In addition to the annual Safety Plan, for the 2021 spring season Portland Little League (PLL) has adopted several safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. PLL has adopted the Safety Plan and this COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol while incorporating Little League International’s BEST PRACTICES, and in compliance with Little League International’s 15 REQUIREMENTS FOR AN APPROVED SAFETY PLAN.
 

Foremost, PLL follows the Governor’s Executive Orders while also considering guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control, Maine Center for Disease Control, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, Maine Principals Association, Little League International, and local health officials. PLL safety policies are in effect at all PLL baseball and softball games, practices and any other PLL activities. Some guidelines may vary by specific facility.
 

Guidance from the above and other entities may change, therefore the protocols listed below are subject to change at the discretion of the PLL Board of Directors. Any changes to these PLL COVID-19 protocols, will be published on the PLL website and communicated via email and our social media pages.

I. Health/Social Distancing

 
. Do not attend a PLL activity or event if you:

• are not feeling well
• are showing symptoms of COVID-19
• are required to self-isolate/quarantine
• have been in contact with someone who has recently started showing symptoms of or tested positive for COVID-19

 
This requirement applies to all players, spectators and volunteers.
 

b. PLL recognizes that social distancing is possible for spectators, but may be difficult. PLL further recognizes that social distancing is not merely difficult, but impossible in baseball/softball practice and game situations, whether on the bench or on the field. Therefore:

1. PLL strongly recommends that all persons at a Little League activity follow social distancing guidelines (at least 6 feet apart from people outside of family unit). PLL recommends that spectators wear face coverings when social distancing is difficult.
2. PLL has decided that players, coaches, umpires and adult volunteers on the field and on the bench must wear face coverings at all times. “Gaiters” are not approved face coverings.

 
c. There will be no handshakes, high fives, or other person-to-person contact before, during or after the game. Players can do a tip of the cap or some other gesture to congratulate their teammates and to show respect to the opposing team after the game. Home plate celebrations are prohibited.

 
d. Portland Little League provides hand sanitizer at all activities. PLL strongly encourages all people attending an activity to bring hand sanitizer, and to use it frequently.

 
e. Umpires are encouraged to limit contact with players. The plate umpire may stand behind the pitcher, if preferred.
 
 

II. Equipment

 
a. There will be no sharing of equipment. Players are required to bring their own equipment to each game/practice. PLL strongly urges all equipment and caps to be labeled with the player’s name.

b. PLL will loan equipment to any player that needs it. However, in the event that league-provided (especially helmets and catcher’s  gear) equipment is used, it must be sanitized between uses.

III. Food/Drink, Restrooms

 
a. Players shall not share food or drink with other players (this includes sunflower seeds, water bottles, Gatorade, gum, etc.). If players bring a drink bottle, it should be clearly marked with that player's name.

 
b. There will be no team drink dispensers.

 
c. No spitting is allowed on premises.

 
d. There will be no sunflower seeds or gum allowed at a PLL activity.

 
e. Depending on city policy, there might not be trash cans on premises – which would necessitate a "Carry-in, carry out" policy. Please help keep facilities clean by bringing home any trash.

 
f. Porta-potties will be professionally maintained and cleaned. People attending a PLL activity are strongly urged to bring sanitizer.

 
g. A departing team shall sanitize the dugout and PLL equipment immediately after a game or practice.

IV. Interleague Play

 
PLL will inform a visiting team in advance that PLL COVID Protocols apply at a minimum for home and visiting teams at all PLL facilities. In the event that a PLL team travels to a non-PLL facility, PLL will adhere to these PLL Protocols at a minimum, and will request in advance that other competitors comply equally.