SOCA is committed to the safety of our players, coaches, referees, families and communities. We believe it is imperative that everyone adhere to the below Policy and Procedure which have been created with the information learned from the Governor of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health and Safety (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The policies and procedures listed below are mandatory for all players, coaches and staff members to ensure all of our participants can continue to train and develop safely. If Parents are not comfortable having their child return to play or their child is at a higher risk for severe illness, please stay home.
The pandemic is an evolving situation. SOCA will continually monitor guidance and information provided by the CDC and federal and state officials as it relates to COVID-19. These policies will be updated regularly to reflect current guidance and best practices.
Mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 relies on the whole SOCA community following the policies and procedures put in place to promote everyone’s health and safety. This Policy will be communicated via email to staff and families, as well as available on the SOCA website.
SOCA will adhere to the physical distancing guidelines, cleaning and disinfection practices, and workplace safety practices provided by the Governor of Virginia and local authorities. SOCA program size will be determined based on the current recommended standards/phase guidelines put in place by state and local governments.
SOCA will ensure anyone who has symptoms of, has tested positive for, or has been exposed to COVID-19 follows appropriate guidelines for quarantine or isolation as discussed below.
SOCA will continually monitor guidance and information provided by the CDC and federal and state officials as it relates to COVID-19. Policies and procedures for all activities will be adjusted as needed in order to provide our services while making every effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to the best of our ability.
General Hygiene Practices to Mitigate the Risk of Spread of Infection
All players, coaches, and staff members are expected to follow the following practices to mitigate transmission of any communicable disease.
Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection:
Individuals with COVID-19 can exhibit signs and symptoms which range from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection include:
Less common symptoms that may still be evidence of COVID-19 infection include:
Prior to participation in any SOCA related events or activities, all players/parents must complete and agree to the online waiver as part of their registration. The waiver includes a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk for Communicable Diseases including COVID-19.
All players, coaches and staff members must perform a temperature check and conduct a health screening prior to attending any SOCA related events or activities. The temperature check and health screening can be performed by adult players or parents of minors and may be reinforced by a coach or staff member in order to look for signs of infection. This includes:
(1) Temperature Check – all players, staff or family members with a temperature of 100.4 or greater are prohibited from attending any event.
(2) Health Screening – The following are to be asked of oneself or by a parent of a minor prior to attending any SOCA activities or events:
(i) Is your current temperature 100.4F or greater?
(ii) Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last fourteen (14) days?
(iii) Have you exhibited any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days?
(iv) ***Have you been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) of anyone that has been diagnosed with or has symptoms of COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days?
***Participating in a practice or game with another player who later tests positive for COVID-19 does not automatically constitute Close Contact. If proper measures are taken at the game/practice and sidelines and spaced, no huddles allowed, etc. SOCA does not deem players to be in close contact. However, if players are sharing water bottles, car pooling to the event, huddling together for team talks, etc. this would be deemed Close Contact.***
If the answer to any of the above questions is “yes,” you are not allowed to attend the SOCA event or activity and you must follow the Return to Play Protocols below.
Any player, coach or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are required to report this to SOCA at SOCA@SOCAspot.org.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) the identity of the individual and all medical information will be kept confidential and will only be shared with local health officials, if required.
Any player, coach or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 must follow the Return to Play Guidelines below.
Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for 15 minutes within a 24 hour period. Playing soccer (especially outdoors) does not necessarily constitute a close contact with teammates and opponents. Briefly running by opponents during the course of a game or being in the same area of the field as teammates during a free kick does not equal the extended period of time necessary for a close contact. Additionally, outdoor interaction is much safer than indoor interaction due to the unlimited, open air ventilation.
Associated activites such as car pooling to a practice or game with an infected individual are more likely to induce transmission than the playing of soccer itself. This is why coaches and players must adhere to sideline distancing, spaced out bench areas, avoid team huddles, post game handshakes, goal celebrations and high fives, gathered team cheers, etc. If proper precautions are taken to manage the practice/game environment the entire team need not quarantine when a player becomes infected.
