COVID-19 guidelines

By Will Johnson, Sports Editor
Posted 5/28/20

In spite of the Owensville Athletic Association (OAA) canceling their summer season, the Gerald Athletic Association (GAA) is proceeding with theirs.

Scheduled to begin with games on or around …

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COVID-19 guidelines

Posted

In spite of the Owensville Athletic Association (OAA) canceling their summer season, the Gerald Athletic Association (GAA) is proceeding with theirs.

Scheduled to begin with games on or around June 15, the GAA will be implementing a list of rule changes due to COVID-19 for all parents, players, coaches and spectators. Additions or adjustments to these rules could be made throughout the season.

First, the GAA is asking all players and coaches to maintain a six-foot social distance from each other. Teams will only allow three players in the dugout at a time while all other players will spread out six feet down the outside fence and dugouts.

Second, no players can share equipment, the GAA is asking that kids wear batting gloves while in the dugout and while batting.

Only one player can be catcher unless there are two sets of catching gear available.

Each team will also supply their own game ball and use their own game ball to pitch and field.

Baseballs will be sanitized between each half inning in addition to team benches being sanitized between each game.

Third, all umpiring will be done six feet behind the pitcher.

Fourth, the catcher must be a minimum of two feet behind the batter.

Fifth, there can be no handshakes or fist bumps before or after the game. GAA officials are asking that teams tip their hat to each other from the dugouts after each game.

Last, spectators must maintain a six foot social distance during games and practices. Hand sanitizer will be available in the dugouts and the bleachers.