Latest MIFC Covid Updates and Guidelines

We understand the concerns and questions regarding COVID-19 infections in our community and around the U.S. due to the Omicron variant. 

The club is keeping an eye on this and maintains a direct dialogue with Washington Youth Soccer and the guidance they are receiving from the medical professionals. 

The Applicable WYS Guidelines

As of January 3, 2022, the WA State Governor’s Office and Department of Health are NOT requiring players,

coaches, or spectators to wear masks at training or games, although they may chose to wear one.

Physical distancing among spectators is strongly encouraged. WA Youth Soccer will continue to follow

the guidance of these two offices with regards to the health and safety of players. Should any new

guidelines come out that effect players, coaches, or spectators at training or games, this document

will be updated and redistributed.

NOTE: Certain counties, clubs, or field providers may have tighter restrictions in place that may involve

mask mandates, etc, and it is the responsibility of the hosting club to notify opponents in advance of

what rules are in place.

In Case of a Positive Covid Diagnosis

When an athlete or coach is diagnosed with COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status):

• Have the individual stay home and isolate for 5 days. They may return after 5 days with a

negative test and must be symptom free. A mask must be worn at all times for the following 5

days.

• If the infected player was in contact with their team within 48 hours of diagnosis (date of

positive test or date of symptom onset) – whichever was earlier), notify the parents/guardians

that “someone” on the team has tested positive for the virus (do not reveal name of infected

individual). Outdoor soccer activities are considered low risk exposures and do not require

quarantine unless >15 minutes of contact with the infected individual within 6 feet over 24

hours, or other special circumstances (ie, carpool, social or indoor exposure). Each player may

choose to be tested for COVID-19 (especially non-vaccinated players).

• If the infected player played in a game with their team within 48 hours of diagnosis, Club COVID

Contact must notify the opposing team immediately with suggestions as above.

• Disinfectant all equipment.

When an athlete or coach who is Not Up-to-Date* on vaccinations, has high-exposure contact with

someone positive for COVID-19:

• Stay home and get tested on Day 5.

• May return after Day 5 with negative test while wearing a mask for following 5 days.

• Contact your club immediately.

• Inform the team – if you have maintained social distance from all your players,

players do not necessarily need to get tested but it can be considered, as stated above.

• Disinfect all equipment.

Scenario #1 - Player/Coach has a sibling/parent/roommate that lives with them and has tested positive.

Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine at home for five days from the last exposure and may only

return after five days with a negative test and must wear a mask for the following five days.

Example: If a parent gets symptoms on Monday, tests on Wednesday, gets results on Thursday, but can't

fully isolate away from player until Saturday, the five days starts from last exposure, which was Friday.

For vaccinated individuals, they do not have to quarantine unless symptoms present but should try to

separate from the positive individual. They should wear a mask when attending training or games for ten

days and get a test five days after exposure.

Scenario #2 - Player has had someone in class at school test positive and school rules state they must

quarantine for ten days. Unvaccinated players must follow the school rule and quarantine for ten days

before returning. For vaccinated players, some districts are allowing for those individuals to continue to

school, and if so, may return to training (with a mask for five days) and get tested five days after exposure (if

the school requires quarantine regardless of vaccination status, player must follow school guidelines and

quarantine). WYS will follow the individual’s school policies relating to isolation/quarantine periods

and their policies.

When an athlete or coach who is up-to-date on vaccinations has high-exposure contact with someone

positive for COVID-19:

• No isolation necessary.

• Must wear a mask at all times for ten days and test on day five.

• Contact the club immediately.

• Inform the team – if you have maintained social distance from all your players,

players do not necessarily need to get tested but it can be considered, as stated above.

• Disinfect all equipment.

***The CDC considers “up-to-date” to be all individuals who have received their booster shot, 2nd shot

of either Pfizer or Moderna fewer than six months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson shot fewer than two

months ago. Children are considered up-to-date if they are 14 days post having received their second

shot.

Player Responsibilities

• No player that is sick or has signs or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should attend.

• Wait until prior game’s teams have vacated the bench area before entering the space.

• Soccer bags should be placed at least 6 feet apart from one another where possible.

• Use hand sanitizer before and after the game.

• Clustering of players should be avoided.

• No handshakes or fist bumps during or after the game.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• No parent/guardian/caregiver or player that is sick or has signs or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should attend.

• Spectators should remain socially distanced as much as possible.

• Do not loiter around field. Avoid gathering of people.

Additional Reminders  

Please refrain from team activities and self isolate for five (5) full days prior to return if any of the following occur.  After this period, should you exhibit any symptoms, please do not return until after symptoms disappear or you receive a negative PCR test.

• Travel:  If you have traveled for the holidays, the date of your return flight.
• Close Contact:  If you come into close contact with someone who tests positive.
• Notification: If through contact tracing you are notified of potential transmission.
• Immediate family: the 5-day clock begins after the last day your family member has symptoms.
  

Link to Updated CDC guidelines for Isolation and Quarantining: CDC Guidelines Link