Even though the coronavirus pandemic still lingers, Hall County Government officials are taking steps to safely re-open government facilities and resume certain programs. On Thursday night, officials announced a plan to hold a modified youth sports program for the fall.
"In an effort to provide recreational services to our community, staff has been working diligently on a plan to safely facilitate a modified youth fall baseball and soccer season," Assistant Hall County Administrator Zach Propes said in a press statement issued Friday afternoon. "Both seasons would move forward with practice over the next few weeks and games would begin the first week of September with both seasons ending no later than November 8."
Propes said safety protocols for players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators, as well as operations for Hall County park baseball facilities and the Allen Creek Soccer Complex, have been drafted and are in alignment with best practices from the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Public Health and youth sports organizations.
"We have also collaborated with the Lanier Soccer Association during this process to understand their protocols and best practices," Propes said.
The official announcement from Propes came after Hall County Commissioner Jeff Stowe shared news of the plan with fellow commissioners at the conclusion of the county commission meeting Aug. 13. Stowe outlined some of the safety and health protocols approved by the Hall County Parks Advisory Board at its meeting on Wednesday. (Follow this link for complete information.)
- All practices and games will follow all local and state directives regarding the number of people allowed to gather in one place.
- Time between practices and games will be added for cleaning and disinfecting.
- Hall County Parks and Leisure will suspend all activities at any point if GHSA and/or the Hall County School District suspends, delays, and/or cancels fall sports.
- Bleachers will not be available due to social distancing practices.
- Dugouts and restrooms will be disinfected periodically.
- Game balls will be disinfected between innings.
- No food or concession sales will be available.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available with at least 60% alcohol.
Anyone interested in signing up for youth baseball through Hall County Parks and Leisure can do so at www.hallcountysports.com. Youth soccer sign-ups are available at www.lsasharks.com.
County officials continue to evaluate the health environment in Hall County prior to a resumption of all programming, according to County Administrator Jock Connell. He said citizens are still encouraged to conduct county business remotely if possible, noting that many forms of business can be conducted via online conferencing platforms, email or phone.
