With the recent cases of the COVID-19 virus in California, we wish to communicate to all players, coaches & families about best practices to protect everyone at soccer events.

We encourage everyone to follow the recommended guidelines from the California Department of Public Health to protect themselves and those around them from any virus including respiratory viruses like COVID-19. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, please follow these important tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, like in this video from the CDC. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• All adults and children should stay home when sick. Share this video with your children and loved ones to teach them to cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
• California Department of Public Health does not recommend the use of face masks for general prevention and says that hand-washing provides better protection from infectious diseases.

At this time, our league games will continue as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation, and update if there are any changes to this plan. In addition to the CDC & California Department of Public Health recommendations, please see the recommendations below for league games & practices in order for us all to protect ourselves and those around us.

• Players or parents feeling ill should not attend league soccer matches or practices
• No handshakes, high fives, fist pumps, chest bumps, huddles, group celebrations, etc.
• No post-game handshakes between players and coaches – teams should continue to show good sportsmanship by clapping or cheering for the opposition team
• Drinks bottles should NOT be shared
• If you bring food or drinks to games, please ensure that you discard of any items yourself
• All players & teams are advised to carry & use hand sanitizer

Thank you,

Porterville League Soccer Administration