COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocol
Last update: April 18, 2022
1. Introduction:
These policies and procedures have been developed based on government and public health rules. They consider multiple factors including the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, available information about transmission of the virus, and the layout of our facilities within a public park. In addition, they have taken into consideration potential consequences of masking, vaccinations, quality of play and other game-related safety. As circumstances of the pandemic, or guidance from public health officials change, our rules may also need to be adapted. At all times, the league will do its best to keep people informed. The cooperation of the entire community, including players, coaches, umpires, parents/guardians, guests and league executives is critical to completing the season.
2. Application:
a) These rules apply to all players, coaches, league executives, umpires, families, guardians and/or guests on all High Park Little League facilities (e.g., the field of play, clubhouse, washrooms, batting cages and storage areas).
3. Exemption:
a) Any person may be exempted from specific sections of this protocol if they provide a note from a physician with a valid licence from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
4. Public health rules take precedence:
a) If public health guidelines become more restrictive, they will supersede these policies and procedures.
5. Failure to comply:
a) Failure to adhere to these policies and procedures, could result in the loss of permits and the ability for the league to offer baseball activities for all members.
b) Players, coaches, and league executives who do not follow these policies and procedures may face a range of disciplinary actions, including ejection from a game. It can also include warnings, suspensions, or dismissal from the league at the discretion of the board of directors.
6. Vaccinations:
a) The league has repealed its policy to require coaches, umpires, and other volunteers to be fully vaccinated.
7. Stay home with symptoms:
Consistent with Toronto Public Health Guidance: COVID-19 symptoms can vary from person-to-person and may take up to 14 days after a COVID-19 exposure to appear.
If you have ONE or more of the following symptoms (that is new or worsening), it is highly likely you have COVID-19 and are contagious:
• Fever (37. 8˚ C or higher) and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Decreased or loss of taste or smell
If you have TWO or more of the following symptoms (that is new or worsening), it is highly likely you have COVID-19and are contagious:
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue or tiredness
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)
If it is highly likely you have COVID-19, you, and the people you live with need to self-isolate. Seek guidance from Toronto Public Health for more information.
8. Contact tracing:
a) If you test positive, the league encourages you to confidentially contact us, and we will help make arrangements to inform people who may have been a close contact or exposed during your contagious period.
9. Masks and Physical Distancing:
a. Masks are no longer required for league activities. If the league uses facilities that are owned by other organizations, participants must respect those rules. Masks are encouraged in High Park Little League indoor facilities.
10. Umpires:
a. Umpires will return to their traditional positions on the field:
1) T-Ball:
a) Home plate umpire and catcher stand on same side of backstop. Field umpire will be on the perimeter of infield.
2) Baseball:
a) Balls and strikes will be called from the traditional location behind the plate.
