Ball fields scattered throughout Lamar County started filling with team practices after the Board of Supervisors opened the facilities following an emergency order Monday afternoon.
The Board unanimously approved the order during a special-called meeting, allowing practicing only until 8 a.m. Monday, May 25, unless the Board changes the order. Teams must follow local, state, and federal regulations in battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Lamar County owns or leases baseball, softball, and other recreational facilities within the county. The facilities are subject to the following rules:
Practice only allowed to the extent that CDC social distancing of six feet can be maintained.
Only the players and coaches listed on the league roster are allowed on the field limited to no more than 20 total.
• In accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 1478, practice times will be limited to between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
- Common areas between fields are restricted to coming and going to practice. Every effort should be made to route teams separately to their practice field.
- Gathering or socializing between practicing teams is prohibited.
- Parents are to remain either in or at their vehicle and should not gather or socialize with other parents. Siblings should not come with parents to bring players to practice if possible.
- Persons listed as vulnerable by the CDC should avoid bringing players to practice if possible.
- Parents should supply their players with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer for disinfecting equipment and cleaning hands.
- Players should be allowed to wear PPE items if they choose, as long as the items do not compromise the safety of any team members.
- Teams are required to clean their dugout of all trash and other items after each practice and to wipe down/clean hard surfaces such as benches, bat racks etc.
- Use of sunflower seeds is not allowed.
- All coaches are encouraged to wear a mask or other face covering when within six feet of a player. All players must use their own equipment if possible and must be sanitized before sharing if not.
- Balls should be sanitized after each practice.
- There should be no team/player handshakes or high fives.
- Teams will not be allowed to "huddle." At least six feet should be between team members and coaches during team meetings and prayers.
- Common water coolers are not allowed. Players should bring their own, personal cooler or water containers.
- The restroom shall be cleaned regularly by league operators and shall be stocked with soap and disposable towels for hand washing.
Any law enforcement officer of Lamar County may enforce this order and all Executive Orders by issuing a citation for any violation. Any person violating any provision of this order or Executive Orders shall face a fine not more than $500 and imprisonment for not more than six months.