northwest covid-19 guidelines

 As Northwest Little League baseball and softball resumes for the fall program, it is vital that everyone understands and adheres to the rules and guidelines implemented at Northwest in response to COVID-19. These best practices have been compiled from resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as guidance from Little League International, and from the state of Pennsylvania, and the city of Bethlehem. 

Please note – these rules are not optional. 

Anyone found not following the rules may be asked to leave the complex. 

Anyone planning to enter the complex should refrain from doing so if they are feeling unwell. In the event any of the following conditions are met, the person shall not enter the complex until evaluated by a medical provider and given clearance to do so: 

• Active COVID-19 infection
• Known direct contact with an individual testing positive for COVID-19
• Fever
• Cough

Those at higher risk of severe disease should consider consultation with their medical provider before attending a game or practice. 

•  Players and coaches should take measures to prevent all but the essential contact necessary to play the game, including no handshakes or high fives or other personal contact celebrations
• Players should line up outside the dugout and tip their caps to each other after the game as a sign of sportsmanship, rather than high fives
• Drinks should not be shared and should be labeled with the players name
• Sunflower seeds and gum will not be allowed on the complex
• Players and coaches must refrain from spitting, including on the field
• All managers, coaches, and other volunteers in contact with the players should wear protective face masks whenever possible
• Players are not required to wear face masks but are permitted to wear one if desired
• Managers, coaches and players should be assigned spots in the dugout at least six feet apart if possible
• Players should stay at their assigned spots when on the bench while waiting their turn to bat
• No player bags or equipment is allowed in the dugout, they should be outside the dugout, spaced appropriately to avoid contact
• Players should have their own helmet, glove, and bat
• Catchers must have their own equipment
• Baseballs and softballs should be rotated through on a regular basis, at least every 2 innings to limit individual contact
• Balls used in infield/outfield warm-ups should be isolated from a shared ball container
• Foul balls landing outside the field should be retrieved by participating players or coaches – no spectators should retrieve the ball

•  If there is a game or practice prior to your event, please stay in your vehicle until the prior event is over to avoid overcrowding
• Players and families should vacate the field/complex as soon as is reasonably possible after the conclusion of the game to minimize contact with others
• Practice social distancing, staying six feet away from individuals outside of your household
• Wear a mask for any times when practicing social distancing is not possible
• Bleachers have been blocked off and are not to be used, please bring your own seating
• Restrooms are to be used “one-in-one-out”, meaning while there are multiple toilets, only one person is allowed in the restroom at a time
• The concession stand will not be open for the fall program

Additionally, please be aware that the facility is disinfected daily, as any surfaces that could potentially be touched are sprayed with an approved sanitizer solution. Many thanks to Jim Koehler who personally provides the materials and spends time each day to perform the disinfecting to help ensure the safety of anyone entering the complex. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Northwest Safety Coordinators, Andre Balaziuk and Brian Shellock, by using the contact button below.