Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, there have been unfathomable impacts to our families, communities, and lives. For millions of people, Little League® is where their community comes alive, and returning to the baseball and softball field has provided positive, meaningful opportunities throughout this difficult era.
As volunteers look to operate their local Little League programs around the world, Little League International strongly encourages you to take the following into consideration:
- It is highly encouraged that each league and district adheres to the guidelines set forth by their respective state and local government and health officials in terms of public gatherings, organized youth sports, and sporting events when determining how and when to return to Little League activities. Leagues should contact their state and local health authority and other municipalities for guidance prior to resuming any Little League activities.
- In the event that a local league would like to consider additional requirements for its players, volunteers, and fans (for example: mandating masking for all participants, requiring vaccines to volunteer or play, etc.), these items should be carefully considered and voted on by the Board of Directors, and then communicated to all league members. Leagues are also strongly encouraged to include their COVID-19 mitigation plan in their annual A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Plan. Please note that Little League International is not requiring local Little League programs to adopt additional mitigation efforts outside of any respective requirements from state and local government and health officials. Little League International strongly encourages leagues, families, and volunteers to make every effort to follow the recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization, and state and local health officials, including vaccination, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- District Administrators and District Staff should work with all their leagues to understand and communicate COVID-19 mitigation efforts, especially for leagues who participate in interleague play, combined teams, District Travel, and the International Tournament, so that league personnel (administrators, coaches, parents, etc.) understand any differences in mitigation guidelines at different leagues throughout the season.