Preparations for the Fall 2020 Soccer Season Have Begun
Preparations for the Fall 2020 soccer season have begun. The GDYSC Board is currently awaiting guidance from the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League regarding what play will be allowable this fall, when the fall season will begin and end, and what protocols we will need to develop and follow to keep all of our players and coaches safe. Hopefully, this information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. In addition, since we did not have player evaluations in the spring due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we will likely hold player evaluations sometime in August prior to the structuring and submission of rosters for the fall season. This only applies for players in Grade 3 to Grade 8. No player evaluations will be required for PreK/K, Grade 1/2 or Grade 9/12 players.
Game times and locations for fall home games (if they are played), will be the following:
PreK/K - Saturday, 12:00 - 1:15 (Cow Pond)
Girls Grade 1/2 - Saturday, 8:30-9:45 (Cow Pond)
Boys Grade 1/2 - Saturday, 9:45 - 11:00 (Cow Pond)
Girls Grade 3/4 - Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 (home games at Cow Pond)
Boys Grade 3/4 - Saturday, 10:15 - 11:30 (home games at Cow Pond)
Girls Grade 5/6 - Saturday, 11:30 - 1:00 (home games at Cow Pond)
Boys Grade 5/6 - Saturday, 1:00 - 2:15 (home games at Cow Pond)
Girls Grade 7/8 - Saturday, 2:15 - 4:00 (home games at Cow Pond)
Boys Grade 7/8 - Saturday, 4:00 - 5:15 (home games at Cow Pond)
Girls Grade 9/12 - Sunday, games scheduled at either 1:00, 3:00 or 5:00PM (home games at Cow Pond)
Boys Grade 9/12 - Sunday, games scheduled at either 1:00, 3:00 or 5:00PM (home games at Cow Pond)
If you have other questions, please reach out to the appropriate GDYSC board member.
We wanted to provide everyone with a brief update on the fall 2020 GDYSC soccer season. Since our last club-wide communication, we have been monitoring the evolving federal, state and local health guidelines as well as guidance from the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League in order to determine our plans for the fall season. Over the last couple of weeks, we have received notifications from the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association regarding their Return to Soccer Activities Covid-19 Guidelines as well as information about Coach Education and Licensing Sessions, Grade 3 to Grade 8 Training Sessions in Lancaster at Progin Park and the potential for District Select play this summer for players that fall within their 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 16U and 19U age groups. Information on all of these different opportunities are posted on our website at www.gdysc.org as well as available at www.mayouthsoccer.org.
While we are encouraged by these developments, as well as the recent update from Governor Baker that the State of Massachusetts will be moving into Phase 3 as of Monday, July 6th, we still have not received any guidance from the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League regarding their timeline for return to league play this fall. Typically by July 1st, we have opened registration for the fall season, have begun recruiting volunteer coaches, and have started to outline any updates to the adult registration requirements for the fall season. Without any formal guidance from the NVYSL, we are reluctant to open registration for the fall since the player fees we collect for our Grade 3 through Grade 12 players are contingent upon whether we will be playing within the league for the fall or will have to explore some alternative plans. In addition, because of the cancellation of the spring season, we were not able to hold player evaluations in the spring the way we normally have. If we get the go-ahead from the NVYSL for the fall season in the next few weeks, we will likely try to hold evaluations in a safe and compliant way sometime later this summer and prior to the construction of teams for our Grade 3 to Grade 8 players and prior to the submission of those teams to the league. No player evaluations will be required for PreK/K, Grade 1/2 or Grade 9/12 players. Therefore, we appreciate your patience as we wait to get further guidance before opening registration for the fall season and outlining the protocols we will need to put in place to create a safe, healthy and compliant soccer environment for your children.
Finally, thank you to all the families that completed the spring registration fees survey that was included in the email we sent regarding the cancellation of the spring season. For all of those who responded, your fees have either been refunded to you, credited toward the next season or donated to the GDYSC. For those of you that did not respond to the survey, we will be issuing you a refund by Friday, July 10th.
We are looking forward to getting back on the soccer field as soon as we are confident we can provide a safe, healthy and rewarding experience for your children. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
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Mass Youth Soccer Return to Soccer Activities COVID19 Guidelines
The following guidelines were recently issued by the Mass Youth Soccer Association based on the Massachusetts Phase 2 guidelines for youth sports participation.
MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION Member Checklist For Organization Leadership June 6, 2020 Reopening Massachusetts Return to Soccer Activities mayouthsoccer.org/return-to-soccer-activities/ June 6, 2020
The following document is a simple checklist to use as you prepare to return to soccer activities in Phase 2 of Reopening Massachusetts. All Mass Youth Soccer member organizations must follow the association’s guidelines. In addition, each organization may adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all members, employees, volunteers, and participants. Plus, it is very important that local city, town or municipality policies be understood and followed. A similar checklist for coaches is included in the Return to Soccer Activities section of our website. This checklist should be used by all coaches as they prepare to return and while they conduct soccer activities.