When determining if a close contact with an infected teammate was made, ask the following questions:
Did I spend time with this individual in a car on the way to or from the event?
Were we indoors together for any other reason?
Did we interact especially closely such as hugging or shaking hands, huddling, wrestling (horseplay), etc.?
Did I sit directly next to an infected person for 10-15 minutes on a sideline bench?
Was I coughed or sneezed on?
Did we share a water bottle?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you have a close contact. If the answer is no, you likely don’t.
These Protocols are intended to guide decision-making regarding players, coaches and staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in order to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
Return to Play Following Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Infection:
Symptomatic player, coach or staff member with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection cannot attend any SOCA related events or activities until:
Return to Play Following Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Who Have Not Had Any Symptoms:
Player, coach or staff member with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms cannot attend any SOCA related events or activities until:
At least five (5) days have passed since the date of your first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, AND
Return to Play Following Exposure to a Suspected or Diagnosed COVID-19 Infection
Any fully vaccinated individual who has been exposed (close contact) to an infected individual may continue to participate in SOCA activities provided they are symptom free.
Any non-vaccinated asymptomatic player, coach or staff member who has come in close contact with an individual with a suspected or diagnosed case of COVID-19 is restricted from participation in any SOCA related events or activities for at least five (5) days and and no demonstration of symptoms of the illness.
If the player, coach or staff member is asymptomatic after five (5) days since last exposure, they can return to SOCA events or activities. Here, “close contact” means any one of the following:
SOCA offers many different programs for all age groups, genders and levels of play. Specific program considerations will be issued as necessary on a program by program basis. However, the following general protocols are in place for all SOCA activities. These protocols and procedures are designed to represent common-sense best practices that will limit exposure to COVID-19 during SOCA programming. SOCA’s number one priority is to establish an environment that is safe for all players and coaches using these guidelines.
Players will be allowed normal physical contact during play. However, physical distancing measures will be taken outside of play.
When will Physical Distancing Occur?
The SOCA Field House will be utilized as an open-air, indoor/outdoor facility during the Fall, Summer and Spring seasons. This means the walls on both sides of the building will be fully opened via the nine large garage doors present. Additionally, the four extra large ceiling fans will be in operation at all times to ensure constant airflow and ultimate ventilation. Masks are not typically required of any spectators or players when the Field House is operating as an open air facility. Particularly high virus rates at any given time may be cause for temporary mask requirements as well as spectator limitations to provide extra precaution.
**Updated 2022 Winter Season Policy **
–Updated 1/5/22
Due to rising virus rates related to the emergence of the Omicron variant additional mitigation measures have been instituted based on policies implemented in 2021 that proved successful in preventing community spread of Covid-19.
Until further notice the following policies are in place for Winter 2022 programming at the SOCA Field House:
– All spectators, coaches/facilitators, SOCA staff, referees and players not actively participating in play must be masked at all times while in the facility regardless of vaccination status. Players are not required to wear masks while playing but may if they choose to do so. Players should mask while subbed out of the game.
– To limit crowd size the following policies are in place:
– – No spectators or parents are permitted for Winter Academies or Open Gym sessions. Players should be dropped off prior to the session and picked up outside at the conclusion of activities.
– – For WISL matches, one spectator per player is permitted inside the facility. Spectators will be allowed in for match viewing at the start of the match, only after the previous match’s spectators have cleared the facility. Parents are encouraged when possible to drop their child off for play and pick up afterwards. Facilitators, referees and SOCA staff will be on site at all times to ensure safety.
– When virus positivity rates are above 5% doors will remain open for all activities taking place in outdoor temperatures of 30 degrees F or higher. **When outside temperatures are 29 degrees F or lower, doors may be shut to allow for heating of the space. When in this operational mode, the doors will be opened for brief periods on regular intervals to allow for fresh air and increased ventilation.**
– Anyone experiencing symptoms may not attend activities at the Field House.
