May 15, 2020

Club officials:

The “green light” to return to competitive youth soccer continues to depend on the Governor of the state of Washington and on approvals from various health organizations. 

We are currently in Phase 1 of the governor’s four-phase state plan to reopen the economy. Please see state chart:  Return to Play plan and scroll down to bottom of page. 

We are hopeful that with new safety protocols in place, we can return to the soccer fields in the near future. Please see our Safe Soccer guidelines below for returning to play here: SAFE SOCCER. 

For clubs, we have included club-related guidelines that San Diego Surf has established based on what California government officials are requiring youth soccer clubs. These are merely guidelines that could be useful for PSPL clubs as you work out your safety protocol details for returning to play. You can find them here: Clubs Return To Play Guidelines.

With the reopening starting to occur and to help you plan for the future, the 2020 PSPL SOCCER Calendar has been updated once again. This document includes newly updated league and WA Cup dates, as well as backup dates that may yet be further impacted by COVID-19.

While more delays are a possibility, the PSPL is doing its best to make sure there are options for teams to play competitive soccer as soon as possible.

In the meantime, remember that all US Club Soccer-sanctioned events are suspended until May 18. That means liability or medical insurance claims will not be honored until US Club lifts is suspension. US Club leadership has said in moving forward the organization will defer to local governments on the safe and appropriate Return To Play timeframe. 
 
Under our updated Return To Play summer plan, we are approaching this next stage in three phases: Re-Open, Summer League, and Restart. Find updated plan here: Return to Play.

It appears that some form of re-opening is imminent for clubs and players. The governor has hinted that a date in June appears the likely target for small-group training.  For that to happen, the Governor would have to declare that we've moved to Phase 2, which allows for groups of 5 or less to gather. At this time, clubs will be able to hold small-group trainings to help get players back on the field. 

In Phase 3 of the governor’s plan, the Summer League would kick off. We are cautiously optimistic that Phase 3 could be declared by July 1.

The Summer League is open to all ages to help clubs and players re-enter the playing field at a steady and moderated pace. We have outlined different start options based on when officials give us the green light. 

Finally, the Restart – Phase 4 of the governor’s plan - represents the end of the summer league and the beginning of the fall season. It will include WA Cup tournaments in August and the restart of the Fall League in September. 

Of course, we are fully aware these tentative plans could change. We also are fully aware that none of these events could happen this summer. Much depends on health issues beyond our control. As we learn more, we will continue to share and update with all of you. 

PSPL remains open and available to answer your questions as you plan to restart your soccer season. For more information, or general questions, please contact the league or email info@psplsoccer.com.
 
By now, many of us know close friends and/or family who have suffered from the challenges of this current health crisis. But, we will get through these challenging times as a soccer family and as a soccer community. We are all in this together.

United by Soccer,
The PSPL

The Puget Sound Premier League, sanctioned by US Club Soccer, is the fastest growing league for competitive soccer teams in Washington State. The PSPL was founded in 2007 with 12 teams and now has nearly 2,000 teams in 2019. In its 11th year, the league supports clubs that produce national champions and college standouts.

For more information on the PSPL, please visit: www.psplsoccer.com.