COVID-19

The news cycle seems to bring new information on a daily and now hourly basis.  We have had the NBA regular season cancelled and the NCAA will be playing in front of near empty stands.  Colleges have either gone to all remote learning or have gone to that model for 7-10 days.  Some elementary/middle/high schools in the NYC area have closed either temporarily or until further notice.

I have received some inquiries about what stance the Vipers have taken?

First, I believe that each individual family should be making whatever deicions they believe are in their best interests.  If that results in your child not coming to a or serveral practice(s), that is 100% your choice.  All we ask is that you communicate that to your head coach.  At the very least, I believe we should all be implementing the USSSA policy below.  No shaking hands, high fives, etc….

As for practices and upcoming games, I will be waiting to see what the North Jersey High Schools will be doing.  That will be the direction we will more than likely follow, or at the very least, use as a foundation for whatever next step we take.

Until then,

If you are feeling sick or coughing…you should stay home

You will need to use your own equipment…we should not be sharing equipment.

I have also been in touch with several other club organizations today…none of them have shuttered practices or games.

As more information becomes available and things continues to evolve, we will be ready with whatever announcements are necessary.

to be continued…stay tuned

Bob Germano

To: USSSA Membership

Subject: Notice of New USSSA Mandatory Health & Safety Procedures

Due to concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other health authorities, USSSA is implementing some new, mandatory health and safety procedures as part of a proactive approach to preventing the spread of germs.

Throughout the USSSA organization, we are adopting these new measures effective immediately. We cannot stress enough how vital it is that all USSSA participants adhere to these guidelines.

“No-Contact/No-Handshake” Policy

USSSA is immediately instituting a precautionary “no-contact, no-handshake policy” to be observed at every level of the organization until further notice. This includes all physical contact and extends to customary game-related activities, such as pre-game coaches’ handshakes, umpire-coach introductions, and post-game handshakes between members of opposing teams. Instead, staff, players and coaches should use verbal queues, such as saying “good game,” without shaking hands, high-fiving or fist-bumping.

Maintain Good Hygiene Practices

All USSSA employees, membership and participants in USSSA-sanctioned events should be aware of the coronavirus risk and take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to germs. This includes maintaining good hygiene practices. We strongly recommend the following:

• Wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; this is suggested after any physical contact with another person or with a shared surface
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your mouth and nose – with a tissue, if possible – when coughing or sneezing, then properly discard the tissue in the trash
• Avoid close contact with anyone else who is coughing or sneezing or who is otherwise sick
• Clean or disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Advice from the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a specific Q&A regarding the virus in children:

Q: Are children more susceptible to the virus that causes COVID-19 compared with the general population and how can infection be prevented? A: No, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible… – see here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/children-faq.html

We will provide updates related to these new measures or let you know about any additional precautions to take if and when they become necessary. We appreciate your cooperation in following these new procedures as we work together to maintain the highest health and safety standards as an organization.

If you have any questions regarding an event in which you are registered to participate, please contact your local USSSA state director or other point of contact for that event.

Thank you.

Donny DeDonatis III

Chief Executive Officer

USSSA