Warren Little League (WLL) is committed to the safety of its players, families, coaches, and umpires.  WLL is implementing a number of social distancing guidelines that will help reduce exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 by placing certain restrictions on when, where, and how our players, coaches, and families interact at our facilities.

WLL is instituting these social distancing guidelines after making decisions about return to play in a thoughtful manner that prioritizes the safety of our players, coaches, umpires, and their families. 

WLL's social distancing guidelines are based on guidance and recommendations from the Marion County Board of Health (MCBH), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

In the guidelines below, you will find how WLL will adapt to ensure that it continues to provide a safe place for children to experience Little League.

WLL will require six feet of social distance between individuals, institute sanitation measures such as washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds or using hand sanitizer, and regularly cleaning any high-touch surfaces, and prohibiting shaking hands. 

WLL will take proactive measures to encourage compliance with the following social distancing and sanitation measures:

PLAYERS

• All players, coaches, and umpires will be required to sanitize hands before all practices and games by washing hands or taking other personal hygiene measures such as use of hand sanitizer (alternative personal hygiene measure such as hand sanitizer will be provided by WLL).
• Every player will remain within a designated player area that is at least six feet from any other person.  All designated player areas will be marked by a cone or other material and will be located outside of the field of play along left field and right field foul lines with the exception of up to four players who may be positioned in the dugout or along the fence until their turn to bat. 
• All players will be required to sanitize hands before entering the field on defense.  
• The coaching staff will ensure that shared catchers gear will be sanitized between users by spraying the shin guards, chest protector, and helmet with a diluted bleach solution or wiping that equipment with a disinfectant.
• Each player will use his or her own helmet or WLL will assign a helmet for use during the entire season.  
• Players, coaches, and umpires will be prohibited from touching in any manner – no handshakes, team huddles, or sharing of any drinks, food, etc.

COACHES

• Coaches will observe six feet of social distance while coaching.
• Coaches will attempt to sanitize bats and any other equipment between users. 
• Coaches will wear cloth face coverings during games and practices when social distancing is not possible.

UMPIRES

• Umpires may be located in the field of play at least six feet from any player.

• Umpires will wash or sanitize hands before handling baseballs.  

PARENTS AND FAMILIES

• The bleachers will be closed to spectators.  Seating will be located around the parameter of the field outside of the fence.  Spectators are expected to remain at least six feet between one another.  Families may sit together provided the family observes six feet of social distance between the family and others. 
• Family members at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid attending practices and games.
• Everyone will be expected to maintain at least six feet of social distance from other individuals at all times.

WLL’s social distancing guidelines are being put in place as preventative measures intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, WLL cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. 

According to the CDC, ISDH, and the Marion County Public Health Department, any individual with the following symptoms or combinations of symptoms should stay at home:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

What should you do if you think you may have COVID-19?

• If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call a healthcare provider for medical advice.
• If you do not have a medical provider, you can access free coronavirus screenings online.
• The CDC website offers a Coronavirus Self-Checker that can help you decide if you need to seek medical care. Please visit the following link: Coronavirus Self-Checker. Please call the Marion County Public Health Department’s COVID-19 call center at (317) 221-5500 if you need more guidance. 
• Do not visit an emergency room unless it is a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing. Call ahead of time when planning to see a medical provider of any type.

What should I do if I have been in close contact with somebody who is confirmed to have COVID-19, but I am not having any symptoms?

• Close contact is defined as being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a person who has COVID-19 for longer than 10 minutes. If this applies to you, you should stay at home or in a comparable setting for 14 days after the last contact with the individual who has COVID-19.
• You should monitor for any symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath during that 14 day period.
• Practice social distancing, meaning remain out of congregate settings, avoid mass gatherings, and maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others as much as possible.