To All of our Softball Family,

On behalf of the Freetown Lakeville Softball Association’s Board of Directors, we would like to share our hopeful outlook for the Fall 2020 Softball Season.

It is our #1 Priority to keep our softball family including players, parents, grandparents, and fans safe and healthy.  We feel the only way to do this is to follow the MA COVID Guidelines regarding social distancing, hygiene, cleaning and operations.  Currently, we are in Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan which allows for games and practices to occur with certain restrictions. Phase 2 did not allow games only practices to occur. The following are some of the safety guidelines for Phase 3.

• Players must wear face covering when in the dugout and recommended to wear them while at bat or on base.Coaches and umpires must always wear face coverings.Spectators are urged to wear face coverings.
• There can only be a maximum of 100 people in, on or around a softball field.This includes players, coaches, spectators and volunteers.
• Spectators must go beyond the 1^st and 3^rd bases while maintaining proper social distancing.
• Dugouts must be extended outside the fence to allow for social distancing of the players and to keep them separated from spectators.
• Players are to have their own helmet, bat and water bottle (no communal cooler).Each catcher should have their own catcher’s equipment.Players shall refrain from sharing equipment.
• Game balls must be sanitized every half inning by the team leaving the field. Dugouts are sanitized after the game.

For a full listing of the Phase 3 guidelines please click the following link.  

https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download

At this point, we are moving forward assuming Phase 3 or later phases will be in place.  If for some reason, the State reverts back to Phase 2 or Phase 1, then we will abide by the rules in place for that particular Phase.  Please be aware that this change could occur prior to the season or during the season.  Unfortunately, registration refunds would not be issued at that point.

With this said, we would like to prepare for the Fall Ball games to start around the first week in September and Practices to start around mid-August.  At this time, we do not know the days or times that games or practices will be.  Last year, games were held on Sundays.  In order for us to prepare and begin putting the schedule together, we would like each parent/guardian to COMPLETE THIS SURVEY to confirm your daughter’s playing status for the Fall.  Please complete this survey by August 2^nd.   

For those of you who have already paid Registration fees for the Spring you will not have pay again as those fees will be transferred to Fall Ball.  If your daughter chooses to not to play, then you will have an option to get a full refund or to donate this year’s fee to the league.   If you do not respond to the survey and previously chose to transfer your Spring registration fees to the Fall, we will assume you are donating your registration fees to the league. 

We thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate through these unprecedented times.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Freetown Lakeville Softball Association Board of Directors