MOCO Executive Order No. 087-20 - Effective Date 8/5/2020

[Anonymous]

https://www.uwhealth.org/news/more-than-two-thirds-of-high-school-athletes-report-anxiety-and-depression-since-pandemic/53429

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.uwhealth.org/news/more-than-two-thirds-of-high-school-athletes-report-anxiety-and-depression-since-pandemic/53429

If child identified themselves as soccer players, or just athletes, then this needs to be changed. There’s no guarantee all all kids that tryouts for high school or college soccer will make the team. What happens then? This pandemic might have exposed depression in children that have always had depression issues to begin with.

There are many forms of exercises and soccer is just one of them. Not having no organized sports doesn’t mean a person can’t exercise or continue to practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.uwhealth.org/news/more-than-two-thirds-of-high-school-athletes-report-anxiety-and-depression-since-pandemic/53429

If child identified themselves as soccer players, or just athletes, then this needs to be changed. There’s no guarantee all all kids that tryouts for high school or college soccer will make the team. What happens then? This pandemic might have exposed depression in children that have always had depression issues to begin with.

There are many forms of exercises and soccer is just one of them. Not having no organized sports doesn’t mean a person can’t exercise or continue to practice.

There are obvious benefits to youth who participate in team sports. Many ADHD kids who struggle in the classroom find success with sports, which increases self esteem. And there are teams for kids who don't make the high school team. Yes they can continue to exercise but many won't do it on their own.

https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/social-and-academic-benefits-team-sports

[Anonymous]

. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OapAfcfzJIeMwJMZYYTTrLOBGnvr-5yo/view

This is an interesting survey on impact of school closures on athletes - physical activity levels, mental health - just from the spring and that was short term.

As our moco students face a (nearly a) year of distance learning, there are real impacts. If its games taken away today, tomorrow it maybe practices. For most people, this is not about a scholarship or the competitiveness. But seeing our kids connect socially and being physically active - in a sport they love.

The question is can we balance with risks. In our county, we have very low rates by most measures. There is no evidence of soccer spreading covid.
If it's concern on parents standing on the sideline - which I have heard, I'm happy to miss all my kids games so she can play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OapAfcfzJIeMwJMZYYTTrLOBGnvr-5yo/view

This is an interesting survey on impact of school closures on athletes - physical activity levels, mental health - just from the spring and that was short term.

As our moco students face a (nearly a) year of distance learning, there are real impacts. If its games taken away today, tomorrow it maybe practices. For most people, this is not about a scholarship or the competitiveness. But seeing our kids connect socially and being physically active - in a sport they love.

The question is can we balance with risks. In our county, we have very low rates by most measures. There is no evidence of soccer spreading covid.
If it's concern on parents standing on the sideline - which I have heard, I'm happy to miss all my kids games so she can play.

+1

[Anonymous]

https://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com/2020/08/04/a-balancing-act-understanding-the-impacts-of-inactivity-on-youth-athletes/

[Anonymous]

In light of Montgomery County’s amended Executive Order dated 8/5/20, we felt compelled to write to our Montgomery County clubs and organizations.
We, like you, are obviously very disappointed that soccer has been moved from a medium to high risk sport to further curtail your ability to put players out on the field in a safe way. While we are disappointed, we do however, have to continue to encourage you to follow all applicable local health guidelines and restrictions.

There are severe repercussions (fines up to $5,000 and even imprisonment) that have been instituted for those that willfully disregard the Executive Order.

We want you to know that the Maryland Sports Commission is actively engaged in conversations with Montgomery County leaders to try to get these decisions, that impact soccer so dramatically, amended or improved to allow a little more flexibility for soccer organizations.

Until such time as there are amendments or revisions to this executive order, it is in place, active and must be followed by all Montgomery county constituents.

We have known for quite some time that returning to play would be a difficult and winding road with monthly, weekly and even daily changes that affect all our operations. Soccer has returned but definitely not as we know it! We encourage you to stay the course, do the right thing and continue to engage your players, coaches and families in the most appropriate soccer environment that you are able to provide.

Please check out our website for our most updated guidance regarding Return to Play: https://www.msysa.org/msysa-return-to-play-guidelines/

Thank you for all you do to make the soccer community of Maryland a better place every single day.

Flo Egan
MSYSA Executive Director

[Anonymous]

Please call and write your councilmember. Some parents are getting vmail of returned calls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com/2020/08/04/a-balancing-act-understanding-the-impacts-of-inactivity-on-youth-athletes/

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.uwhealth.org/news/more-than-two-thirds-of-high-school-athletes-report-anxiety-and-depression-since-pandemic/53429

If child identified themselves as soccer players, or just athletes, then this needs to be changed. There’s no guarantee all all kids that tryouts for high school or college soccer will make the team. What happens then? This pandemic might have exposed depression in children that have always had depression issues to begin with.

