Clinic Health & Safety Information

Summary of Safety Protocols 

New York Red Bulls Winter Clinics strictly follow all health and safety guidelines that have been mandated by the NY and NJ State Department of Health. All participants – including player, families, and coaches – must adhere to the following guidelines in order to participate in the clinic program. Guidelines are subject to change, as directed by the Department of Health.

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Clinic Operations 

Detailed health and safety guidelines will be implemented at all clinics. All clinic participants will be required to abide by these guidelines to prioritize and maintain the health and safety of all program participants, staff, and parents. Failure to adhere by these rules may result in dismissal from the program.

Indoor Facility Protocols

Each indoor facility was carefully selected to ensure that required state safety protocols are met, this includes:

• Capacity: Facilities are required to operate in accordance with state and local Department of Health capacity limits. This creates a significant reductions in the number of people in the facility, reduce crowding, and allow for proper social distancing around entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas.
• Ratios: Based on the facilities capacity limitations, the number of groups and player to coach ratios have been modified based on the space available.
• Air Circulation: Each facility is required to have air circulation in line with CDC guidance, depending on the facility this includes upgraded filtration standards, additional fans, and where feasible keeping windows and large doors open.
• Cleaning: The facility is required to have a robust cleaning and sanitization schedule and require frequent sanitization of high-touch areas.
• Facility Staff: Screen facility staff, via temperature check and health questionnaire at the beginning of each shift. Staff showing symptoms of COVID-19 shall not be permitted to work that day.

On an ongoing basis, facilities are required to continue to follow guidelines and directives issued by the DOH, the CDC, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, as applicable, for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy work environment.

Onsite Operations 

Check-in: One parent or guardian per family is required at check-in. A six-foot distance should be maintained at all times. After check-in, players will be given a personal area to keep their bag. Location specific check-in policies will be shared prior to the first session.

Equipment: Players are required to bring their own ball which should be sanitized daily, prior to clinic arrival. Players are not permitted to touch equipment at any time. 

Face-coverings – Players: Players are required to wear face-coverings at check-in, check-out, bathroom breaks, and any time that physical distancing isn’t possible. We encourage face coverings during play as well.

Face-coverings – Coaches: All staff members will be wearing masks upon arrival and throughout the clinic.

Face-coverings – Parents: Parents are required to wear face-coverings at pick up, drop off, and during any interaction with the coaching staff.

1. Fever or chills
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle or body aches
6. New loss of taste or smell
7. Sore throat
8. Congestion or runny nose
9. Nausea or vomiting
10. Diarrhea
11. Headaches

Any player who has had any recent contact with someone who has fallen ill to COVID-19 during the time span of the program must not attend.

Health screening (Check-in): Upon clinic arrival the player will undergo a temperature check and the same health screening. 

Temperature Checks: Staff or players that have a fever of 100.4° or above or other signs of COVID-19 illness will not be admitted to the clinic.

Water: All players must have their own individual water with their name clearly marked. 

Parents and Guardians: Each facility has its own regulations regarding parents staying in the building to watch the training session. This information is subject to change at any time and will be shared in the pre-clinic logistics e-mail.

Hand washing: Players and staff are required to practice the following hand sanitizing hygiene: 

• Upon arrival to the first program activity
• After using the restroom
• Before eating any snacks  
• Before departing the last program activity 

Coaches will have hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes available. Players are also encouraged to bring their own. 

Education – Coaching Staff: In addition to their regular clinic orientation, the following elements will be added:

1. Infection control, hand washing practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and COVID-19 signs and symptoms
2. Policy regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) use and training
3. Physical distancing curriculum and best practices 

Education – Players: Prior to the clinic, an educational video will be available for each player to watch. Each day coaches will also start the day with a reminder of the clinic policies. 

Out-of-State Travel and Participation: It is highly recommended by the state that anyone who has traveled to any of the documented hotspots must quarantine for 14 days and therefore should not participate in the clinic program.

FAQs