Letter from the Executive Director (3/21)
BRSC Letter – March 21, 2020
Update re: coronavirus situation
Members,
I am proud of the resilience and flexibility with which our soccer community is responding to the many challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Our membership is strong. I know you are all doing what is right to protect your family during times such as these.
As a small business, the Board of Directors of Baton Rouge Soccer and I are committed to ensuring the viability of our club and our members as we navigate this evolving situation.
I think all of us would agree that soccer is not the most important priority right now. There are much more important and vital issues and challenges being addressed and navigated by our national, state, and local leaders.
But as to soccer, NO ONE should be playing matches on ANY soccer fields at least through April 13. This is a date that has been set by the Louisiana Soccer Association as a mandatory shut-down of all activities. At that time, we will reevaluate the situation and determine the appropriate next steps. I will keep you updated throughout the coming weeks.
We are diligently examining our Club finances, possible refunds, credits, and/or alternative programming for our players and families. We have not yet made decisions, but the Board is considering all options to continue to run an organization that meets the needs of Baton Rouge’s soccer community for today, tomorrow, and the still-unfolding future.
I know you will have questions about when we might resume regular operations and our club’s next steps. I want to reassure you that it is still too early to know what we all can expect. Of course, we continue to hope for a prompt return to normalcy.
The reality is the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in Louisiana. It is imperative we remain vigilant in each of our efforts to reduce its spread. Based on the latest guidance from the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health, you should:
- Stay home if you or someone in your household is sick.
- Avoid social gathering in groups of more than ten people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in restaurants or food courts. Utilize drive-thru, pick up, or delivery options.
- Continue to practice good hygiene (wash hands frequently).
- Practice social distancing.
You are our greatest strength and our greatest resource. We stand arm to arm with you as we navigate these challenges. But rest assured, our great nation will emerge from this.
And one day – hopefully not too far in the future – we will once again play the beautiful game.
I will be providing you with ongoing updates in the days ahead. My thoughts are with each of you.
Louie Smothermon
Dealing with Disappointment w/ Cancellations
The abrupt halt to the spring soccer season affects each player differently. It’s important to understand and address those feelings with our children as we navigate these challenging times. This helpful article from Positive Coaching Alliance provides some steps parents, coaches, and players can take to overcome these unfortunate circumstances the same way he or she does on the field. Please take the time to read and review the steps you can take to assist your child. Your support is more important now than ever.
“Beyond some of the ways you might talk to your student-athlete during this time, there also other action steps you can take. For instance, as a coach, you might think about ways your team can stay connected and motivated to help alleviate the disappointment. As a parent, you might take the time to connect with your kids by playing sports at home. Ultimately, there are always ways to make ourselves, our teammates, and our community better, and you can see some of those action steps (beyond the talking points above) outlined here:”
Training Videos
BRSC staff and coaches are working diligently to provide our members with challenging drills and activities to stay engaged in the beautiful game during the break. We encourage our members to use these videos as study breaks or part an afternoon training session. These sessions can be modified to suit different skill levels and abilities. The critical part is getting outside to get some sun and touches on the ball. If you do go out and enjoy these videos, please share your experience with a comment or even share photos or videos performing the drills.
Visit our Training Videos page to see all available videos. Check back regularly and follow us on Youtube.
MEMBER UPDATE – COVID-19 (3/16)
Dear Baton Rouge Soccer Club members,
Monday, March 16th, BRSC received an update from the Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) requiring the suspension of all LSA-related events until Monday, April 13th. This suspension includes all practices, scrimmages, friendlies, training (small groups and private), and games at all levels of play (Recreational, Academy, Competitive, Adult Leagues, etc.). These restrictions apply to all members of BRSC including but not limited to recreational coaches, challenge league coaches, managers, parent volunteers, etc.
In the interest of public safety and adherence to LSA, local governing bodies, and CDC suggestions, BRSC will suspend all activities until Monday, April 13th. Given the nature of COVID-19/Coronavirus, the possibility remains that the re-start date could be extended.
BRSC has every intention of resuming play when it is safe to do. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances. Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts, and we look forward to seeing everyone out on the fields soon.
Contact information for BRSC staff members is available here. At this time, our preferred method of contact is email. Please limit calls to staff to urgent matters during BRSC’s regular office hours. Our office hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 am – 2 pm and Friday from 9 am to noon.
You can read the update from LSA here.
Updated: 3/17/2020 at 4:17 am
*This update includes additional language regarding recreational, challenge, managers and parent volunteers prohibiting participation in organized soccer activities.
MEMBER UPDATE – COVID-19 CLUB GUIDELINES
The well-being of our BRSC family is of the utmost importance. As we approach the peak of our spring season, we wanted relay guidelines from the Louisiana Department of Health and US Club Soccer as it relates to COVID-19 – the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The Louisiana Department of Health has released Guidelines for Sports Teams which we ask you to review.
Please monitor this CDC web page, which has important information about how coronavirus spreads, its symptoms, FAQs, global locations with COVID-19, travel advisories, and more. It will be the most up-to-date source for the latest details regarding COVID-19. BRSC also advises families to check the Louisiana Department of Health page for current information about COVID-19 in Louisiana.
The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as:
- Be careful and consistent with cleaning your hands. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Ensure locker rooms and public restrooms are supplied adequately with soap, water, and drying materials so visitors and staff can wash their hands.
- Stay at home if you have a fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick.
- Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces including player benches, stadium seating, equipment, locker rooms, handrails and handles, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Additional BRSC guidelines related to all club programming includes:
- Do not share bottles, thermoses, beverages, etc.
- Do not share food/utensils
- Do not share clothing/jerseys/uniforms
- Wash uniforms, gear, and practice gear often
- Wash keeper gloves often
- Clean cell phones daily (bacteria thrives on cell phones)
- Instead of the customary postgame handshake, we ask that players thank the other team for a good game.
For questions from the general public about COVID-19, call (855) 523-2652.