Hello EBYA Soccer Families,

We sincerely hope that everyone is well.  With the Commonwealth of PA announcing the intention to move to the Green Phase on June 26th, we can turn our attention toward a return to soccer and how it might look for EBYA.

After taking a number of factors into account, including the results from our Summer Soccer survey (thanks to all who participated), we’re announcing the following plan for EBYA soccer.  As a caveat, all plans are subject to change based on how conditions evolve.

There will be a short 6-week summer season for the COED High School division only.  We feel that conducting a trial season would likely be most effective with our oldest players and that it offers the best opportunity for a successful return to soccer.  It also provides the Class of 2020 graduated seniors one more opportunity to play EBYA soccer.  Details for the summer season are listed below.

Assuming conditions permit, it is our intention to then hold a fall season for all divisions which would start and end a bit earlier than our typical fall season.  Similar to colleges that are shifting their timelines forward, our plan is to conclude the fall season well before the typical start of the flu season.  We will announce details for the fall season in July.

Thank you,

EBYA Soccer

COED High School Summer Season

While the summer season is going to look different from our typical soccer seasons, we think it represents a good way to begin the process of returning to play.  Here are a few significant guidelines to be aware of:

1. The High School division will be COED and all players entering 8th grade through Class of 2020 graduated seniors are eligible to register.

2. Registration will be limited to a max of 34 players total and all players will be required to sign a COVID-19 waiver.

3. The summer season will be held in a pickup fashion.  All players MUST register through the EBYA site as we normally do.  Due to insurance liability and our need for contact tracing if necessary, there will be NO EXCEPTIONS.

4. We will not form teams as we normally do.  Teams will be formed each week based on who shows up for that game and will shift from week to week.

5. There will be no practices – only games.

6. All games will be held on Thursday evenings, beginning July 9nd and ending August 13th (for a total of six weeks).  We will schedule any makeup games (due to rain, etc.) for the following Tuesday if necessary.  A rainout during the final week will NOT be made up.

Adjusting to COVID

1. ALL players must check in each week between 6:00 – 6:30 PM at the Pavilion closest to Field #3. 

   1. Each player will receive a temperature check using a non-contact thermometer, and that temperature will be recorded should it be required for contact tracing.

   2. Players should wait in their cars if they see more than 10 people in line for the temperature check-in process.

   3. If a player records a temperature of 100.4 or greater, that player will be sent home, and it is recommended that they see a physician.

   4. A player who passes the check-in process can then join in warm-up drills until the game begins.

   5. Masks are required for all players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators at all times, with ONE EXCEPTION – players will not be required to wear masks while on the field of play.

2. For warm-up drills prior to a game, players will ONLY use their own soccer balls.

   1. Game balls will ONLY be used during the games.  The game balls will be disinfected before every game, between quarters, and after each game.

3. At 6:30 PM, players will be divided into two teams.  The game will begin at 6:45 PM.

   1. Our goal is to play 11v11 if numbers permit.  It is possible we will play 10v10 or even 9v9 with a reduced field size.

   2. We will play 4 20-minute quarters with water breaks in between.

   3. There will be no throw-ins.  Instead, a sideline restart will be a kick-in and must be waist level or lower.

   4. After each game, players and spectators will be asked to exit the fields.

4. Players will NOT be issued uniforms for the summer season.  Instead they will be given a pinny and will need to bring it each week.  At the end of the summer season, players will return all pinnies.

5. As is standard for every season,  shin guards are required.  Players will not be allowed to participate without them.

6. We will have game coaches and a ref for each game.

7. Registration cost is $49 per player with no discount for additional players in the same family.

8. If for any reason, EBYA has to cancel the season once it starts, we will NOT issue refunds.  However, if we cancel for any reason before the season starts, then full refunds will be issued.