7/27 Tournament update:
Coaches,
As you probably know, there's a good chance of rain through tomorrow and then a 20-30% chance through the week. We are out of options to finish before this weekend. If we get rained out any days this week, that will probably push us into playing this weekend. That was always the backup plan as stated from the begining. If we get rained out, we will push schedules daily and most likely end up playing this weekend. If your team isn't able to play Sat-Sun your game(s) will be forfeited and the bracket will continue.
Masks Requirements
Strategies to Slow the Spread of Covid-19 for West Texas Youth Baseball
At plate meetings, only 1 coach from each team is allowed (no players), and absolutely no hand shakes, fist bumps, etc. There will also be no scorecards this season. The home team is the official book, and if there is a question, the umpire will ask for both scorekeepers to meet but stay 6’ apart while it gets worked out.The umpires decision is final and no other protest will be allowed. As always, only the head coach (whoever comes to plate mtg/and or coaches 3rd base) will be allowed to ask for time and once awarded approach the umpire to ask a question, but always maintaining social distancing. Of course ball/strikes and safe/outs are not questionable. Each team will provide their own scorebooks and scorekeepers. It is recommended that the scorekeepers exchange phone numbers so that they can text each other during the game if needed.
The umpires will never handle baseballs. The defensive team will use their own baseball at all times. Any foul ball must be retrieved by the defensive team and brought back through their dugout.
Face coverings are optional, but should be worn when unable to social distance.
DUGOUT: Players must separate while sitting on the bench. Also all players & team equipment must be hung on the back side of the dugout. Players can not share equipment unless the dugout coach sanitizes between use. During this season, all coaches can stand along the fence outside the dugout but must stay next to the fence out of the way of play. This will help reduce congestion in the dugouts. Players must remain in the dugout or on the backside outside of the play area when not on deck or in play. The max of 4 coaches will be enforced and if you can get away with less please do so. ABSOLUTELY NO SUNFLOWER SEEDS, PEANUTS, ETC. THIS SEASON. ABSOLUTELY NO SHARING OF WATER JUGS. PLAYERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR WATER BOTTLE/JUG MARKED WITH THEIR NAME.
No catcher visit.
Coaches can visit the pitcher/batter per rule but must maintain 6’ unless facial coverings are worn.
Players are to be reminded to keep hands away from the face often and to constantly use hand sanitizer provided by the team. The dugout coach/sanitation volunteer really needs to monitor this at all times. Anyone leaving the dugout will be required to use hand sanitizer before going back into the dugout.
No hand shaking, high fives, hugs ect.. before or after games. Instead of end of game hand shakes, teams will line up down their perspective baseline and tip their hats.They will then immediately gather their gear and exit the dugouts. The team’s sanitation volunteer will then spray down the dugout and wipe down with a towel. The incoming team will do the same. We will be sanitizing all areas daily as well.
ALL END OF GAME MEETINGS MUST BE DONE AWAY FROM THE DUGOUT AREA AND SHOULD BE DONE FOLLOWING SOCIAL DISTANCE GUIDELINES. UNFORTUNATELY THIS SEASON WE CAN’T HAVE FAMILIES BRINGING SNACKS FOR AFTER THE GAME UNLESS THEY ARE INDIVIDUALLY PREPACKAGED (NO COOKIES/CUPCAKES ETC.)
All umpires will maintain social distancing and will never contact anyone. They will exit the field through the outfield gate area when possible and if not will wait until clear to go through the dugout unless wearing a face covering.
We have staggered start times when 2 new teams are coming on which will allow more time between games to allow teams to leave and the next teams to enter to avoid too much congestion. Very important: Coaches and parents please help by limiting the post game meetings and exiting the ballpark. This is going to be a challenge as we all like to talk, but if we have any issues we will be forced to add additional protocols to assure compliance with these guidelines. All parents, siblings, and other spectators must wait in cars until 15 minutes before game time to come into the ballpark when possible.
Spectators watching the game are allowed in groups of 10 or less with 6’ between them unless from the same household. Spectators also need to stay 6 ft from dugouts. Vulnerable players, coaches, and spectators should not attend any practices or games. We will provide notices about the enhanced risks of participants being in direct contact with anyone age 65 or older for 14 days after participating in a sport event or practice.
Bleachers will be closed. Each team's spectators must stay on their side of the field during the entire game except for going to the restroom or concessions. Kids must stay with their parents at all times and not be up running around. If a kid is going to the concession stand or restroom, an adult must accompany them to assure proper social distancing and hand washing. We will not have any team at the park all day like in tournament play so spectators can stay in their chairs along the fence and if they choose outside the fence in the outfields.
We will have disinfectant at every dugout but it’s a good idea to have some of your own. Teams will need to bring old towels to wipe down the bench after spraying.
What we all have to understand is that these requirements are not optional and if not followed, the season could get cancelled or additional changes put into place to assure we are following guidelines. We are aware that other areas in the country have more relaxed guidelines, but we must stick to what we promised the city leadership and will police the program sticking to these safety precautions. Every person that enters the complex to participate and/or watch games, assumes the risk of contracting Covid-19 virus. Please make sure to read and follow the “ Notice to Coaches, Parents, Guardians, and Spectators “ which will be handed out daily for the first week, posted at all fields, emailed to all teams, and posted on the league website.
OFFICE ADDRESS
13980 Buffalo Airport Rd
MAILING ADDRESS & PHONE:
PO BOX 20559
AMA 79114
806-670-3164
EMAIL:
westtexasyouthbaseball@gmail.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
Parks: Violation of city park rules will result in suspensions. Please review rules at parks. Here's a few key issues that create problems
1. No pets inside any of the complexes.
2. No bikes, skateboards, scooters, hover boards, etc. This has become a problem. Please make sure parents know and share with family and friends.
3. Never park on developed grass areas.
4. Of course no alcohol or smoking at any field. Coaches remember this at practices in regards to alcohol. Hate to even mention but actually have had to deal with this and it's not a good situation.
5. Trash: We have a great relationship with all facility owners and part of that is because we always take care of the facilities. Never leave trash in stands or dugouts. Also when using score huts, if we don't follow written rules posted inside we will lose the ability to use them.
Please remember our league rule of borrowing or adding a player for a league game. You can borrow any player from a team in your age, or a player that’s 1 year younger as long as you clear it with the kid’s regular team and follow league rule by batting him last and can’t pitch (9-14’s). You can also add players to your regular league roster as long as they are eligible through USSSA AND the kid’s parent registers them for your team on wtyba.com and you add them to your USSSA roster. No player can participate in any West Texas Youth Baseball event without being added as stated above first. If a coach is found to be breaking this rule they will be suspended for the remainder of the season and possibly banned from the program. Sorry if this seems harsh, but we have 120 teams and are very limited with our field situation so there's not much room for changes.
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