HYSA Field Curfew due to EEE concerns

Since the announcement by Massachusetts Department of Public Health categorizing the town of Holliston into the CRITICAL risk level for EEE, Holliston Youth Soccer (HYSA) has been closely monitoring and assessing the situation as it pertains to the safety of our players, coaches and parents.Taking direction of both the Holliston and Massachusetts Board of Health as well as actions of surrounding towns in similar status, HYSA is instituting a field curfew,effective immediately. All practice and game activities will be required to end, and fields cleared no later than:

·         6:45 pm for the week of 9/8 – 9/14

·         6:00 pm starting the week of 9/15 and will remain indefinitely

The expectation during the week of 9/8 is that 5:30 practices will remain intact and 6:00 practices will be cut 15 minutes short, ending at 6:45.  

Over the coming week, HYSA will be working with travel and intramural coaches who have practice start times at either 5:30 or 6:00 to find alternatives that will allow for material practice time within the curfew boundary.  For players on teams affected by this, your coach will communicate with you about any new practice details as soon as an alternative is found.

Coaches will be required to have their players off the field and picked up no later than curfew.  No exceptions.  Parents should be prepared to arrive a few minutes early so children can be picked up at the conclusion of practice.

Any coach who is uncomfortable conducting a practice due to the threat of EEE may cancel or end that practice early.  Parents/Players who are uncomfortable attending a practice may choose not to attend that practice without negative ramifications such as reduced playing time. 

We understand that this is a tough decision for those teams with 5:30 or 6p practice times, but the health and safety of our players, coaches, and families is our priority.  When you are on the fields, please make sure to use DEET based insect repellent for the best protection.   

HYSA will continue to follow the situation and monitor directives from the town and state.  Any further announcements or changes regarding this policy will be communicated immediately on the HYSA website and via the HYSA social media channels.  To ensure you receive these updates, please make sure to follow HYSA on Twitter @Holliston_HYSA and/or LIKE HYSA on Facebook

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

HYSA Executive Board of Directors