Due to Covid-19, the ITBL has voted to adopt these additional safety rules for all game play during the 2021 season. All coaches, parents, fans, players and officials must abide by these rules. Failure to abide by these rules could result in forfeits, removal from the league, or an end to the entire ITBL season.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, everyone should:
Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
If any coach/player/game official or immediate family member has tested positive, has signs of the virus, or has come in direct contact (without proper PPE) with a Covid positive person they cannot participate in baseball activities for a minimum of 14 days and should follow federal and state guidelines
If any player, coach, parent, spectator or game official in attendance exhibit any signs of sickness (including, but not limited to fever, cough, and difficulty breathing) they will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
No players or coaches may enter the dugouts until all other players equipment etc are out and the benches are sanitized. No players may share equipment. Benches will be sanitized between each game. Players/parents/spectators should vacate the field/facility as soon as is reasonably possible after the conclusion of their game to minimize unnecessary contact at the end of their game and/or the start of the next game.
All players and coaches must maintain 6 ft social distancing whenever possible. Only 3 players in the dugout at a time will be allowed. All other players will be spread out behind the dug outs and/or down the fence lines/outfield. Players must remain alert to the possibility of foul balls and/or live action.
Each field should have 13 marked spaces behind/near each dugout that are at least six feet apart for each player and his/her equipment. Spaces should be located behind fencing where possible.
There should be no intentional contact between players, coaches, and game staff at all during the 2021 season. There will be no handshakes, high fives, back slaps, fist pumps or the like which involves any physical contact before, during, or after the games. Please tip your hat to the opponents after the game.
No seeds! No gum! No spitting! No eating in the dugout area! No team coolers. Each player should bring his/her own personal water bottle which should not be shared.
Coaches will carry hand sanitizer with team equipment. Players should carry hand sanitizer in personal equipment bag.
Face Mask Usage – ***Updated to Reflect Youth Sports Guidelines as of 5/10/21***
Players Do Not have to wear a face mask while in the active field of play.
Active Field of play will be defined as inside the fence of a baseball field
Players Must Still wear a mask when outside the fence or off the active field of play (i.e. when in the dugout area or along the fence line while their team is hitting)
Players are still allowed to wear masks on the active field of play if they so choose
Managers/Coaches/Volunteers/Umpires shall always wear face masks.
If any player, parent, spectator or game official is not adhering to social distancing regulations, they may be instructed to wear a mask by league officials, umpires, or coaches.
Pre-game Coaches Meeting must be executed at six ft social distancing with Face Masks worn. Only one coach per team is allowed for pre-game meeting.
All umpiring will be done behind the pitching mound with 6 ft spacing.
No coaches will be allowed on the field to disagree or argue a call. Coaches must call the umpire to their dug out with any rules related questions and remain 6ft away. For the safety of all we will not allow any arguing with any umpire.
Baseballs: It will be the fielding team’s responsibility to have their own baseballs while in the field. It is recommended that you start with at least one new baseball and you may rotate in gently used game balls.
All players must have their own equipment: Hat, Batting Helmet, Glove, and Bat. Please reach out to your league if you need assistance with acquiring your own equipment.
In an event of an injured player, a coach will be first on the scene, they will look to maintain their distance. If a player is severely injured, a coach will administer any first aid needed as usual. If possible, a coach will call upon the player’s parent/guardian to come onto the field and assist to allow for personal contact and routine first aid. As always, if needed call 911 for additional emergency support.
Parent/Spectator Set-up – Parents and Spectators will be asked to maintain 6ft distance from other parents/families whom they are not isolating with. Each member town will designate areas where parents/spectators are allowed and areas where they will not be allowed during game play. Unless there is an injury, no parent is allowed near or in the dugout or near or on the field. At any point, league officials may ask spectators to relocate due to social distancing concerns.
It is recommended that spectators bring their own chairs as bleacher access may be minimal or non-existent due to some of the reconfiguration to allow for social distancing.
Any instances not listed above will be left up to the discretion of the home team and their associated league or any ITBL official onsite. All teams and coaches must adhere to these rules for the safety of everyone involved. All coaches will be held responsible for their players and parents. Please keep all people who are sick at home. If a team or parent are found breaking these rules your team may be asked to forfeit the game.
ITBL will require all players’ parents/guardians & coaches to sign participation waivers outlining the additional risks with this activity due to COVID-19. Any participant without a signed waiver will be ineligible to play.