Contents
Page 2: Requirements Prior to Commencing Soccer Activities
Page 3: Requirements While Conducting Soccer Activities
Page 4: Requirements After Conducting Soccer Activities
MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION mayouthsoccer.org/return-to-soccer-activities/ June 6, 2020
Requirements Prior to Commencing Soccer Activities
□ Make the Mass Youth Soccer Return to Soccer Activities COVID-19 Guidelines available to all members. This can be accomplished by: □ Emailing □ Prominently posting on Website □ Pointing to the most recent version on the Mass Youth Soccer Website / MA Safe Soccer section.
□ Appoint your organization’s official COVID-19 Safety Officer who will communicate policies organization wide, to coaching staff, administrators, parents, and players. This should be one individual who may assign certain duties to others.
□ Assign duties to Risk Manager or other specifically designated person.
□ Each team should be assigned a COVID-19 manager who should be on hand at each practice.
□ Communicate policies and guidelines to coaching staff, administrators, parents, and players.
□ Confirm all registered adults have read and understand the guidelines as it pertains to their role in the organization.
□ Make sure all coaches who will be conducting practices and training sessions are fully registered, affiliated, and compliance approved. Your organization’s Risk Manager or Registrar should have this information.
□ Confirm your organization has permission to use the fields (facility, complex, park, school, etc.) prior to scheduling any practices
□ Work with all coaches to identify their team’s COVID-19 Coordinator to oversee compliance at the team level (can be a team parent who must register as an Adult with Mass Youth Soccer). • For those organizations that use public fields:
□ Confirm your coaches and other active adults are properly trained and equipped on the use of sanitization products and techniques. • For those organizations who use private fields/facilities
□ Confirm facility owner has developed, trained, and implemented increased daily sanitization protocols for common surfaces, restrooms, and equipment.
□ Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available throughout the facility. MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION mayouthsoccer.org/return-to-soccer-activities/ June 6, 2020
Requirements While Conducting Soccer Activities
□ Team COVID-19 Coordinator will communicate with the coach to ensure all required policies and procedures are in place during the training session.
□ Designated player equipment area is set up next to the playing area you are assigned to. The area should be away from the sideline and the spectator area.
□ Adhere to guidelines regarding proper use of face coverings and masks.
□ Sessions should be planned using physical distancing session plans. No contact is allowed. No scrimmages to be allowed during practice sessions.
□ The Coach is the only person who can touch any cones or equipment. Coaches should not handle a player’s soccer ball with their hands at any time.
□ Throughout practice, during breaks for water, encourage proper hygiene as provided in the guidelines.
□ The Coach shall take proper attendance for each session, recording on paper, or electronically.
□ Do not allow players to share team snacks, water, equipment, or clothing.
Mass Youth Soccer Summer Training for Grade 3 to Grade 8 Players
Mass Youth Soccer will be offering summer training at Progin Park in Lancaster beginning July 9th. For more information or to register, please review the notification below.
Summer Training Center - Lancaster
Mass Youth Soccer is excited to announce our Summer Training Centers taking place at the Progin Park in Lancaster, MA.
The Summer Training Centers are open to all players entering 3rd-8th Grade in the Fall of 2020 and will begin on Thursday 9th July. Sessions will take place weekly with both morning and evening options available.
Mass Youth Soccer's Summer Training Centers are a tremendous opportunity for players to improve in a challenging, fun and memorable soccer environment. All sessions will be led by the Mass Youth Soccer full time technical staff. All Mass Youth Soccer full time staff hold US Soccer A licenses and are nationally recognized US Soccer educators.
All sessions would follow Mass Youth Soccer and State Guidelines regarding Return to Play protocols. More information on Mass Youth Soccer's REturn to Play guidelines can be found at mayouthsoccer.org/return-to-soccer-activities/
Enrollment in the 2020 Summer Training Center is priced at $120 per player for 6 weeks.
Mass Youth Soccer Coach Training Sessions This Summer
Coaches - Mass Youth Soccer will be hosting a number of coach education course this summer. Please see the attached notification for more information and to register.
Coach Education Courses - Summer 2020
Mass Youth Soccer will be hosting US Soccer 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 Grassroots Coaching Licenses throughout the summer at our beuatiful Progin Park Complex in Lancaster, MA.
The courses will be offered in a "blended" format, with classroom sessions taking place via a virtual format and field sessions being held in-person in Lancaster, MA.
The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association's District Select Program will be operating on a limited basis this summer. See below for more details and registration instructions.
