As different areas of the country begin opening up during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Soccer Federation has launched the U.S. Soccer PLAY ON campaign to provide recommended guidelines and best practices for all soccer players, coaches, parents, administrators and referees across the United States.
“We are all excited about returning to playing, coaching and refereeing soccer,” said U.S. Soccer ChiefMedical Officer George Chiampas. “During these uncertain times of COVID-19, we need to be smart about how we approach coming back to ensure we keep the health and safety of all involved as everyone’s main priority.
“The U.S. Soccer Federation has conducted extensive research, and in collaboration with experts inside and outside the organization, has assembled the U.S. Soccer PLAY ON campaign. Our goal is to inform, educate and assist everyone involved with soccer in the process of returning to play.”
U.S. Soccer PLAY ON is divided into five phases, representing the different stages of progress required to achieve the ultimate goal of playing with no restrictions or recommendations related to COVID-19. While U.S. Soccer is providing the return to play information as recommendations, it is vitally important that everyone first follow all rules and procedures put in place by local and state
governments.
In this initial launch of the campaign, the information focuses on Phase 1 – which is Individual and Small Group Training – and includes a comprehensive Grassroots Soccer Recommendation Guide to help all those involved in youth soccer operate under key safety considerations, but also contains valuable information that can be applied to all levels of the game.
WATCH: U.S. Soccer PLAY ON Five Phases of Return to Play
Along with providing those best practices in the detailed and in-depth guide, the PLAY ON initiative will include instructional videos, sample training exercises, infographics and other resource materials.
U.S. Soccer is also encouraging all players, coaches, parents, referees and administrators to take the PLAY ON Pledge, which is an oath to stay informed and to follow recommendations from medical
professionals, to be honest in their self-evaluation and to be responsible to themselves, their family and their communities.
As we progress into and beyond Phase 1, the campaign will continue to provide these materials for those in the soccer community. All the resources in the PLAY ON initiative can be found in a virtual hub at ussoccer.com/playon.
