Tucson Youth Football & Spirit Federation president Julius Holt has issued a statement to the association presidents and coaches about adhering to city and county policies regarding the use of parks for workouts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand that many of our association, coaches, volunteers, parents, and players want to get back to cheer and playing football for TYFSF, and believe me we want that to happen as well, but our primary focus is the safety and well-being of all of our association, players and cheerleaders that participate in our program,” Holt writes. “TYFSF will continue to monitor the progression of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that is affecting our program and other leagues and programs across the country. We have done our best to provide updates to all our association with the hope they are sharing information with their families, volunteers, coaches, and players.
“However, certain states and cities have begun their phased approaches to reopening. It is highly encouraged that each TYFSF association adheres to the guidelines set forth by state of Arizona and local government and the health department in terms of public gatherings and sporting events when determining when it is safe to return to normal activities.”
Although Gov. Doug Ducey ended the stay-at-home order last Friday, Tucson mayor Regina Romero has extended her emergency declaration through June 8. City parks and recreation facilities will remain closed until Romero ends that declaration. Holt said Pima County has informed him that Arizona is in Phase 1 of the White House’s reopening plan. Phase 1 prohibits organized youth activities.
“TYFSF is still not allowing any of our programs to hold camps, organized workouts, or speed and conditioning trainings,” Holt writes. “If any association, coaches, or volunteers are providing any of the above activities they are doing so at their own risk and will be held responsible for all liabilities and face losing their TYFSF charter membership. We will continue to stay in touch with local and state officials for guidance.
Holt, a former Arizona football player, added that all associations can hold online registration and in-person registration if they practice social distancing (keeping 6 feet from each other). With drive-thru registrations, kids would only step out of the cars momentarily for measuring.
All staff/volunteers are required to wear masks and gloves and hand sanitizer must be provided. Tables and measuring equipment will be sanitized with a spray sanitizer between each registrant.
“We appreciate your patience, consideration, and flexibility of all our coaches, volunteers, players, and parents,” Holt writes. “TYFSF will be gathering additional information and will be deciding soon about the 2020 football season.”
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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