New Game Day Protocols | Compliance and Cooperation Are Required

Greetings! Our second game day of the season was full of memories and experiences for all our ballplayers and families. From Photo Day to Game Day, from big hits to incredible defensive plays, and from team cheers to great sportsmanship, this is The OYO Way. During these challenging times, our volunteer board members have worked tirelessly to provide a foundation for our resilient ballplayers who welcome the chance to regain some normalcy by playing baseball and softball with their friends.

There are nine game days left — and we want to play them all. However, we need a lot more help from each and every family to ensure this happens. This past Sunday, the Marion County Health Department visited our Game Day experience to assess compliance to our Return to Play plan. Based on their tour of the premises, they are requiring changes must be made to provide us the best opportunity possible to continue offering a Fall Ball season for all our deserving and resilient ballplayers.

We are expected to strictly follow guidelines established by our employers, schools, churches, local businesses and more — OYO is no exception. Starting Sunday, September 5, all game days will follow additional protocols, including:

• Requesting Immediate Families Only on Game Days | To be in compliance with the maximum allowance of individuals at each field, we are asking for all Fall Ball families to limit the number of fans at OYO on game days to immediate family members only.
• No Fan Seating Behind Backstops | One significant change due to social distance requirements is no one will be allowed to sit or gather behind the home plate areas at any of our 13 fields. We realize these are fan favorite areas and they have historically been packed with fans. They are fun and exciting areas to sit since they are very close to the action, but in order for our park to stay open we can no longer allow these areas to be used for viewing.
• Designated Seating Areas for Fans Will Be Clearly Marked | All fans will need to spread out in one of our pre-marked, designated seating areas around the perimeter of the fences past the dugouts and in the outfield. We all hope for the time when fans are allowed to return closer to the field of play, but for the foreseeable future these areas will be closed to spectators. These markers will be displayed on the fences to help ensure we create six-feet social distancing from each family. Please note, only one family may sit in a designated seating area and space may not be shared between families.
• Seating Area Violation and Game Play | If a fan is in violation of the seating rules, an Advisor on Duty (AOD) will ask the fan to move to another location. The AOD will stay until they comply. If the fan does not comply, the AOD will immediately suspend the game until the fan is in compliance. During the suspension, the field is cleared as the players must join their parents and there shall be no players or coaches in the dugouts or on the fields. If the fan then chooses not to comply within five minutes, the game is called. If the fan does comply, play resumes but no additional time will be added to the game.
• When Away from Your Designated Seating Area, Wear Your Mask! | If you are moving around the park, including walking from/to the parking lot, visiting the concession stand, using the restroom, talking with others, then masks need to be worn by fans, coaches, players, umpires, concession workers, volunteer board members, etc.

We remain steadfastly committed to providing each and every ballplayer a safe and responsible environment to play ball this fall. We all need to work together to avoid any disruptions to our season. And, if further changes to our guidelines are required, we will announce them promptly with expectations of full compliance from all OYO spectators and coaches.

Thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball!