunately, AYS may be in the position of having a member of the league or volunteer notify

them of contracting COVID-19 (Coronavirus). In these unique circumstances, AYS will promptly notify

their membership and more specifically individuals who may have come into contact with this

individual, with the recommendation to follow all CDC and World Health Organization requirements

for self-quarantine.

The individual’s name will not be shared with anyone and will be kept to the strictest confidentiality;

unless such individual has provided express consent that his/her name may be shared with AYS

membership.

If a (player or volunteer) in AYS is diagnosed with coronavirus, will he/she need a doctor’s written

permission to return to the league?

As with any injury or illness, it is a best practice that a player or volunteer be cleared by a medical

professional to resume participation in baseball activities.

If I do not wish to participate at this point, how do I go about withdrawing my registration and seeking

a refund?

ATLL participants may withdraw their registration(s) by completing this Opt Out form by 11:59 PM

Sunday, May 17, 2020. Please note this pertains only to ATLL. Aces is excluded.

How long will it take to receive my refund?

ATLL refunds will begin to be processed the week of May 18th. Unfortunately, this is a manually

intensive process for our board volunteers, therefore you can expect to receive your refund within

two to three weeks. Please be patient while we work through this process.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

I’m interested in donating my registration fees. Is AYS a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization?

Yes, Anderson Township Youth Sports, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the

State of Ohio.

In lieu of a refund, can I choose to have my registration fees applied as a credit to my account for a

future AYS season?

Unfortunately, our system does not allow for credits to a future season.

I’m a manager. When can I pick up equipment for my team?

Equipment pickup will be the weekend of May 30 & 31. A separate email from the AYS Equipment

Coordinator will be issued the week of May 18th.

I’m a manager or assistance coach. The Coaches Clinic was cancelled for good reason. Where can I

access safety training and other coaching resources?

In mid-March, the AYS Board cancelled the Coaches Clinic in favor of online trainings and resources.

Safety trainings for concussion and sudden cardiac arrest awareness as well as coaching resources

(e.g. drill recommendations, how to run an effective practice, etc.) will be posted to ATLL.org

When will rosters and game schedules be completed and communicated?

Rosters, practices and game schedules will begin to be formed and organized the week of May 18th

and completed by May 29th. We need to first understand how many participants will opt out before

proceeding with these items. If the State of Ohio reopens recreational activities by or before May 29,

managers should expect to receive this information promptly thereafter. Managers shall

immediately proceed with communicating to their teams accordingly

Will teams still be assembled based on “friend requests”?

Yes. Friend requests will be honored to the best of our ability. With many choosing to opt out, it

will translate to fewer teams, thus presenting less flexibility in honoring 100% of all friend requests.

Thank you for understanding.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

Can a player still register to play in the 2020 Spring season?

Yes. Pleas e-mail our Player Agent prior to May 17 at atllplayeragent@gmail.com

What if we have a vacation scheduled during the season?

The league will work with the Managers to fill any vacancies with substitute players. If you do need to

miss a game, please communicate with your manager early on. AYS will do its best to allow kids to

PLAY BASEBALL, even if we need to get creative to make a game happen.

What is the plan with All-Stars?

On Friday, May 1, Little League International announced the cancellation of the 2020 Little League

World Series and Regional Tournaments, however they provided encouragement to the local

districts to proceed with organizing an All-Star tournament. Anderson is a league within Ohio

District 9. In the event District 9 does organize a 2020 All-Star Tournament, Anderson will assess

participation in the tournament at that time.

When will Aces tryouts be held?

Currently the tryout for 2021 Aces is scheduled for June 6 and 7. This will be rescheduled to a date to

be determined in the future.

Will there be a Reds Community Fund Match Game this season?

The Match Game event is coordinated and led by RCF. There has been no recent communication

regarding this event. To the best of our knowledge, there will not be a Match Game event this year.

What will happen if recreational activities remain closed after May 29, the 2020 in the State of Ohio?

In the event recreational activities don’t reopen by or before May 29, 2020, the ATLL Spring Season

will be officially cancelled and refund options will be presented at that time. Aces will remain on

suspension until a date to be determined later.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

Will AYS offer a Fall 2020 season?

Yes, AYS intends to organize a Fall 2020 season.

For all other typical frequently asked questions can be found on the FAQ page of ATLL.org.

Anderson Township Little League, P.O. Box 541161, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1161

ATLL.org

Anderson Youth Sports

COVID-19 Response

General Safety Guidelines

• If your player is not feeling well, they shall not participate in practices or games.

• All players will have their temperature taken upon arrival. Anyone with an elevated

temperature (above 98.6 degrees) will be sent home.

• Players shall not congregate with other players or spectators before or after games.

• Physical distancing must be in place for the entire duration of the game, including during pre-

game and post-game meetings. This includes any face-to-face communication between

coaches.

• Spectators shall employ physical distancing and be seated in lawn chairs along the foul lines.

• Players must maintain physical distancing while in the dugouts.

• There will be no post-game “good game” handshake. All players and spectators shall leave

immediately at the conclusion of the game.

• If players need to stay for another game or should they arrive early, they shall avoid

congregating by staying in cars or find open spaces away from field of play.

• Team meetings shall take place in open spaces away from field of play.

• The umpire will stand six feet behind arm side of pitcher.

• On-field umpires shall maintain physical distancing from players at all times.

• On-field coaches shall maintain six feet distance from first and third base.

• Hand sanitizing products will be available to be used between innings.

• Team equipment like catcher’s mask, etc. shall be sanitized between player use.

• Players shall not touch equipment that belongs to other players.

• If necessary, coaches and/or umpires will enforce safety guidelines to ensure physical

distancing among players and spectators.

ANDERSON YOUTH SPORTS RELEASE OF LIABILITY

READ BEFORE SIGNING IN CONSIDERATION OF my child/ward being allowed participate in any way in ANDERSON YOUTH

SPORTS (“AYS”) events and activities (the “Program(s)”), the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

The risks of injury and illness (ex: communicable diseases such as MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19) to my child from the activities involved in these Programs are significant, including the potential for permanent disability and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce these risks, the risks of serious injury and illness do exist; and, 1. FOR MYSELF, SPOUSE, AND CHILD/WARD, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both

known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF Releasees or others, and assume full responsibility for my child’s participation in the Programs. I acknowledge that AYS has provided me with the opportunity to withdraw my child/ward from the Program, and to get a refund, and I have chosen not to do so.

2. I willingly agree to comply with the Program’s stated and customary rules and regulations for participation, and any special rules and regulations put in place to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. If I observe any unusual significant concerns for my child’s safety or readiness for participation, or with the safety of the Program itself, I will remove my child from the participation and bring such concerns to the attention of the nearest AYS volunteer or official immediately.

3. I myself, my spouse, my child/ward, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND FOREVER DISCHARGE AYS, its directors, officers, officials, agents, employees, volunteers, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“Releasees”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property incident to my child’s involvement or participation in these Programs, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, from any and all state claims, federal claims, defenses, demands, and causes of action asserted, existing, and/or claimed to exist against Releasees, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

4. I, for myself, my spouse, my child/ward, and on behalf of my/our heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS all the above Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my involvement or participation in these Programs, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

5. I further expressly agree that the foregoing release waiver and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of Ohio and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

6. I, the parent/guardian, assert that I have explained to my child/ward: the risks of the activity, his/her responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations, and that my child/ward understands this agreement. I, FOR MYSELF, MY SPOUSE, AND CHILD/WARD, HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Name of Child/Ward: ______________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian 1: _________________________ Name of Parent/Guardian: 2 _________________________

Parent/Guardian 1 Signature: ________________________ Parent/Guardian 2 Signature: _________________________

Date Signed:___________________________ Date Signed:___________________________ UNDERSTANDING OF RISK

I understand the seriousness of the risks involved in participating in this program, my personal responsibilities for adhering to rules and regulation, and accept them as a participant.

Name of Child/Ward: ___________________________________

Signature of Child/Ward: __________________________________

Date Signed:___________________________________