USA Lacrosse is excited for the 2022 lacrosse season and is dedicated to player, coach, and official’s safety, both on and off the field. We encourage organizations to follow strategies that help keep everyone healthy throughout the season.
USA Lacrosse continues to strongly encourage vaccination against COVID-19 for eligible individuals and recommends using appropriate ways to reduce the risk of transmission. These include wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth when in public, hand washing, and social distancing whenever possible.
Individuals should remain aware of the symptoms of COVID-19, which can include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, headache, chills, joint/muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of taste/smell. Below is some additional information related to COVID-19 to keep in mind as the season gets underway.
Important Reminders
Sports organizations should:
● Follow state, local, and federal guidelines regarding risk reduction, testing, and return to play.
● Communicate early and often to the teams, coaches, parents, and players using reliable sources of information about the policies related to COVID-19.
● Designate a team or organizational representative who is responsible for COVID-19 concerns.
● Develop a plan for reporting COVID-19 positive cases and exposures.
Coaches, athletes, and officials should:
● Stay at home if you are feeling sick, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have a fever.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and equipment. Do not share equipment.
● Make the most of the time together and pre-plan to avoid confined huddles.
● Follow CDC guidelines for isolation/quarantine and testing if individuals develop COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
● Recognize that players who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 may need to follow up with their physician if symptoms continue or do not improve after a few days, before returning to sport.
● Understand that players with significant symptoms or who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 may need additional time off sport and should follow a gradual return to play program.
Helpful Links and Resources
● Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines (CDC)
● Considerations for Youth Sport Administrators (CDC)
● Coronavirus and Youth Sports (Aspen Institute Project Play)
● For Athletes: Coping with the Impact of Coronavirus (USPOC)
● Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
● COVID-19 Testing Information
● Graduated Return to Play Guidance Following COVID-19 Infection
