2021 COVID-19
Safety Policies and Protocols

The Benicia Girls Fastpitch board has developed the following policies and protocols to resume Softball activities in the lowest risk environment possible. 

Facilities:

The following will be implemented at the BFP facility prior to any Softball activities:      

• The following signage will be posted at all entrances to the facility: 

• Social distancing guidelines

• Hand washing guidelines 

• Basic COVID-19 symptoms and recommendation to stay home if sick·       

• Bleachers marked with appropriate social distancing seating, for player use only. This will be an extension of the Dugout

• Hand sanitizer available at each field

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or fabric, if not possible into the sleeve or elbow but not into hands. (This Protocol will be consistently instructed to follow)

• Participants will be encouraged to provide their own equipment to the greatest extent possible

• High touch areas will be cleaned before each day

Restrooms will be open and will be maintained by the City of Benicia.

Equipment:

All players will be encouraged to have their own helmets and bats.  If not one will be issued to the player for their personal use throughout the season and handed in on the last day.

 
Batting helmets, gloves, glasses, and hats cannot be shared among players 

The catcher’s gear can not be shared. If needed, the league will issue catching gear to designated catchers that will be returned on the last day of the season 

Coaches:

Coaches will be provided information on COVID-19 symptoms in order to effectively assess players exhibiting signs of illness

Coaches will send players home if there are any indications of illness

Coaches will ensure social distancing protocols are followed

• At BCP complex 

• Speaking with players and parents

• Conducting drills 

• At any field of play during practice, training, games, or scrimmages·

Coaches will ensure proper sanitizing supplies are in place before beginning Softball activities

Coaches will follow safety guidelines during Softball activities

Coaches will use hand sanitizer prior to beginning Softball activities

Players: 

All players will be instructed to stay home if they have any symptom consistent with COVID-19

• Fever of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Shortness of breath

• Chills

• Unusual headaches

• Severe fatigue     

All players will follow social distancing protocols when not on the field for Softball activities

All players will use hand sanitizer prior to beginning Softball activities

All players will use hand sanitizer when returning to Softball activities after leaving the field or bleacher area for any reason

NO spitting, eating sunflower seeds or gum

NO “High-Fives” or handshakes are allowed
NO sharing Water bottles

Parents/Guardians:

Parents/Guardians will be provided information on COVID-19 symptoms in order to effectively determine if player exhibit signs of illness·

Parents/Guardians are expected to assess the player’s health prior to the player attending Softball activities, and if the player exhibits any signs of illness the player will not attend the activity.

Parents/Guardians will not be permitted to 

• sit in bleacher areas

• will only be permitted to sit along the fence past the 1st and 3rd bases 

Umpires:

There will be NO official Umpires this season.

Softball Activities:

Practice/Clinics

• Parents/Guardians will not be on the field and will maintain social distancing and follow face-covering protocols

• Managers will adjust drills to maintain social distancing when possible.