Covid Regs

Covid 19 Guidelines

The Ruffnecks continue activities during the Winter of 2020-2021 with protocols, guidelines, and plans in accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts RE-Opening Plans: As of December 13, 2020 the Commonwealth reverted to Phase III – Step 1.  As we continue OPEN Hitting Hours, individual instruction, and limited team gatherings, we ask members of our community to observe best practices.  We also ask members of our community to review this page and its contents.

Important Update as of December 13, 2020

On December 13, 2020 the Governor of Massachusetts updated the guidelines for Youth and Amateur Sports.  Please reference the links provided below for current information.  This page is updated as changes occur and directives become available.  Communication continues both through this website through specific program announcements via email.

Links to Important Guidelines

For current state guidelines, please use the general link to mass.gov/reopening for full information across all sectors and for reports on the state response to the pandemic.  Specific links to information guiding our program are provided below:

Ruffnecks players and their families are encouraged to make their own, informed, decisions in determining the level of participation for indoor and on-field activities.  Additional guidelines for Winter Activity are provided below:

At the NEBC: Guidelines for Activities

Ruffnecks players, families, coaches shall abide by NEBC guidelines, restrictions, and mandates.  NEBC directives are intended to provide a viable, safe, practice and playing environment.  NEBC guidelines and regulations may change from time to time.  The Ruffnecks program and the NEBC work together to maintain a safe environment and appropriate measures for safety and contact tracing.

Ruffnecks players and families are expected to arrive and depart from scheduled activities on time.  Departing the premises means going directly to vehicles and vacating the premises.  Players are not to be left waiting for rides at curbside.  Parents and spectators are not permitted to congregate in the lobby of the NEBC or in the Batting Cages while the player is engaged in indoor activities.

Please note the following (Indoor Activity):

  1. Players should arrive no sooner than 15 minutes prior to a scheduled activity.
  2. Players MUST SIGN IN at the Monitor’s Desk in the lobby of the NEBC.
  3. Players must wear face coverings everywhere on the premises.
  4. Bags must be stored along the inside walls of the cages.  Distancing protocols must be observed in dugouts.
  5. A Maximum of 15 (Total players + coaches) are permitted in the batting cage area.
  6. Players must bring their own water.
  7. Players should wash their hands before and after activity.
  8. There is no sharing of equipment other than baseballs.
  9. Hitters are mandated to wear face coverings when hitting.
  10. At the completion of activity, players must SIGN OUT at the Monitor’s Desk in the Lobby and leave the premises promptly.

Please note the following (Outdoor Activity):

  1. Players should arrive no sooner than one hour prior to a scheduled event.
  2. Players must wear face coverings everywhere on the premises until they are on the practice field.
  3. Bags must be stored outside the dugouts.  Distancing protocols must be observed in dugouts.
  4. Players must bring their own water.
  5. There is no sharing of equipment other than baseballs.
  6. Hitters are asked to wear face coverings when there is a catcher (not necessary for drills or BP)
  7. At the completion of practice or games, players must leave the premises in a timely manner.