These policies will be updated as virus rates fluctuate. If the virus rates worsen, additional measures may be instituted. Our hope is the virus dissipates and we can relax some of these protocols prior to the end of the winter season.
Check the positivity rate for Charlottesville and Albemarle: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/see-the-numbers/covid-19-in-virginia/community-transmission/
Mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 relies on the whole SOCA community following the policies and procedures put in place to promote everyone’s health and safety. This Policy will be communicated via email to staff and families, as well as available on the SOCA website.
SOCA will adhere to the physical distancing guidelines, cleaning and disinfection practices, and workplace safety practices provided by the Governor of Virginia and local authorities. SOCA program size will be determined based on the current recommended standards/phase guidelines put in place by state and local governments.
SOCA will ensure anyone who has symptoms of, has tested positive for, or has been exposed to COVID-19 follows appropriate guidelines for quarantine or isolation as discussed below.
SOCA will continually monitor guidance and information provided by the CDC and federal and state officials as it relates to COVID-19. Policies and procedures for all activities will be adjusted as needed in order to provide our services while making every effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to the best of our ability.
General Hygiene Practices to Mitigate the Risk of Spread of Infection
All players, coaches, and staff members are expected to follow the following practices to mitigate transmission of any communicable disease.
Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection:
Individuals with COVID-19 can exhibit signs and symptoms which range from mild to life-threatening. The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection include:
Less common symptoms that may still be evidence of COVID-19 infection include:
Prior to participation in any SOCA related events or activities, all players/parents must complete and agree to the online waiver as part of their registration. The waiver includes a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk for Communicable Diseases including COVID-19.
All players, coaches and staff members must perform a temperature check and conduct a health screening prior to attending any SOCA related events or activities. The temperature check and health screening can be performed by adult players or parents of minors and may be reinforced by a coach or staff member in order to look for signs of infection. This includes:
(1) Temperature Check – all players, staff or family members with a temperature of 100.4 or greater are prohibited from attending any event.
(2) Health Screening – The following are to be asked of oneself or by a parent of a minor prior to attending any SOCA activities or events:
(i) Is your current temperature 100.4F or greater?
(ii) Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last fourteen (14) days?
(iii) Have you exhibited any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days?
(iv) ***Have you been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) of anyone that has been diagnosed with or has symptoms of COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days?
***Participating in a practice or game with another player who later tests positive for COVID-19 does not automatically constitute Close Contact. If proper measures are taken at the game/practice and sidelines and spaced, no huddles allowed, etc. SOCA does not deem players to be in close contact. However, if players are sharing water bottles, car pooling to the event, huddling together for team talks, etc. this would be deemed Close Contact.***
If the answer to any of the above questions is “yes,” you are not allowed to attend the SOCA event or activity and you must follow the Return to Play Protocols below.
Any player, coach or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 are required to report this to SOCA at SOCA@SOCAspot.org.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) the identity of the individual and all medical information will be kept confidential and will only be shared with local health officials, if required.
Any player, coach or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 must follow the Return to Play Guidelines below.
Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for 15 minutes within a 24 hour period. Playing soccer (especially outdoors) does not necessarily constitute a close contact with teammates and opponents. Briefly running by opponents during the course of a game or being in the same area of the field as teammates during a free kick does not equal the extended period of time necessary for a close contact. Additionally, outdoor interaction is much safer than indoor interaction due to the unlimited, open air ventilation.
Associated activites such as car pooling to a practice or game with an infected individual are more likely to induce transmission than the playing of soccer itself. This is why coaches and players must adhere to sideline distancing, spaced out bench areas, avoid team huddles, post game handshakes, goal celebrations and high fives, gathered team cheers, etc. If proper precautions are taken to manage the practice/game environment the entire team need not quarantine when a player becomes infected.
When determining if a close contact with an infected teammate was made, ask the following questions:
Did I spend time with this individual in a car on the way to or from the event?
Were we indoors together for any other reason?
Did we interact especially closely such as hugging or shaking hands, huddling, wrestling (horseplay), etc.?
