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Fall 2020 season to end Nov. 15

By Somerville Youth Soccer, 11/13/20, 1:15PM EST

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Fall season will end one week earlier than previously announced due to rising COVID-19 numbers.

Somerville Youth Soccer previously announced plans to extend our Fall 2020 season to November 21. This decision was made when COVID rates in Somerville were relatively low and we had avoided any potential exposures at SYS events.

In the past few days, three players have tested positive for COVID-19. While these transmissions were not a result of soccer-related activities, we have shut down their teams and the teams have been ordered to quarantine by the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC).

Yesterday's Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report detailed a dramatic jump to 16.6 in Somerville's number of average daily new cases per 100,000 -- nearly double last week's number (9.3). This is an unwanted record since the early months of the pandemic.

In light of these facts, the SYS Board of Directors overwhelmingly agreed to end the Fall 2020 season after the games on Sunday, November 15.

We understand this will disappoint many of you. It disappoints us. The fall season has been a huge success -- but we understand the importance of early action in the face of exponential growth and we have no wish to taint an excellent season with additional team shutdowns and potential exposures. 

A few things to remember for this weekend's games:

1. Quarantines. While outdoor youth soccer using COVID protocols and game modifications remains low risk, there is a possibility of resulting quarantine orders. Thanksgiving now falls within any potential quarantine window, so an exposure at this weekend's games might impact your holiday plans. If you decide not to participate this weekend, please make sure to communicate with your coach as soon as possible.

2. Respect the CTC. The CTC acts to safeguard the community’s health and protect the most vulnerable. Should the CTC contact you about potential exposure, please accept their determination and follow their instructions. Contact tracers have a difficult job, and it reflects poorly on our organization if we argue.

3. Coach Appreciation Day. We had planned to make next week Coach Appreciation Week. Instead, we declare tomorrow, Saturday, November 15, Coach Appreciation Day. Our coaches have made this season possible. They made it successful under extremely demanding circumstances, and they deserve all the credit in the world. Please make sure to express your appreciation for the remarkable job they have done.

Thanks for your understanding, your efforts this season, and your continued vigilance.

We hope to see you back in the spring. Stay tuned for Spring 2021 registration, coming soon!