THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE SAINT JOHN SLOPITCH LEAGUE

2020 OFFICIAL RETURN TO PLAY PLAN

June 9th, 2020

Here is our official return to play plan which we have submitted to the city and to SPN (our insurance) for approvals.  We will print off copies for the team reps tomorrow night but felt we should post this so that if there are questions we can address them at the meeting.

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2020 Moosehead Slo-Pitch Return to Play Plans

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Our league will follow all Government Health Regulations and Mandates. This includes Provincial, City and Municipal restrictions – all laws and bylaws must be adhered to at all times

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Personal Protection :

- Do not come to the game if you are ill, show any symptoms or have been around someone who is ill.
- The use of a mask is recommended.
- The use of personal fitted batting gloves at all times is recommended.
- The use of individual bats is recommended. In the event a team is sharing bats, it is recommended batting gloves be used and/or the bat is wiped down between uses.
- It is recommended that each team use their own set of balls, minimizing the number of people who touch the ball.
- Balls should be wiped before each inning.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not spit.
- Wash your hands often.

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Arrival/Departure at the Fields :

- Arrive 15 minutes maximum before scheduled game time.
- Leave the field immediately upon game completion.

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Social Distancing During the Game :

- There will be no contact, ‘no handshakes or high fiving’
- No warm up of any kind before games.
- Ground Rules shall be provided to a team representative before the game.
- During batting, players will need to line up along the fence outside of the diamond spread out accordingly.
- The dug out will only be used by the upcoming batters, distancing accordingly to space available.
- Coaches will stand 2 meters away from 1st and 3rd base at all times, however, it is recommended that there be no base coaches.
- The catcher will stand 2 meters behind the strike mat.
- A dedicated area will represent where the next scheduled team is to meet, until such time when they have been cleared to approach the diamond by the umpire or when it is apparent that the previous team occupants have vacated the field. (Home – 3rd base side ; Away – 1st base side, for example).
- Immediately upon the completion of the game, all members will leave the diamond area.
- Spectators must sit socially distanced from team members and other spectators. It is recommended that spectators be kept to a minimum.
- It is recommended that children should not be left unattended while playing.
- No coaching conferences or group huddles.
- All garbage must be collected and removed by each team after the game (if there are no designated garbage cans on site).

Umpires :

- It is recommended that umpires wear a mask or face shield.
- Umpires will provide further detailed ground rules on an as needed basis observing the necessary distancing before the game begins.
- There will be no exchange of lineup cards, teams will keep score with their own scorekeeping books. Teams can submit their lineup cards to the umpire for game management, or the umpires can use a small notepad if they prefer. Also, teams could take a picture of their lineup card to exchange with the other team and submit if there is a question of roster eligibility.
- Umpires will stand where they are comfortable calling the game, and at least 2 meters away from the catcher and batter.

League Specific Rule Changes (for time management) :

- All games will be played with a 1-1 count to start
- There will be a 6 run cap per inning, with the last inning being an open inning for both teams. This will either be the 9th inning or the last inning to start before 10 minutes remaining in the time slot.

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These changes are being instituted to allow games to finish before the next games are scheduled to begin, thus minimizing the amount of people at the field at any given time.

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We ask that the team representative provide their respective teams with these rules (they will also be on the league website) and that the team reps work with their players to ensure that these rules are followed.

Teams and or players who do not adhere to the suggestions put forth by the league risk being refused to participate and will face possible suspensions from future league games.

Thanks

Moosehead Slo Pitch League Executive

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President: Tim O’Blenis     640-1955
Vice President: Shawn Hanson     333-3502
Secretary: Matt Brown     651-0312
Treasurer: Peter McMenamon     644-9245