Updated:  6.21.21

Changes are being made daily to state regulations.  Please check back the week of the event for event specific protocols that we will be enforcing.  Safety is our #1 concern.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

STEPS Lacrosse LLC has prepared ​Return to Play ​recommendations for all participants. The following recommendations and protocol are fluid and changing, based upon current guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Lacrosse, and other Federal and/or local government agencies.

Participants must proceed with the understanding that there is no way to eliminate all risk of infection and, as a result, STEPS Lacrosse LLC strongly encourages all participants to follow these recommendations as safety precautions. The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Event management will share all COVID-19 Return to Play protocols with participating clubs in a timely manner. Participating clubs should adhere to all COVID-19 Return to Play protocols in good faith. It is required that the COVID-19 waiver be agreed to via online player rostering within the assigned parameter for each individual event.

Vulnerable Public/Participants:

There are certain segments of the population that have an increased risk of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Individuals who are 65 years of age or older, those with heart, lung, kidney or liver complications, and those with diabetes or any other pre-existing health conditions are highly encouraged not to attend unless fully vaccinated. Parents and coaches should assess levels of risk based on individual players on the team who may be at higher risk for severe illness such as children who have asthma, diabetes, or other health problems.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19:

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • Cough / Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever / Chills / Repeated shaking with chills
  • Headache / Sore throat / New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Spectators are expected to self-screen for symptoms and temperature check before arriving at the facility.

Team tents and tailgating are permitted. Please practice social distancing in vendor areas.

Maintaining Healthy Operations:

Tournament and event staff are committed to maintaining healthy operations on-site. All staff will be advised and trained in proper protocols. In order to maintain healthy operations:

  • Keep athletes, coaches, officials, staff and parents aware of state or local regulatory agency policies related to group gatherings.
  • ATC’s will be designated Covid-19 Point of Contact and this will be reiterated to all athletes, coaches, officials, staff and parents.
  • Our event staff and officials will be trained on safety protocols. It will be recommended that all Coaches and club staff will do the same.Event SanitationWhile participants are encouraged to bring their own sanitations supplies (disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, etc), event management should provide adequate sanitation options for all people in attendance. This includes access to bathrooms that will be monitored by an attendant to allow for disinfecting between use. Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations should be made available throughout the venue and marked sanitation stations.

Cooperation & Responsibility for All Participants:

Each stakeholder as outlined below has a responsibility to cooperate within the framework of this plan. STEPS Lacrosse emphasizes the need for cooperation and an acceptance of responsibility from all members of our lacrosse community–we will be safer when we work together to minimize risks.

General Safety Guidelines:

In addition to the aforementioned safety guidelines, general safety guidelines recommended by the CDC should be followed by event management, attending clubs, spectators and athletes:

  • Stay at home if you (or a member of your immediate household) are feeling sick or experiencing the following COVID-19 symptoms: People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear ​2-14 days after exposure to the virus. ​People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fever of 100.3 degrees F/37.9 degrees C
    • Chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell(additional less common symptoms can be found at​ ​cdc.gov​)

COVID-19 Action Plan:

Event management should have an action plan to determine what steps will be taken should event staff, official, athlete, coach, or spectator get sick or test positive for COVID 19.

Common COVID 19 symptoms include but are not limited to:​ ​(cdc.gov)

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Sore Throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Close contact with a COVID-19 positive
  • Temperature
  • Event staff, official, coach, athlete, or spectator has shown symptoms of illness during event
    • Will immediately be segregated and sent to an on site medical tent
    • Parent/guardian will be contacted to pick-up the player immediately
    • Individual will be advised to see a medical professional.
    • Will be advised of home isolation criteria: Any persons that are sick or have been exposed to someone sick and have not been quarantined for fourteen days, need to stay home and should not return until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation
    • If you are calling an ambulance or bringing someone to the hospital, try to first alert them that the person may have COVID-19.
    • Individuals who have had close contact with a person who has symptoms will be separated and sent home as well unless fully vaccinated.
    • A medical professional will determine if COVID 19 test is necessary.
    • Individual will be advised to follow CDC guidelines for community related exposure.
    • A medical professional will determine if COVID 19 test is necessary
    • Participants in direct contact with the individual will be notified by event management