As we move closer to reopening and getting back to baseball and softball, The Riptide Organization has created a guide that must be implemented by all Coaches and players as they start to begin practice and hopefully tournament play soon.

It is paramount that we all take these safety measures seriously and that we seek to protect our players, parents, and coaches.

We ask that all players, parents, and coaches take a moment to read thru the recommendations and requirements.

Thank you and we hope to see everyone safely playing again real soon!

The below guidance is based off of the Governor's max of 10 people gatherings. We realize that teams have more than 10 players and coaches. We ask that you utilize this as a guideline and use some ingenuity when developing your practice plans. Right now, practices should be about getting players healthy and back in playing shape.    

Arrival to Venue (Mandatory):
• All participants, spectators, and coaches must adhere to six-foot physical distancing while at the facility. We recommend dropping off and picking up players wherever possible.
• Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation). Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home. *
• No team water coolers or shared drinking stations.
Practices (Mandatory):
• Coaches and players must adhere to physical six-foot distancing except when the ball is in play.
• Coaches will disinfect all baseballs/softballs prior to practice. We recommend and alcohol/water solution in a spray bottle to complete this (7 parts isopropyl alcohol to 3 parts water mixture).  
• Coaches must wear face coverings at all times.
• Essential coaches only.
• Athletes must wear face coverings at all times while not actively participating in the field of play.
• Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation). Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.
• No team water coolers or shared drinking stations.
• No shared equipment (bats, catchers gear, etc.)
Recommended best practices:
• Face coverings are strongly recommended for any spectators.
• For each practice session, it is recommended that coaches divide players into groups and establish rotating shifts when possible.
• Athletes should bring individual water containers.
• Virtual meetings should be considered when possible.
• Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the venue alone or with a member(s) of their immediate household, if possible. Face coverings are strongly recommended for individuals traveling to and from the venue.
• Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared.
Athletes (Mandatory):
• Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices off the field of play.
• Must wear face coverings at all times when not actively participating in the field of play.
• Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation). Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home. *
• Must not share water or equipment. Belongings should be used only by the individual owner or operator including, but not limited to water bottles, gloves, bats, hats, and other on- and off-field gear.
• No touch rule – players should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, umpires, and fans. A "tip the cap" can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.
• No spitting or eating seeds, gum, other similar products.
Recommended best practices:
• Hand washing or hand sanitizing, in the absence of soap and water, are strongly recommended for athletes during the games and practice.
• Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared. If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.
Spectators (Mandatory):
• Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices. This includes in and around bleachers for anyone not in the same family.
• Must conduct daily symptom assessments (self-evaluation). Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home. *
• Must not enter player areas (on the field of play or bench areas).
• Must stay 6 feet or more away from the backstop
Recommended best practices:
• Strongly recommended to wear face coverings at all times.
• Hand washing or hand sanitizing, in the absence of soap and water, is recommended strongly during the games
Coaches (Mandatory):
• Must adhere to 6-foot social distancing practices.
• Must wear face coverings at all times.
• Must conduct daily symptom assessments by coaches and players (self-evaluation). Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.
• No spitting or eating seeds, gum or other similar products.
• No touch rule – coaches should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, umpires, and fans. A "tip the cap" can be used following the game in lieu of the handshake line.
• Must ensure that players are following COVID-19 -related prevention measures included herein.
Recommended best practices:
• Coaches should ensure the players are adhering to social distancing in dugouts and other seating areas and wearing face coverings while not actively participating on the field of play.
• Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should have proper separation and should not be shared.
Leaving the venue (Mandatory):
• Individuals should not congregate in common areas or parking lot following the event or practice
• Individuals should not exchange items.
Recommended best practices:
• Team meetings should occur virtually or over the phone rather than in a team huddle.
• Athletes are strongly recommended to travel to the venue alone or with a member(s) of their immediate household, if possible. Face coverings are strongly recommended for individuals traveling to and from the venue.
Confirmed cases (Mandatory):
• Immediately isolate and seek medical care for any individual who develops symptoms.
• Contact the local health district about suspected cases or exposure
Tournament Cancelations:
• Coaches, though coordination with WM Riptide staff and Extra innings, will seek to reschedule any canceled tournaments. This may mean looking for another acceptable venue.  
• Any of the 4 WM Riptide guaranteed Tournaments that are unable to be played will be rescheduled or carried over to the 2021 season and will be in addition to the 4 packaged events for that season.    
Refunds:
• We have been receiving credits from events to be utilized in future tournaments through their organizations and in some cases returned entry fees.
• If players are interested in leaving the organization the only available refunds will be based on these tournament entry fees.
• We anticipate teams having the ability to participate in some, if not all 4 guaranteed tournaments for this season.