Rockbridge United Soccer Club

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30

Jun, 2020

No Travel Teams This Fall

Dear RUSC families,

I write to share our plans for the fall, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

First, out of an abundance of concern for our players and their families, RUSC will not be fielding any travel teams this fall. See below about possible Technical Training and U10 Academy sessions.

Starting July 1, the Phase 3 requirements from the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Youth Soccer Association require players and coaches to remain 10 feet apart, minimal sharing of equipment, spectators must be masked and observe social distancing, clubs must provide signage at fields, enforce proper distancing, monitor symptoms of players, coaches, and staff, and disinfect equipment daily. Clubs in violation of these phased recommendations may lose their insurance and incur liability. As a small, predominantly volunteer organization, we just do not have the staff to keep up with these regulations.

On top of this, the availability of our volunteer coaches is severely limited this fall. This is because many teach in local colleges or K-12 schools, and the uncertainty of those schedules, including preparing for and teaching online, just does not permit them to commit to a regular coaching schedule. Some have vulnerable family members and must be extremely cautious about exposure.

Finally, and most importantly, we think it's quite probable that Virginia will experience a second wave of COVID-19 this fall, and we do not want to expose our players, families, and community. Even if the VYSA is allowing competitions, we do not think it worth the risk.

If conditions allow, we hope to have once or twice weekly technical training sessions for all ages (travel-aged, and U10 Academy) led by VMI coaches. Any training sessions will strictly follow the CDC, VDOH, and VYSA guidelines. More info on this to follow.

Many larger clubs in the state are making different risk-benefit assessments, and holding tryouts in July. Below I provide links to the closest few.

While disappointing, we feel this is the safest course for the fall. Hopefully the situation this spring will allow us to offer a full program of soccer in the Rockbridge region.

Stay Well,
Paul Gregory
RUSC

Augusta United SC
SOCA
VBR Star
Central Virginia United

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