The commonwealth of Massachusetts has released a document on youth and amateur sports and how to further proceed. This is effective as of the 17th of August, 2020.  It is categorized into Low, Moderate, or Higher Risk. Depending on the type of risk, there will be modifications made to ensure the safety of the athletes, coaches, and spectators. 

ALL SPORTS REQUIRE A MASK TO BE WORN (except for water sports, if distancing 6 ft or more is possible, or if a disability or medical condition prevents to do so)

What Qualifies as a Low-Risk Sport?

Tennis, Golf, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Single Crew, Single Swim

The sport is socially distanced and requires no physical contact. The sport also can be played individually. 

Sports that fall under this category can participate in single activities, scrimmages, matches, and tournaments. Tournaments are for Low risk sports only. 

Moderate-Risk?

Baseball, Softball, Crew, Track, Volleyball, Girls Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Soccer, Team Swimming

There are a few times where the athletes are in close proximity to each other and incidental physical contact. 

Higher-Risk?

Wrestling, Football, Boys Lacrosse, Ice Hockey, Competitive Cheer

High chances of close proximity to others and purposeful physical contact. 

In order for matches, scrimmages, and single play to occur, both Moderate and Higher risk sports need to follow the minimum mandatory modifications. Including; fewer athletes playing at once, eliminate deliberate contact, minimize close contact, being outdoors (if possible), and shorten practices, meets, games, etc. If the above cannot be done, activities may be done in small groups of less than 10 people separated by at least 14 feet. 

Capacity Limits

Outdoor Competitions & Tournaments Capacity Limits:

• No more than 25 players on any surface/playing area for team/group sports.
•  No more than 50 people excluding players, coaches, referees, or facility/activity workers surrounding any playing area at once with at least 6 feet of social distancing.
• Spectators must wear facial coverings and maintain six feet of social distance at all times.
• For competitions and tournaments in the water, the aforementioned limitations apply to any applicable activities on land.

Indoor Competition Capacity Limits: 

• No more than 25 players on any surface/playing area for team/group sports.
• 1 spectator per player under 21 years old is allowed to attend if: the indoor area has spectator area which allows for at least 6 feet social distancing and does not go over the 40% of the maximum occupancy
• Spectators must wear facial coverings and maintain six feet of social distance at all times.
• For indoor competitions in the water, the aforementioned limitations apply to any applicable activities on land.

Multiple Playing Surface Capacity Limits:

• For places with multiple fields, surfaces, courts, etc. the above limitations apply to each area with 6 feet social distancing for all individuals, including those at adjacent fields, surfaces, courts, etc.
• Staff should set Competition and Tournament schedules with a time buffer to prevent the overlap of competitions and to allow for disinfecting of equipment and cleaning of commonly touched surfaces. Games should end in a draw if time expires. 
• For places with multiple fields, surfaces, courts, etc. staff should mark off designated areas for spectators for each area. to minimize the overlap