Hello Families, Players & Dedicated Regional Volunteers:
It has been sometime since we last communicated regarding Return to Play (R-T-P) for AYSO, so we wanted to provide a LOCAL update for the Region.
As of today, Orange County (OC) is still in a ‘PAUSE’ mode for recreational youth sports, based on clarifying guidance issued by the State. In addition, as you may have heard, California High School sports have postponed CIF until December; however, we are hopeful that in the next few weeks, OC will allow re-start of recreational youth sports, including soccer activities.
We want you to know that the Region is Ready & Able to begin soccer activities allowed by the OC Health Department Guidance. Many members of the Regional Board have been working to have most everything in place to start quickly (COVID 19 plan, anticipated Volunteer training, etc.), after we are released to Return to Play Activities. We cannot stress enough that we want to provide the Safest environment for the Kids to Have Fun on the Field.
As a Section (Section 11), we are looking at a coordinated R-T-P Activities beginning October 3rd; what phase of Activity will be allowed is still undetermined (see attached R-T-P Phases outline). Please see the National R-T-P information at https://www.aysovolunteers.org/returning-to-play/ .
As all of us have experienced to date, nothing is simple in the current situation, and all activities (work, sports, school & recreation) remain very fluid, depending on where we reside.
Our Registration for the Primary (Fall) Season remains OPEN for all to sign up on the Wait List. We are utilizing a wait list format to avoid the necessity to take payment, until we are 100% certain what programs our primary season will be comprised of. In addition, we will also need to confirm with families that they remain interested in participating in the Fall Activity AND who is willing to Volunteer to support the kids approved soccer activities.
What will R-T-P Activities Look Like:
No one is certain…….We anticipate coordinated and measured R-T-P Activities based on the Phase (see attachment) we are operating within. We do not anticipate moving directly to competition when AYSO restarts Soccer Activities, but more of a build up to Play (competition), starting with soccer training, camps, drills, hopefully leading up to play (Phase 3-4).
Unlike previous years, we are anticipating that the Primary (Fall) Season play may go into 2021, with a ‘break’ for the holidays in December. Exactly what the levels of soccer activities (such as Schoolyard, 6-U, 14-U, etc.) will ultimately be, is still ‘up in the air’. As always, available participants drive what and how many levels the Region develops. We are preparing for R-T-P Activities without spectators in the beginning.
Or goal is to get the Kids back on the fields… SAFELY….. and everyone’s support (Families, Volunteers & Players) will be required for R-T-P Activities to be successful.
As we develop more plans and have clear R-T-P Activity details, we will be back in touch with our Families. Please monitor the Region 159 website and your players registered e-mail for up-to-date details. www.ayso159.org
Remain safe and do the best to enjoy the remainder of our summer…. School is a month away!!
Your AYSO Region 159
ALL Family Volunteer Board of Directors