Along the lines of the health and safety of our players, coaches, referees and spectators, the Pennsylvania West State Soccer Association (PA West) has released the updated return to play requirements for the Spring Season.  This was done after conferring with the PA State Health Department.  While most of the protocols are a continuation of those which were in place in the Fall, the most notable change is that all players, coaches, referees and spectators must wear a mask or face covering at all times, both while competing on the field and on the sidelines. We have included links to the full list of requirements from PA West and PAYS for your information. Please read and familiarize yourself and your player with these requirements in advance of the season.

• PA West Mask Mandate - Link
• 2021 PAYS  COVID Protocol - Link

While playing soccer while wearing a mask is not ideal, we would like to remind you that regardless of how you feel about the requirement, it is intended to keep everyone safe and healthy.  Once again, the wearing of masks during a youth soccer event is not a PAYS decision, we are only following the rules as they apply to our organization as mandated by the PA Dept of Health.  We believe soccer behind a mask is better than no soccer at all!  PA West will continue to monitor developments from local and state health departments.  Once the State Health Department lifts or loosens its mask policy at any point during the season, PAYS will communicate the changes and adjust our COVID protocols.  As you may know, youth soccer programs with winter training and games have required masks while on the field since the state instituted changes in November of last year.

PA West, PAYS Boards and its designees and officials will be enforcing these protocols.  Non-compliance can result in individual or team suspension from PAYS sponsored activities.  We understand there remains strong feelings with respect to mask wearing, but we ask that all members of PAYS abide by the protocols and parents/guardians be a role model for our young athletes. Wear a mask and help our coaches and referees by having your player wear one during all practices and games.

Despite all of the challenges in front of us, we are looking forward to the kids getting back on the field and having a great Spring Season.