There are many forms of exercises and soccer is just one of them. Not having no organized sports doesn’t mean a person can’t exercise or continue to practice.

There are obvious benefits to youth who participate in team sports. Many ADHD kids who struggle in the classroom find success with sports, which increases self esteem. And there are teams for kids who don't make the high school team. Yes they can continue to exercise but many won't do it on their own.

https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/social-and-academic-benefits-team-sports

My ds has adhd and he was a tornado march-june. Bouncing off the walls at 9pm at night. We did activity but he didn't love it (working out with mom) and I can't wear him out. I read during that time the positive impact consistent activity as on these kids and allowing them to burn off their energy so to speak.

Restarting soccer has been a huge mood stabilizer for him. I really hope we can keep it consistent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those who don't want to go to the link...

j. Sports.
i. All sports are categorized by level of risk as detailed in the Maryland Sports
Commission Return to Play Report with the following exceptions:
(1) soccer and flag football are considered to be high-risk sports;
(2) solo kayaking/canoeing is considered to be low risk;
(3) tandem kayaking/canoeing is low risk provided if participants are from the
same household.
ii. Only the play of low-risk and medium-risk sports is permitted.
iii. The play of high-risk sports is prohibited, however no contact skills-building and drills are permitted.
iv. High-risk sport scrimmages, games, matches, and competitions are prohibited.
v. All sports participants, regardless of age must comply with the face covering requirement in paragraph 2.b, and the social distancing and hygiene requirements of
paragraph 3.a.
vi. Rented sport equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected pursuant to
CDC guidelines using EPA approved cleaners and disinfectants between usage.
vii. All tournaments, championships, or events are strictly prohibited unless a waiver is
issued by the County.
viii. Sports played outside must follow outdoor gathering guidelines and size
restrictions.
ix. Sports played inside must follow the guidelines and size restrictions for fitness
centers.

This makes a lot of sense. Not surprised to see this.

[Anonymous]

Looks like MoCo is rethinking things.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-montgomery-private--schools-/2020/08/07/e2c6bdb2-d7fe-11ea-9c3b-dfc394c03988_story.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looks like MoCo is rethinking things.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-montgomery-private--schools-/2020/08/07/e2c6bdb2-d7fe-11ea-9c3b-dfc394c03988_story.html

+1!

[Anonymous]

The thing about soccer is that it keeps thousands and thousands of kids in MoCo occupied and out of trouble after school and on the weekends. Not to mention the health benefits of playing. It’s just such a huge positive.

I think there’s a lot of travel team parents on here (and I am too) but let’s not forget just how many kids play for MSI soccer and SAM etc. Those clubs and most travel clubs have scholarship programs where kids in need can play for free.

My DD was really struggling - anxious, sad , lonely - until soccer picked back up again. Please don’t take that away MoCo! And if MoCo doesn’t let them play games, there’s a good chance the whole thing goes down the tubes (SoccerPlex is bleeding money).

I really hope they reconsider .... if adult pick up games are the concern, then focus enforcement on that. Not the well-organized youth clubs that follow the rules.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing about soccer is that it keeps thousands and thousands of kids in MoCo occupied and out of trouble after school and on the weekends. Not to mention the health benefits of playing. It’s just such a huge positive.

I think there’s a lot of travel team parents on here (and I am too) but let’s not forget just how many kids play for MSI soccer and SAM etc. Those clubs and most travel clubs have scholarship programs where kids in need can play for free.

My DD was really struggling - anxious, sad , lonely - until soccer picked back up again. Please don’t take that away MoCo! And if MoCo doesn’t let them play games, there’s a good chance the whole thing goes down the tubes (SoccerPlex is bleeding money).

I really hope they reconsider .... if adult pick up games are the concern, then focus enforcement on that. Not the well-organized youth clubs that follow the rules.

Agree. Soccer is one of the last remaining sports that serves the broadest communities. MSI and Sam select serve a broad community at a reasonable price For many kids, soccer may be their main outlet to see other kids. It makes no sense when lacrosse - which is a contact sport for boys with full pads - and is a wealthier kids sport can play, but soccer can’t.

My DD was also struggling and soccer was her lifeline - her team and her coach. The first few times her friends got together social distanced about 12 feet apart for skills drills was like a gift. And I will never forget the look on all the girls faces during their first practice back. I’m sure there are lots of kids who need our support. Whatever the concern is by the county - adult pick uptakes , parents on sidelines , full blown tournaments I’m sure we can address.