2 - 16  &  1 - 18

JUNE 5-6
DIAMONDPLEX - WINTER HAVEN

COVID-19 Update 

TENTATIVE:  BE PATIENCE THERE MAY BE CHANGES

State of Florida Guidelines:

We know that there are many questions out there and we have them as well.  There will be situations we can control and some we cannot, as those will be made by State and Local Authorities, City and County Governments. 

To this point, there isn’t a clear answer or direction for us to follow. The health of ourselves, our families, friends and teams have to be the driving consideration. But, the world in which we live requires a strong economy and the freedom to move about and interact with our neighbors and associates. Both are necessary; however, they seem to be in conflict with each other. We cannot pick one and ignore the other …  so, where do we begin.

This is an attempt to offer our views and opinions on the beginning of a plan for us, USA Softball of Florida, to begin to reopen. These thoughts apply to only our game of softball.

The Federal Government has issued a set of guidelines to be followed for the reopening of the country which the State and Local Governments are supposed to adhere to.  It appears that this is not happening in some places and will probably lead to confusion for all people. But we will use the Federal Guidelines as a base to begin our planning.  Being flexible will need to be the norm as conditions can certainly change.

The Criteria begins with a simple fact; the actual numbers of positive tests for the Covid-19 OR the percentage of positive tests for Covid-19 MUST be in downward or declining numbers for a period of 14 days. Once that has happened, we can enter Phase One of the reopening process. It appears there is much confusion here. Phase One says there can be groups of 10 or less with Social Distancing, Temperature checks, Sanitation procedures and Face Masks.  The written word reads that the Criteria period of 14 days of declining numbers must be in place BEFORE beginning Phase ONE. Based on what we see in the News, people are jumping over this period and diving directly into Phase One.

According to the Florida Department of Health, as of 4-25-2020, we have had THREE (3) days of declining numbers. Using those numbers and the Federal Guidelines, the reopening of Florida should look something like this:

Criteria Period would began 4-23-2020

Phase One begins on 5-4-2020

Vulnerable Individuals should continue to Shelter in Place.

Some Business to reopen - Social Distancing – Protective Equipment – Temperature Checks – Sanitation Procedures – Cleaning of “High Traffic Areas” – Public Group of 10 or less

Phase Two begins on 5-18-2020

Vulnerable Individuals should continue to Shelter in Place or be Isolated.

Social Distancing – Protective Equipment – Temperature Checks – Sanitation Procedures – Cleaning of “High Traffic Areas” – Public Group of 50 or less. Organized Youth Activities can resume under moderate physical distancing protocols. (Not sure at this time how we accomplish that.) 

Phase Three begins on 6-2-2020 

 Sanitation Procedures – Cleaning of “High Traffic Areas” 

Populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments.

TENTATIVE:  BE PATIENCE THERE MAY BE CHANGES

So where are we today, based on the State of Florida Guidelines:

We have cancelled all tournaments prior to June 14th.  Our current Calendar shows our first Tournament after this period is in Jacksonville, June 19 – 21. Followed by the USA of Florida State Championships, July 10 – 12.  Our goal is to play these Tournaments; however, we still need to show patience as the situation could change.  We still will have questions that will need to be addressed and answered, but it’s a start. The type of protocol for teams, coaches, umpires and fans will have to be communicated as well.  City/County Parks & Recreation will have their own procedures to follow as well.

We MUST protect our Teams, Coaches, Families and Umpires!!!  We do not have to have those answers today, but we need to begin to plan for the day we can play again. We will keep in touch with you and welcome any questions you might have. Feel free to contact us. Keep safe and stay well!

USA SOFTBALL of FLORIDA
12U All American Games Tryouts:

USA Softball of Florida will NOT be having a

12U All American Team this year.  

Thank you.

QUALIFY FOR THE

JUNIOR OLYMPIC GOLD

CHAMPIONSHIPS

EARN A PAID BERTH  
2021 JO CUP 
Clearwater, FL - NOV 20-22

12 Teams in each division
Limit to 36 teams total
Sign Up

2019 JO CUP RESULTS

Florida Impact Feldman
finished 2nd overall at the Junior Olympic CUP in the 14 Division at Spartanburg, SC.

14A Record:   
5th - Clearwater Bullets  5-2
9th - Santa Fe Inferno Manetta  4-2
9th - Gold Coast Hurricanes Dakota  1-4

16 A Record:
3rd - Tampa Mustangs Eve  5-3-1

16 B Record:
5th - Lady Gators Jackson  4-4
7th - Gold Coast Hurricanes Hammond  3-3-1

18 A Record:
5th - Gold Coast Hurricanes Marty  4-4
9th - Lady Gators Jackson  3-3

18 B Record:
4th - Florida Impact  6-3
7th - Santa Fe Inferno  5-2

FLORIDA TEAMS PLAYED WELL IN
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA!!!

 

USA Softball of Florida (formerly the Florida Amateur Softball Association) is proud to be one of 70 local affiliates for USA Softball. Founded in 1933 as the Amateur Softball Association, USA Softball is the National Governing Body of Softball in the Unites States, so declared by the United States Olympic Committee in 1978.

The objectives of USA Softball of Florida shall be:

• To promote and regulate amateur softball for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry.
• To establish uniform softball rules and regulations.
• To provide it with proper safeguards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship.
• To encourage the union of all eligible teams, organizations, or groups into such separate associations with active membership and representation in USAFL as may from time to time be deemed best adapted to advance the cause of amateur softball.
• To establish and maintain by allied membership, alliances with associations devoted wholly or partially to the promotion of the game of amateur softball.
• To promote and conduct annual amateur softball championships.
• To educate and train in the proper skills of amateur softball play and rules of the game through promoting, organizing, and conducting clinics, seminars, and training courses.

Through our partnership with The Independence Fund, we are on a mission to mobilize wounded veterans. Help us raise money to deliver customized all-terrain mobility devices to our nation’s heroes – and help them regain their independence.

Click here for more information and to donate to this great cause.

As the National Governing Body of softball, USA Softball - and, therefore, USA Softball of Florida - will be working with SafeSport in an effort to ensure safe environment for all who participate in our program. Officials in our state association as well as all ACE program coaches will have to earn SafeSport certification in 2018. For more information, check out theSafeSport web site and resources available on the USA Softball web site.

Congratulations to the following USA Softball of Florida Teams played in the USA SOFTBALL JO CUP FINALS in Spartanburg, SC.

14U RUNNER UP
FLORIDA IMPACT GATEWOOD

16U
GOLD COAST HURRICANES HAMMONDS

18U
WILDFIRE PAULSON