With today’s opening of the fall Club Champions League New England season here is a reminder about some of the major changes that will be in effect at all games.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND FACIAL COVERINGS
While limiting proximity of participants is the first line of defense to reduce the risk of transmission, Facility Operators and Activity Organizers must require facial coverings to be worn by all participants except:

• During high intensity aerobic or anaerobic activities.
• When distancing of 6 feet or more is possible between participants
• For individuals that are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer is requiring all players wear a face covering per the most current EEA Guidelines for Organized Youth and Adult Amateur Sports. Only face coverings that secure with loops around a player’s ears are acceptable. Face coverings must be worn when a player steps onto the playing field. During play when spacing is greater than 6 feet from another player a “mask break” to catch their breath may be taken. The default expectation is that face coverings will be worn.

Players must properly wear their face covering at all times when on the sidelines and in any huddles except when 6 or more feet from another player for a “mask break” to catch their breath, drink or eat. If conditions are so severe as to warrant masks too dangerous to wear, the competition must be delayed, postponed or cancelled.

Coaches, staff referees, umpires, and other officials are required to wear facial coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from players, coaches, spectators and other persons at all times.

MODIFIED RULES
Please review the link for CCL NE Rules but keep in mind that Mass Youth Soccer playing rules are our governing body. Please stay up to speed with current information. After speaking with MA Youth Soccer and US Officials the rules have again been updated and now throw ins and corner kicks that have been replaced by an Indirect Free Kick (IDFK) can be played into the penalty area. In addition to this update we are also going to NOW ALLOW goalkeepers to punt the ball or drop kick at the 9v9 and 11v11 level. Normal 7v7 rules still apply with NO punts or drop kicks by goalkeepers.