WBSC issues guidelines for a safe return of baseball/softball activity in new COVID-19 world

28/05/2020

Recommendations have been set in accordance with the World Health Organization’s guidance for large sporting events, as baseball and softball bodies, leagues and other stakeholders plan their return to action.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today published a set of health and operational recommendations for the safe return of baseball and softball activity. The precautionary measures and recommendations -- named "Safe Return to Baseball/Softball -- COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines" -- have been developed by the WBSC Medical Commission in accordance with the World Health Organization’s risk assessment tool and "Considerations for sports federations/sports event organizers when planning mass gatherings in the context of COVID-19".

"Large sporting events such as WBSC World Cups as well as continental and national championships in baseball and softball have traditionally attracted many fans to the stadium, and therefore we have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of everybody involved the best we can and not promote the spread of COVID-19," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "These new guidelines and considerations that the WBSC has published serve to reduce exposure to COVID-19, as the return of activity in our sport is planned or set to slowly begin around the world."

Recommendations, specific to baseball and softball games, to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infections include:

Avoid sharing of competition equipment. Each player should have his/her own bat, helmet, glove, batting gloves, rosin bags, etc.

Batters shall retrieve their own bat when possible

No chewing tobacco, seeds or spitting at any time

Players (in particular pitchers), shall not lick their fingers

Umpires shall wear masks and gloves

If possible, avoid line-up exchange at home plate

Avoid physical contact, such as shaking hands, high fives, fist bumps, hugging, etc.

Ball prep (mud rubbing) to be done by one appointed personnel with protective rubber gloves

Different set of official balls for home and visiting teams while on defense

Coaches may always approach umpire keeping a minimum distance of two meters

Home Plate umpire shall avoid coming in contact with catcher

Minimum physical distance of 1 metre shall always be kept in dugout

Bases shall be cleaned every half inning

No bat boys/girls shall be allowed

National Federations, leagues and other baseball/softball entities are strongly recommended to develop their own specific written policies and operating protocols in coordination with their respective local health authorities before returning to competition.

WBSC’s full list of "Safe Return to Baseball/Softball -- COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines" can be viewed here.

WHO’s "Considerations for sports federations/sports event organizers when planning mass gatherings in the context of COVID-19" is available on the WHO website.

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