While the coronavirus has canceled most events in 2020, the nature of the The Wiffle®Ball Championship allows for participants and spectators to practice social distancing in an outdoor setting.
However, exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; and there is no guarantee that you will not be exposed during The Wiffle®Ball Championship.
The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from coronavirus. Participants and spectators should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend.
People who show no symptoms can spread coronavirus if they are infected, any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to coronavirus. By coming to The Wiffle®Ball Championship, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance.
Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms are asked to not attend The Wiffle®Ball Championship:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Runny nose or new nasal congestion
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
New loss of taste or smell
Tournament volunteers will be screened prior to their arrival to the event and will be wearing face coverings whenever interacting with participants or spectators.
For those that choose to attend, the following health and safety protocols must be followed to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
At New Prairie Little League Complex
To stagger the arrival of participants, teams should arrive to check-in at the scorer’s tent at least 30 minutes prior to their first scheduled game. This is a change from years past when teams were required to check in at the same time.
The opening ceremony with first pitch and national anthem has been canceled for 2020. After checking in to receive their materials, teams should report to their field. The pool play schedule is designed to limit teams’ movement throughout the complex.
All teams will be scheduled two home and two away games during pool play. There will be no rock-paper-scissors to determine home field. Home team will keep the official score card and return to the scorer’s tent. Each team will receive two score cards in their team bags. There will be no clipboards at the fields.
Teams will refrain from shaking hands after the games.
Participants not actively playing, as well as any spectators, must practice social distancing. Spectators are asked to keep their distance from the playing fields and also allow six feet of space between people at all times. Please keep the area between the foul lines of adjacent fields clear.
Any tents, canopies, or other shelters should be properly spaced to avoid mass gatherings. Please limit your gatherings to your team and/or family units.
Hand sanitizer will be provided to all teams in their team bags and will be available throughout the complex.
When social distancing cannot be maintained, all non-active participants and spectators are encouraged to wear a mask or other face covering. For the safety of our volunteers, face coverings will be required for any person approaching the scorer’s tent.
Hand-washing stations are available in each portable restroom unit. Restrooms will be sanitized every 30 minutes while The Championship is in progress.
At Migley Field
Migley Field is private property, and therefore any participant or spectator failing to follow the health and safety protocols will be asked to leave the premises.
The health and safety protocols will be in place for the both the Home Run Derby on Friday, July 24 and the Hometown Cup Finals on Sunday, July 26.
All spectators and non-active participants will be required to wear a face covering at Migley Field whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Exceptions will be made for those with a medical condition preventing the wearing of a face covering and for children age 2 and under.
The use of the first base grandstand will be limited to active participants (the 4 to 5 players playing in the current game). Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and to spread out accordingly. Masks must be worn by any spectators not maintaining six feet of distance from each other.
Fans wishing to stay away from the ballpark can watch a live stream of the finals on broadcastsport.net or listen on 106.7 FM in Migleyville.