THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE
GLENS FALLS INDEPENDENTS
COVID-19 GUIDELINES AND READINESS PLAN
GENERAL STATEMENT
On behalf of the Glens Falls Independents baseball organization, the practices identified below represent practical best efforts to proactively keep our players, coaches, and staff safe during games at East Field Ballpark for the 2020 season. The importance of a season is great at this time, as many of the players are looking to have a professional career playing baseball and have not had a spring season or summer season to this point. The games will be broadcast live on video on social media, providing our fans much needed entertainment. The Independents will continue to follow the guidance of national, state, and local agencies to develop these policies and to determine the appropriate time for hosting events. The input of local and regional medical and health partners will also play a significant role in informing the below policies.
SEASON PLAY
The team would like to begin play once permission is granted for baseball by the Governor’s office, on July 6 and last until early to mid-August, and would play an abbreviated season
FANS
As per the Governor’s order, we will allow 2 spectators per player into the stadium. In addition, we will utilize our deck space as ‘restaurants’ and offer sit-down dining. All allowable seats for player approved spectators will be marked and adhere to adequate social distancing. In addition, the dining area will have tables spaced to adhere to social distancing guidelines. All guests will be required to wear face coverings upon entry or leaving the facility and when walking to use the restrooms. Absolutely no social mingling will be allowed and any person present will be required to stay in their seat for the duration of their stay. No concession stand will be offered but instead sit-down waitress dining, again adhering to all safety protocols.
BALL PARK SANITATION
Each day the dugouts, base areas, and pitchers mound will be cleaned and disinfected. The restrooms will be disinfected every 60 minutes by one person and garbage will also only be touched by one person.
PLAYERS
Players will come mainly from the local area where we will not be utilizing host families. The parents of these players will sign a document assuming responsibility for them.
STAFF
All staff will be required to wear masks at all times.
PLAYING PROTOCOL
A. Each player and staff member have to have their temperature taken upon arrival at the field every day. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or above will be sent home and not allowed to return to play until they have shown a negative test for COVID-19
B. Certified Athletic Trainers will be on site for most games, monitoring
temperatures and health of the players and staff.
C. Any player that tests positive for COVID-19 will be removed from the team until they show a negative test
D. Each player to have a pocket hand sanitizer in their pocket and each time they handle the ball, will be required to sanitize their hands. The pitcher and catcher will do so after each inning.
E. Hand sanitizer to be located in each dugout
F. No community drink coolers will be allowed and players will have to bring their own drinks
G. No shared helmets, bats or towels will be allowed. Each player will have to use their own personal helmet, bats, or towels
H. Umpire will be positioned behind pitchers mound to call balls and strikes
I. No arguing with or charging at umpires is allowed and will result in disqualification from the team
J. No spitting or sunflower seed chewing will be allowed
K. No high fives are allowed
L. Players are to practice social distancing including some players seated in the bullpen and others in the empty stands during the games. For those located in the dugout, masks to be worn at all times
M. Balls sprayed with Lysol between innings
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N. Each players gloves sprayed with Lysol between innings
O. First baseman to wear a mask when holding a runner on first base
P. Staff to keep social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times and will be required to wear masks in any situation where they are within 6 feet of others