Keeping it Safe

Our Spring 2021 Season Safety Guidelines

As excited we are to have our players take the field this spring, their safety – and the safety of our coaches, umpires, staff, and spectators – remains our top priority. Based on the success of our 2020 rec season, we plan to again institute similar safety measures. Please note that these guidelines are subject to change based on updated local guidance and changing conditions.

The following is a summary of the measures we will be following:

GENERAL

  • We will closely follow all NJ Department of Health and CDC guidelines for sports activities.
  • Families will be required to review and sign two waivers: one issued by South Orange, and the other issued by Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Baseball.
  • Signs will be prominently posted at each field, outlining the safety requirements and league’s guidelines.

PLAYERS

  • All players will be required to wear face coverings when not on the field of play or engaged in other vigorous activities. This includes both practices and games.
  • Players must provide their own equipment, including gloves, bats, and helmets. No sharing of equipment will be allowed. Multiple sets of catching gear will be available for each game, but catchers are strongly encouraged to bring their own gear.
  • All players will have their temperatures taken before each practice and game. Any players whose temperature is above 100 degrees will not be allowed to participate.
  • During practices and games, each player will have a designated off-field area where they will remain when not actively practicing, playing, or up at bat. Players will keep all their equipment in this area. Players are encouraged to bring their own lawn or beach chair.
  • Players should avoid all unnecessary contact with other players; no handshakes, high-fives, elbow bumps, etc.
  • No seeds or gum will be allowed.

COACHES

  • Coaches will be required to wear face coverings at all times. This includes both practices and games.
  • All coaches will have their temperatures taken before each practice and game. Any coach whose temperature is above 100 degrees will not be allowed to participate.
  • Coaches will be expected to take players’ temperatures at practices, clean/sanitize baseballs during both practices and games, and clean/sanitize league catching gear if it was used.
  • Coaches will be expected to enforce all guidelines mentioned above (e.g., social distancing, face coverings) with their players.

SPECTATORS

  • Designated viewing areas will be marked off at each field for spectators.
  • Face coverings must be worn by all spectators.
  • As with last season, there will be no benches or bleachers; spectators should bring their own lawn or beach chairs.
  • Spectators are expected to maintain social distancing guidelines from other spectators who are not part of their immediate family.
  • Crowd sizes will be dictated by both state guidelines and CDC recommendations.

SAFETY CREW

We will again be using a volunteer Safety Crew to ensure all safety measures are followed. These volunteers will serve as temperature screeners during games as well as encouraging fans, players, and coaches to follow the safety requirements the league has laid out. (If you are interested in volunteering for this season’s Safety Crew, please contact facilities.sombaseball@gmail.com

QUESTIONS?

Please e-mail recreation@southorange.org with any questions.