COVID-19: Return to Play
June 14th-6:18pn Friendly reminder, there will be no concessions at High Point. See at the ball fields tomorrow

The following guidelines have been adopted by Triple Crown Sports to ensure a safe return to play. In conjunction with Sports UAC (United Against COVID), these guidelines have been vetted by other governing bodies, municipalities, event managers, public health sectors, coaches and more. These protocols do not replace or supersede any restrictions in place by state or local authorities and can be adjusted accordingly. In addition to these guidelines, we are also following strict CDC recommendations which include but are not limited to:

 Coaches, players and fans are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap or water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
 Avoid close contact with people and maintain at least 6 feet from others.
 Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
 Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

A Safety Director will be assigned to each event to enforce the following protocols and ensure teams and spectators are compliant:

 Teams are required to clean dugouts after each game, including picking up all trash and disinfecting seating, handrails, bat racks, etc. The incoming team is encouraged to do the same upon arrival. There will be disinfecting spray in the dugouts to use prior to leaving the dugout.
 Each team will check in 1 hour prior to their first game start at the tournament table and collect 5 balls to use throughout the event. Fielding team brings out their own balls and pulls them off the field when up to bat. Teams must disinfect their game balls between each inning.
 Chewing and spitting seeds is prohibited.
 No post-game handshakes or team high fives. Teams can get creative in saying "good game" with social distancing protocols i.e. a tip of the cap from the dugout.
 No formal awards presentation. Awards will be boxed and handed to coaches to distribute at the conclusion of the tournament.
 No paper brackets or boards. All scores and pitching will be available to view on the Tourney Machine website or app.
 Coaches-only plate meeting with social distancing. No players. Masks required for coaches and umpires during meeting.
 Avoid team huddles. Mound visits are limited to pitcher, catcher and coach only.
 Base coaches need to maintain six feet distances and cannot touch a runner or player on the field.
 PPE items for players and coaches is highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
 Expand dugouts to include baseline fences, players must stand six feet apart. Each facility will be set up to meet these specifications.
 Where possible, limit pitching and scorecard exchanges in order to reduce person-to-person contact.
 Event Directors will adjust playing formats to increase the amount of time between games in order to minimize overlap and traffic flow. Entering and exit plans will be created for each facility.
 No team meetings or congregating at facility before or after the game. As soon as your game is over, exit the facility and head straight to your vehicles.
 Offsite warm up is encouraged. Some facilities may not accommodate designated warm-up areas.
o Umpire masks are required during Homeplate meetings. Umpire behind catcher; mask is optional.
 Bring your own water bottles and no sharing.
 We encourage players to wear their own helmet, glove and bat. If you do share, items need to be wiped down and sanitized before next use.
 Catcher's gear:
o If you are going to switch catchers, do your best to plan it between innings so that you have time to wipe items down before next use.
 Coaches are not allowed on the field to disagree or argue with a call. Instead, they can call the umpire to the dugout with questions while maintaining at least six feet. Aggressive arguing with an umpire is not allowed.
 Bleachers are off limits to all spectators. Bring your own chairs and sit in designated locations while maintaining social distancing. Each spectator must respectively sit with their team and fans.
 All spectators are encouraged to wear masks.
 Immediate family members as spectators only
 Parents are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer and wipes.
 Spectators are advised to follow all facility bathroom rules.
 Concessions will be open. Do not share.

If players, coaches and/or fans are not following protocols, a verbal warning from the Site Director or Safety Director will occur first. If the actions persist, the team will be removed from event.