Youth Soccer Games Canceled, Youth Baseball Hopeful For Return
Apr 27, 2020, 2:58 PM | Updated: May 29, 2020, 1:18 pm
(Photo by Colter Peterson/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Youth Soccer Association officially canceled its spring season Monday.
The organization sent out a letter to all its members saying, “based on Governor Herbet’s three phase plan, recommendations from our healthcare partner, as well as all school and multiple field closures, we are unable to offer UYSA League soccer games in May.”
UYSA continued to instruct its members that the suspension of soccer doesn’t just apply to games, but to all practices and training programs that are inconsistent with the state’s Stay At Home Directive.
The organization, which reaches over 50,000 players across the state, is hopeful to resume soccer activities later in the month. The organization sent a letter to the Governor outlining how it would like to gradually integrate soccer back into its players and coaches’ lives.
- Phase 1: In May, returning to practices, while limiting them to 10-15 players, with no scrimmaging and limiting contact. Families attending the practices must remain in their cars.
- Phase 2: In June, UYSA would like to bring back game matches while limiting non-essential contact, such as pre-match handshakes.
- Phase 3: In July, the organization proposes a return to larger events like tournaments, while still limiting spectators.\
The letter then outlines the economic benefits of the proposal, such as getting some 1,500 referees back to work, as well as the help it will give their member clubs.
However, UYSA as an organization is trying to remain positive.
In a statement to KSL Sports, UYSA CEO Bryan Attridge said, “The Utah Youth Soccer Association has been a part of Utah’s communities for 40+ years and we know first-hand the positive effect soccer has on youth players in Utah. Participation in sport not only promotes physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, but also provides mental and emotional stability for many players.’
He went on to add, “We are excited to get our 56,000 youth players back on the field when it is safe to resume play, even if it’s in modified or limited settings. We know our players are looking forward to it as well.”
Youth Baseball States Its Case
Youth baseball is no different. Kids, parents and leagues are all hopeful to play somewhere in the middle of May.
Wasatch Baseball is one of those leagues.
“Right now, it’s the ‘hurry up and wait’ game,” said Brett Ruoti, who is the commissioner of the league. “We want people to know how the mental health aspect of youth sports is so important. With so many things being taken away from [kids] already this spring, they need youth sports.”
Ruoti points to the natural social distancing that takes place during a baseball game. “We have as much of an opportunity to social distance as a restaurant or a gym. We can limit spectators and reduce risk.”
Ruoti has been in contact with the commissioners from other leagues, such as Rocky Mountain Baseball and the Cal Ripken league, in presenting their own plan to the Governor for consideration.
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