Swift Current Minor Baseball is getting ready to implement their newly approved Return to Train and Play Protocol for this upcoming season. 

The plan is split into 2 parts, Phase 1 is Return to Train, with Phase 2 being Return to Play. The protocols cover everything from insurance, waivers, and registration forms to umpire considerations to facility adaptations. 

A few of the key points in the return to train protocol is, anyone with any illness symptoms will not be allowed to participate, ride-sharing is discouraged whenever possible, anyone who has been in contact with anyone who has been ill should consider not participating as well, there are no gatherings around the park until your scheduled start time, and athletes must leave the park immediately after the practice. 

The return to play protocol is awaiting further direction from the province and will comply with the regulations as they may change or are enforced. 

As there are guidelines with all players to follow such as health and hygiene there are those considerations for umpires as well. There will be no plate meeting pre-game for lineup exchanges, mound visits will be allowed, but as long as a 2-meter social distancing can be followed. No arguing with umpires within social distancing requirements and the penalty for breaking this rule is suspension for the remainder of the year. Umpires will still be allowed behind the catcher to call balls and strikes, however, no contact can be made between the two, and if umpires do not feel safe behind the catcher they may call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher's mound. 

To read the entire Return to Train and Play protocol click HERE.