The following is a list of all changes that Ottumwa Little League will be making for the 2021 season (this will include practices and games).
Tryouts
Tryouts will be held outside. If the weather does not allow this to happen, we will cancel tryouts and will hold them only for All-Stars later in the season.
Draft
If tryouts are cancelled, our draft will be done virtually by coaches. Coaches will be provided a list of all available players and they will work through a round robin system to build their team.
Temperature
All individuals should measure their body temperature to ensure that no fever is present prior to participating or attending each Little League activity. Anyone with symptoms of fever (measured temperature >100.0oF* or subjective fever), cough, or worsening respiratory symptoms, or any known exposure to a person with COVID-19 should not attend any Little League activity until cleared by a medical professional.
Concessions
- Anyone working within the concession stand will wear gloves and a mask.
- The concession stand will be cleaned regularly with soap and water and then disinfected.
- All products sold and cash (to pay or change given back) will be placed on the counter for pickup. This will help to promote social distancing.
- All water fountains will be closed off and will not be used.
- Hand sanitizer will be available at every concession stand.
Restrooms
- Hand sanitizer will be made available in each restroom.
- Prior to and after any league activity, restrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Spectators
All players, coaches, volunteers, independent contractors, and spectators should practice social distancing of six feet wherever possible from individuals not residing within their household, especially in common areas.
This will be posted at each field with frequent reminders on our social media account.
Umpires
- Home Plate Umpires will be placed six feet behind the pitcher for each game.
- Base Umpires will be in the field based upon the situation of the game but will ensure that they are six feet away from any player / person on the field.
Player Equipment
- No personal player bat bags/equipment bags will be allowed in the dugout. Player equipment will be spaced accordingly outside the dugout to prevent direct contact.
- Players should have their own individual batter’s helmet, glove, bat, and catcher’s equipment.
- Measures will be enacted to avoid, or minimize, equipment sharing when feasible.
- Some critical equipment may not be able to be obtained by every individual. When it is necessary to share critical or limited equipment, all surfaces of each piece of shared equipment must be cleaned first and then disinfected with an EPA approved disinfectant against COVID-19 and allowed sufficient time to dry before used by a new player. Increased attention should be paid to detailed cleaning of all equipment directly contacting the head and face (catcher’s mask, helmets).
- Player’s equipment (e.g. bags, helmets, bats, gloves, etc.) should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by a parent/guardian/caretaker, where applicable.
- Individuals disinfecting equipment are encouraged to use gloves while using disinfectants and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. All disinfectants should be stored properly, in a safe area, out of the reach of children.
- Players should not share towels, clothing, or other items that they may use to wipe their face or hands
Baseballs
- Baseballs will be rotated through on a regular basis, at least every two innings, to limit individual contact.
- Umpires should limit their contact with the ball, and catchers should retrieve foul balls and passed balls where possible.
- Balls used in infield/outfield warm-up will be isolated from a shared ball container.
- Foul balls landing outside the field of play should be retrieved by participating players, coaches, and umpires. No spectators will retrieve the ball.
Handshakes
Players and coaches should take measures to prevent all but the essential contact necessary to play the game. This should include refraining from handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, group celebrations, etc. Little League International suggests lining up outside the dugout and tipping caps to the opposing team as a sign of good sportsmanship after a game.
Meetings
All meetings that are conducted (pre-game, pitcher’s mound, etc.) will occur with all players, umpires, coaches, etc. practicing social distancing and will be six feet apart.
Disinfecting
- We will purchase disinfecting products listed by the CDC and will have that on hand at all times at the concession stand.
- Coaches will check the products out from the concession stand prior to the start of the game. They will check them back in once the game is over.
General
- All players, coaches and umpires must maintain six feet social distancing.
- All base runners will try and avoid contact with defensive players.
- No team drinks will be allowed.
- Sunflower seeds, gum, etc., are not allowed in dugouts or on the playing field.
- All players and coaches are to refrain from spitting at all times, including in dugout areas and on the playing field.