St. Patrick Athletic Association

CYC Fall Sports Update from the Director - June 3, 2020

Last week, I heard an interview with a National Hockey League executive discussing the plans to begin the NHL playoffs. He was asked why the league was planning for playoffs when some forecasts project a prolonged existence of this virus; possibly a resurgence. He said it made more sense to plan now, then hastily put something together when it became safe to play.

We have taken a similar approach. As of now, CYC Soccer and Volleyball will start as normal this Fall. We are currently putting together a comprehensive COVID-19 Safety plan that will be sent out to Coaches, Families and Parishes to ensure that the safety of our CYC Athletes is always the most important priority.

The CYC Safety plan will be sent out to all Parish Athletic Associations on July 1. It will be an evolving document as we get closer to the start of Fall sports. We are actively meeting with other local organizations to discuss best practices and will be following the Return to Sports recommendations from SSM, Mercy, and BJC Health Systems. We ask that you hold off on any practices or CYC activities until those guidelines are released.

All parishes have begun the registration process for CYC soccer and volleyball. In some parishes, numbers are down. We understand. Here is something important to think about. If you are apprehensive about registering your child for fall sports now, but later in July or August, you change your mind, you may not be able to get them on a team. Our districts begin the scheduling process in July. The quicker they get the leagues scheduled, the faster you receive your schedule. If you think there is a possibility your child may want to play, sign them up now. You can always remove them from the team later if that is what you choose.

For the last few months, all of us have adapted to a lot of changes in our lives. CYC sports will have to adapt to changes also. Sports in 2020 and beyond will not look the same as they have in the past. There might be limitations on fans, entry and exit plans, cleaning protocols, and other things that will take some time to get used to. All of us will make the best of it. We need to make the experience fun for our young athletes. We can do this.

Dan Fitzgerald, Director, CYC Sports

APRIL 2020 UPDATE: We have been getting emails regarding when signups will be for Fall sports. The CYC has not made a decision on fall sports. They have instructed us to start sign ups but to do them with caution. We are working with SI Play to work with us on how we can get families registered as normal but not have the payment hit your credit cards until wee know for sure we will have a season. Right now, we are going to open registration up Mid May and have them run thru June 15^th. This will still give us time to set up teams and have time to order the uniforms. More information will come out closer to the registration date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

SPAA provides guidance and instruction to youths in soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, and track & field.

David Yates • Athletic Director • 314-308-0182 • [email protected]

SPAA Online Registration