DISTRICT SELECT PROGRAM - SUMMER 2020
Dear Youth Soccer Families,
We hope this email finds you and your families staying safe and healthy.
Mass Youth Soccer is planning for a modified 2020 District Select Program (DSP) to take place this summer. The District Select Program is open to all players born in the years 2009-2001. We will be utilizing this summer’s DSP as an opportunity to demonstrate a responsible way to return to soccer activities, following all safety protocols.
The number one priority for Mass Youth Soccer is always the safety for all involved; players, parents, coaches, administrators, referees, and we will do everything possible to make sure that happens.
Please note: The District Select Program is contingent upon the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Reopening Phase 3 guidelines. The District Select Program will only go ahead if the program structure is allowable per state guidelines.
The tentative plan for DSP consists of 4 weekends of play, playing one game per weekend. We will not be hosting a season ending tournament.
Scheduled weekends of play are:
July 18, 19
July 25, 26
Aug 1, 2
Aug 8, 9
The age groups will play at follows:
Saturdays:11U, 12U, 13U, 14U
Sundays:16U, 19U
As we will only be able to provide one game, per team, per visit to our facility, the game lengths will be as follows:
11U & 12U - 18 min quarters
13U & 14U - 20 min quarters
16U & 19U - 45 min halves
Given the delay in getting back on the fields the tryout process for 2020 will not be able to take place. The following procedures will apply: Players who played a full 2019 summer DSP season will be provided a roster spot on the same team (one year older) for this summer. Players who did not play in the 2019 summer DSP season will be placed on waitlist and placed on teams where spaces are available. We will try our best to place players as needed.
All interested players past and new must be registered in the system in order to be placed on a team. The link to use is the one used for tryouts. Even though tryouts will not be taking place we must use this link to get players into the system to be placed on a team. Returning players will have accounts from last year that can be used. Please be sure to update the player’s shirt size, based on unisex sizing. New players will establish an account and they must also provide a shirt size, based on unisex sizing. Once registered and after being placed on a team will the parent will receive a confirmation email that calls for payment (This email will not be sent until we enter Phase 3 of Reopening Massachusetts)
The cost for the program will be $150 per player. In the event we must cancel the season prior to the first game, a full refund less credit card and processing fees (approximately $4) will be refunded. NO FEES WILL BE COLLECTED UNTIL IT IS CONFIRMED THE DISTRICT SELECT PROGRAM WILL GO AHEAD IN PHASE 3.
Adult Registration, CORI, Concussion Training and Abuse Training
Mass Youth Soccer Adult Registration, CORI Processing, Concussion Training and Certification, Safe Sport Abuse Training and Certification
The State of Massachusetts, Mass Youth Soccer (MYSA), and the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club now require Adult Registration, CORI security background checks, Concussion Training and Certification and SafeSport Abuse Training and Certification for all adults working with children in our program.
NEW REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the start of the Spring 2020 season, all adults involved in the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club must be registered with Mass Youth Soccer on a new website that has been dedicated for our members called US Soccer Connect, powered by Stack Sports. It can be accessed by going to http://grotondunstable.mayouthsoccerconnect.org. To start the process, you will have to first register and create an account as a member of the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club. Once your account is created, you will be required to complete a CORI security background check, take the latest CDC Concussion Training and Certification Course (and upload the certification to your member page on the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club section on the Mass Youth Soccer site), and take the Safe Sport Abuse Prevention Training course (and upload the certification to your member page on the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club section on the Mass Youth Soccer site). The background check and both training and certification courses must be completed before you will be provided with coaching credentials from Mass Youth Soccer to participate in any volunteer activities related to the GDYSC this fall. The total amount of time you should allot for completing all of this training is 4-5 hours, so please do it as soon as possible. If you registered with Mass Youth Soccer on US Soccer Connect prior to the Fall 2019 season, there is no need to register again. Also, if you completed the CDC Concussion Training and Certification course and the Safe Sport Abuse Prevention Training course and uploaded your certificates to your member page on the GDYSC section of the Soccer Connect site, your requirements for the spring season are complete. If you have not completed the two trainings and uploaded your certificates to your member page, please do so prior to the start of the spring season.
ADULT REGISTRATION:
Some tips about completing these items:
Be sure to use your legal first and legal last name
You will need to have a color headshot photo on the device you are using that can be uploaded. Editing tools are available within the system for cropping and resizing.
The selected photo must be a CLEAR, HEAD Only picture of you with NO others in the picture, no sunglasses, no hats, and sufficiently well lit to clearly see your face.
Our organization name is: Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club
You will need your driver’s license number and expiration date
Please use the same email address in all systems including our gdysc.org League Athletics website
Once you have completed the Adult Registration process and the Registrar confirms you are a GDYSC volunteer, you will receive an email from US Soccer Connect containing the link to access the CDC Concussion Training and Certification course and the Safe Sport Abuse Training and Certification course. The links for both will also be available in your Adult Registration account.
