THOMAS JOHNSON AREA YOUTH ("TJAY") SOCCER CLUB
TJAY Soccer Club's Return-to-Play Guidelines
A Phased Approach to Resuming Play
The Thomas Johnson Area Youth (“TJAY”) Soccer Club is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of all people. In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the TJAY Soccer Club created these Return-to-Play Guidelines in order to plan for a return to play that implements a phased approach to resuming activity. The purpose of this document is to provide athletes, coaches, and parents with information they can use and outlines the TJAY Soccer Club’s guidelines for returning to training programs and full play in the context of COVID-19. Many of the recommendations in these guidelines upon rules and regulations set forth by public health authorities at the Country, State and County level. These guidelines are subject to change based on the guidance and recommendations of these public health authorities in addition to the other logistical challenges of returning to training and full play following COVID-19.
The information contained in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, are provided for general informational purposes only. The knowledge and circumstances around COVID-19 are changing constantly and, as such, the TJAY Soccer Club makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the completeness of this information. Further, you should seek advice from medical professionals and/or public health officials if you have specific questions about your return to training and competition.
The TJAY Soccer Club’s Return to Play Guidelines addresses many critical details that must be followed by all players, parents, coaches, staff, etc. to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved with our club and community. While the Club and Coach must create a safe environment, the Parent must make the decision for their child to return to play. Whereas there are many that will be excited to return to play, there are others who may be apprehensive. If a player, parent, or family is not comfortable returning to play – THEY SHOULDN’T. We know that everyone will be excited to come together and train, however, it is imperative that all coaches, players and families, as a TJAY Soccer Club member, adhere to these policies. We are all in this together and need everyone’s commitment to follow these club mandates.
Finally, although the young and healthy may be subject to less severe cases of COVID-19, every case of this disease is potentially life-altering or deadly, particularly in those with risk factors that may occur within our community. Until COVID-19 is either eradicated, a vaccine is developed, or a cure is found, there is no way of eliminating the risk of infection. This should always be in the forefront when considering your return to training and full play.
The TJAY Soccer Club’s Return to Play Guidelines are being enacted in phases and are designed to help keep all participants and our community safe. The progression through the stages of this action plan allows for flexibility and will be determined by TJAY Soccer Club Leadership after evaluating all current data available and based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, the State of Maryland, the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, local government officials, and in consultation with health professionals. The TJAY Soccer Club will communicate the official transition from stage to stage at the appropriate time.
Click HERE to view TJAY Soccer Club's Return to Play Guidelines.