Return to Play

 MWLL Board of Directors understand concern of returning to play and keeping our players, coaches, and families safe is our utmost concern.  As a result, the Board has made the following changes in play:

• MWLL will provide liquid hand sanitizer in a spray bottle for each dugout.  An approved/background checked adult will be responsible for spraying down the benches, game balls, and any equipment that has mistakenly been shared. 
• Board member on duty will spray down the bench, bat rack etc prior to each team entering the dugout. 
• Signs will be posted recommending social distancing of 6 feet for spectators. 
• Umpire will stand behind the pitcher to allow for social distancing. 
• Each family will be required to sign a COVID-19 waiver prior to entering the complex. 

PRACTICE  

• Practices should be limited to the managers/coaches and players only.  
• Social distancing of six feet should be observed by coaches and players when possible.  This includes waiting in line at the batting cages.  
• Players and coaches are allowed to wear PPE equipment during practice and games. It is strongly recommended that all coaches wear PPE equipment.  
• Players, managers/coaches, and umpires should bring their own personal drinks to all team activities. Drinks should be labeled with the person’s name. Individuals should take their own drink containers home each night for cleaning and sanitation or use single-use bottles.  
• Coaches and players should leave the fields as soon as their practices are over.  
• Players should have their own individual batter’s helmet, glove, bat, and catcher’s equipment. No sharing equipment.  
• Player’s equipment (e.g. bags, helmets, bats, gloves, etc.) should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by a parent/guardian/caretaker, where applicable.  
• Player equipment should be spaced accordingly outside the dugout to prevent direct contact.  
• Sunflower seeds, gum, etc., should not be allowed in dugouts or on the playing field.  

GAME PLAY  

• Social distancing of six feet between individuals should be implemented during all pre-game plate meetings between teams and umpires.  
• Social distancing of six feet should be observed at all times during warm up, batting cages, and game play when possible.  
• Players and coaches are allowed to wear PPE equipment during practice and games. It is strongly recommended that all coaches wear PPE equipment.  
• Player’s equipment (e.g. bags, helmets, bats, gloves, etc.) should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by a parent/guardian/caretaker, where applicable.  
• Managers/coaches and players should be assigned spots on the bleachers so that they are at least six feet apart and must be placed behind a fence. If dugouts are used, they will be sanitized.  
• Players are to stay at their assigned spots when on the bench or while waiting their turn to bat.  
• Please consider bringing an extra folding chair for your player. Dugouts will be extended outside of the normal dugout.  
• Athletes, managers/coaches, and umpires should bring their own personal drinks to all team activities. Drinks should be labeled with the person’s name. Individuals should take their own drink containers home each night for cleaning and sanitation or use single-use bottles.  
• Players and coaches should take measures to prevent all but the essential contact necessary to play the game. This should include refraining from handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, group celebrations, etc. Little League International suggests lining up outside the dugout and tipping caps to the opposing team as a sign of good sportsmanship after a game.  
• Players and families should not arrive to the field more than 45 minutes from their scheduled game times.  
• Players and families should vacate the field/facility as soon as is reasonably possible after the conclusion of their game to minimize unnecessary contact with players, coaches, and spectators from the next game, ideally within 15 minutes.  
• Players should have their own individual batter’s helmet, glove, bat, and catcher’s equipment. No sharing equipment. If MWLL catcher’s equipment is used, equipment must be sanitized between player uses.   
• Player equipment should be spaced accordingly outside the dugout to prevent direct contact.  
• Foul balls landing outside the field of play should be retrieved by participating players and coaches. No spectators should retrieve the ball.  
• Sunflower seeds, gum, etc., should not be allowed in dugouts or on the playing field.  
• The MWLL concession stand will remained closed for the rest of the season.  
• Please do not gather in groups in the parking lot. The parking lot is part of the complex and social distancing is needed there as well.  
• Please do not stand in lines at the restrooms. If they are full please use the 6 feet distancing as you await your turn.  
• Baseballs will be rotated and sanitized throughout the game.  
• Coaches and players should sanitize their hands after each inning.  
• Coaches and parents are responsible for following the rules themselves and making sure that their players are following the rules.  
• The MWLL board will enforce the rules and ask anyone at risk, or not following the rules to leave the complex.  
• Parents/spectators need to bring their own seating and should be placed around the fence line (including outfield if necessary) to maintain social distancing.  Bleachers will not be used. 

The Board of directors also asks that families, players and coaches:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to recite the Little League Pledge twice, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and 
• Players are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer for personal use. Hand sanitizer will be placed in all common areas off-field for easy 
• Anyone who is showing signs or symptoms of sickness should stay home.