TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

CAUTIONS FOR CHILDREN RETURNING TO SOCCER

With the state in its third phase of Restore Illinois, practices have been reintroduced. To prepare your child for soccer, AmitaHealth’s sports medicine and pediatric infectious disease experts have developed return-to-play guidelines that help offset the risk of COVID-19 infection to players, coaches and parents. Although there will always be some risk, the experts say that the following recommendations can help safeguard the health of all involved.

• Delay returning to sports if you have any of the following conditions:
  • Diabetes o Asthma or other chronic lung disease
  • Heart condition
  • Severe obesity (body mass index higher than 40)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Are undergoing chemotherapy or similar immunocompromising treatment
• Get screened before beginning any activity (practice, scrimmage or competitions)
• Athletes do not need to wear a face covering during play as long as social distancing guidelines are followed
  • NO team huddles
  • NO handshakes or fist bumps
  • Do NOT congregate in the parking lots or fields
• Do NOT share water bottles; clearly mark your water bottle with your name
• If drinking from a water cup, use the cup only once, then discard
• Wash all workout clothing and gear daily