Specific Instructions:
Adult Registration Process
Register as a volunteer on the GDYSC website at www.gdysc.org. Click on the green Register Now button on the home page and scroll down to the volunteer registration section.
Click on the Register Now next to the green checkmark
Set up an account with email and password
Once you have created an account, you can then start the Adult Registration process
On the Registration Page – enter all the information – click Sign In button
Click on Register Now on My Member Account Page
On the Registration for Recreational Adult Volunteer/Coach Registration page, start filling out the information requested. Make sure you fill out all required fields
Click Continue to Photos
Choose a photo file from your saved files on your device and upload – the system may prompt for a username and password. If you get that, click cancel and try again. Choose a high resolution file and crop picture to get full headshot. Do not have any other people or animals in the photo.
Click Continue to Waivers
Read authorization for background check and then provide SS# and create an e-signature and click on Next Waiver
Read request for Criminal History and click Next Waiver
Read Adult Participant Agreement, Part 1 – click Next Waiver
Read Adult Participant Registration, Background Check/Disclosure – click Continue to Review button at the bottom of the page
You will come to a Registration Summary Page – make sure information is correct and click Confirm Registration button – close advertisement for fundraising if you see that
Click on Return to Member Account on top of page
You should come to a page that shows that your CORI registration is complete
Concussion Training and Certification Process
Click on Concussion Training Certification “Learn More” button on your Mass Youth Soccer GDYSC Member Portal Page
Click on the “Start your Training” button - also below that is an “Upload Certificate Training” Button that you will need to click once your training is complete. Do not forget this step because we will need to see your certificate that you completed this training preferably on the website
Click “ Login and Register” and create a new account in CDC Heads Up Training – click Login Register Button (whistle)
Get to User Account page and create an account
As part of this process, you will get an email from DUIPInquiries@cdc.gov. If you don’t receive this email within 2-3 minutes, check your spam folder.
Click on the long link in the body of the email
Click on “Launch Training”
Play video – after that Click on Next to take the Training Pre-Test
Once you have played all the videos, completed your training and passed the test, please: a) fill out the Certificate by adding your name, b) save your certificate on your hard drive, and c) download and save the FULL Certificate (you can also do the wallet but you NEED the Full Certificate on your computer). Once saved, you can then upload it to your Member Page to confirm completion. Make sure you are logged into your Member Page. This process is a little unclear, so if you have difficulty please reach out to Jim Gmeiner at
or David Pitkin at dpitkin@gdysc.org. If for some reason you don’t immediately upload your certification, you will need to re-log into your Member Account, and then click on “Learn More” next to the Concussion Training Certification. That brings you to the page that sent you to the CDC Concussion training…but this time click “UPLOAD CERTIFICATE” A new small window should open which says “Concussion Document”. Please upload the PDF,…click on the “UPLOAD” Blue Line and upload your FULL Certificate. It should appear in that new window. Once that happens, click on the X in upper right corner. Go back to your Member Account main page and refresh your browser. There should then be a Blue Check mark next to the Concussion Training Certificate.
Abuse Prevention Training
Start by clicking on “Begin Training” button on your Member Account Page on the Groton Dunstable Youth Soccer Club Portal
Click on “Begin Safe Sport Training” button
Come to an Add Membership Page – Click Save
Begin Registration for a new account
Confirm your email address in the link that is sent to you from Safe Sports. If you don’t get an email within 2-3 minutes, check your spam folder ( in some email clients you can’t click on links in spam, you will have to move it and mark the email as not spam )
Start the training by clicking on the video link button
When you have completed all of the training modules, complete your certificate, save it to your hard drive and upload it to your GDYSC Member page. A note about up loading… Once the Certificate appears in the new small box which opens when you go to upload, click the X in the upper right corner of the box and the Certificate will be saved to your account. Go back to the main Member page and refresh the page. A Blue check mark should appear indicating completion.
Other Items of Note
Your CORI background check should be completed in 7 days or less
Completion of all of these trainings and certifications takes 4-5 hours, so please give yourself ample time to complete them prior to August 26th because we are hoping to release rosters to coaches and allow practices to begin on Monday, September 2nd which is the Monday for the season’s first games.
If you have to stop you can re-start at any time by going back to http://grotondunstable.mayouthsoccerconnect.org and then logging into the incomplete training, by creating the accounts your progress is saved along the way.
No coaches will be allowed to interact with their teams until they have been CORI certified and completed both training certifications, and no Coaching Credentials will be released to coaches until these are complete
All coaches must wear their Coaching Credentials at all times during practices and games or they will be asked to leave the field of play. This is not meant to be punitive but as a proper safeguard for all of our players