Did I sit directly next to an infected person for 10-15 minutes on a sideline bench?
Was I coughed or sneezed on?
Did we share a water bottle?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you have a close contact. If the answer is no, you likely don’t.
These Protocols are intended to guide decision-making regarding players, coaches and staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for or is displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in order to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
Return to Play Following Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 Infection:
Symptomatic player, coach or staff member with a suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection cannot attend any SOCA related events or activities until:
Return to Play Following Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Who Have Not Had Any Symptoms:
Player, coach or staff member with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms cannot attend any SOCA related events or activities until:
At least five (5) days have passed since the date of your first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, AND
Return to Play Following Exposure to a Suspected or Diagnosed COVID-19 Infection
Any fully vaccinated individual who has been exposed (close contact) to an infected individual may continue to participate in SOCA activities provided they are symptom free.
Any non-vaccinated asymptomatic player, coach or staff member who has come in close contact with an individual with a suspected or diagnosed case of COVID-19 is restricted from participation in any SOCA related events or activities for at least five (5) days and and no demonstration of symptoms of the illness.
If the player, coach or staff member is asymptomatic after five (5) days since last exposure, they can return to SOCA events or activities. Here, “close contact” means any one of the following:
SOCA offers many different programs for all age groups, genders and levels of play. Specific program considerations will be issued as necessary on a program by program basis. However, the following general protocols are in place for all SOCA activities. These protocols and procedures are designed to represent common-sense best practices that will limit exposure to COVID-19 during SOCA programming. SOCA’s number one priority is to establish an environment that is safe for all players and coaches using these guidelines.
Players will be allowed normal physical contact during play. However, physical distancing measures will be taken outside of play.
When will Physical Distancing Occur?
The SOCA Field House will be utilized as an open-air, indoor/outdoor facility during the Fall, Summer and Spring seasons. This means the walls on both sides of the building will be fully opened via the nine large garage doors present. Additionally, the four extra large ceiling fans will be in operation at all times to ensure constant airflow and ultimate ventilation. Masks are not typically required of any spectators or players when the Field House is operating as an open air facility. Particularly high virus rates at any given time may be cause for temporary mask requirements as well as spectator limitations to provide extra precaution.
**Updated 2022 Winter Season Policy **
–Updated 1/5/22
Due to rising virus rates related to the emergence of the Omicron variant additional mitigation measures have been instituted based on policies implemented in 2021 that proved successful in preventing community spread of Covid-19.
Until further notice the following policies are in place for Winter 2022 programming at the SOCA Field House:
– All spectators, coaches/facilitators, SOCA staff, referees and players not actively participating in play must be masked at all times while in the facility regardless of vaccination status. Players are not required to wear masks while playing but may if they choose to do so. Players should mask while subbed out of the game.
– To limit crowd size the following policies are in place:
– – No spectators or parents are permitted for Winter Academies or Open Gym sessions. Players should be dropped off prior to the session and picked up outside at the conclusion of activities.
– – For WISL matches, one spectator per player is permitted inside the facility. Spectators will be allowed in for match viewing at the start of the match, only after the previous match’s spectators have cleared the facility. Parents are encouraged when possible to drop their child off for play and pick up afterwards. Facilitators, referees and SOCA staff will be on site at all times to ensure safety.
– When virus positivity rates are above 5% doors will remain open for all activities taking place in outdoor temperatures of 30 degrees F or higher. **When outside temperatures are 29 degrees F or lower, doors may be shut to allow for heating of the space. When in this operational mode, the doors will be opened for brief periods on regular intervals to allow for fresh air and increased ventilation.**
– Anyone experiencing symptoms may not attend activities at the Field House.
These policies will be updated as virus rates fluctuate. If the virus rates worsen, additional measures may be instituted. Our hope is the virus dissipates and we can relax some of these protocols prior to the end of the winter season.
Check the positivity rate for Charlottesville and Albemarle: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/see-the-numbers/covid-19-in-virginia/community-transmission/