COVID-19 UPDATE
FROM EPYSA (updated 12/8/20)
As the fall outdoor season is completed for most and winding down for few, we must address the winter season. We’ve been fortunate to have a moderate November, but temperatures will be dropping. Outdoor play will be less tolerable. If you continue to play outdoors, please consult cold weather training recommendations from US Soccer.
Given the restrictions on indoor gatherings and the continued rise of infections, we will not be sanctioning any indoor tournaments until further notice. This applies to indoor soccer and futsal. The very nature of a tournament and the number of people gathering in a facility and waiting between games is far from ideal or safe conditions. To be clear, this applies to tournaments only. Unfortunately, for the first time in over 25 years, we will not be hosting the annual Indoor Cup.
Teams and clubs may still train indoors, but they must comply with Department of Health standards and orders, as well as the facility’s restrictions. Be aware that it is likely that the number of available facilities will be low. School districts and other public facilities and rec centers remain closed to the public or will not rent to outside organizations.
Private facilities that operate leagues may still be open. However, we do not, nor have we ever, sanctioned those facilities for their in-house leagues. Eastern Pennsylvania’s insurance policies do not cover your teams at unsanctioned events. You need to consult your local facility for their safety protocols and standards. Facilities we are in contact with are taking this quite seriously and are required to follow Department of Health guidelines.
Be advised that as of December 1, the state of Delaware is prohibiting out of state players from entering its tournaments and their players from attending out of state tournaments. The Delaware Youth Soccer Association is prohibiting games or travel across state lines. As of December 5, the state of New Jersey is prohibiting all indoor youth and adult sports activities until further notice.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health amended its travel order on November 25, that travel out if the state for 24 hours or less does not require quarantine or testing. Given the orders of our neighboring states, please give careful consideration before traveling. Please be aware that these orders guidelines may be amended at any time. We will continue to monitor and alert you as we become aware.
