FROM Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association
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We hope this communication finds you, your family and friends healthy and safe. We would like to start by acknowledging the medical heroes who are on the front line of COVID-19, many of whom are from our extended soccer family. To the soccer parents and fans who work in the medical profession, we speak with one voice in solemn thanks and respect for your efforts against this ominous virus.
Based on information received during the past week from numerous sources including medical professionals, effective immediately, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association is extending the suspension of all affiliated and sanctioned soccer activities statewide through and including Sunday, April 26, 2020. For our member organizations (towns, clubs and leagues), this suspension continues to include, but is not limited to: all games (of all types), practices, clinics, training, tournaments, in-person meetings and Coaching Education Courses.
Assuming that circumstances do not warrant or require a further extension, commencing Monday, April 27, the suspension will be lifted on all soccer activities as noted above, except for league games (intown, travel and club) and tournaments,which may commence starting on Saturday, May 2, 2020.
All Massachusetts Youth Soccer affiliated League Presidents, with their concern being the ultimate health and well-being of our entire soccer community, are in unanimous agreement with this decision.
Our primary focus has been, and remains the safety and welfare of our players, coaches and referees. As importantly, we are concerned for the safety and well-being of our communities and seek to comply with medical directives on how best to stem the spread of the virus. This is not just a soccer decision, but a public health decision.
We continue to closely monitor the situation via the federal, state and local health agencies. We remain in contact with US Soccer, US Youth Soccer and other State Associations, who have made significant cancellations and postponements, as well as the other major sport organizations and events throughout the country. Membership can expect regular updates as this situation continues to evolve.
As noted in our prior suspension communication, we don’t take these types of decisions lightly. But, in the interest of preserving the health and safety of the entire soccer community, in addition to all others statewide, we cannot emphasize enough that Mass Youth Soccer's primary commitment is the health and safety of all members, players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators and volunteers.
A further update from Mass Youth Soccer will be provided on/about April 1st.