Stones River Futbol Club Recreational Update Regarding COVID-19 Suspension of Play
March 15, 2020
Stones River Futbol Club Families,
In an ever-changing environment, we want to do everything we can to keep you updated as we navigate this unprecedented situation. As we stated in our initial March 12 release, Tennessee State Soccer Association has mandated suspension of all soccer activities until March 22. Since that time, the Town of Smyrna has also closed all parks and recreational facilities, effective March 14. Currently, there is no timeline for when those facilities will reopen. Rutherford County has announced a cancellation of schools and we still have Spring Break on the horizon.
As an organization, the primary focus driving our decisions regarding when and how to return to play are the same as those stated in our initial press release - the safety, health, and welfare of our players and families; and being good members of our community as a whole.
We also want to make sure that when we return to play, we can do so in an uninterrupted manner for the rest of the season. We do not want to return to activities only to suspend again as new information emerges or new developments arise. While we have no way to be absolutely certain of anything in this environment, we want to make every effort to formulate a plan that starts and finishes the season without interruption from COVID-19 precautionary measures.
To be clear, we are committed to playing a full season of soccer this Spring. How that will look is somewhat subject to a calendar we won’t have a hand in drafting. That said, we believe we have a plan that will allow for a full season of play, even if it may require a number of contingency plans.
While the March 22 date set by Tennessee State Soccer Association may seem like a potential date for a resumption of activities, we believe that date is merely a placeholder until a full assessment of the situation can be taken. We believe a far more realistic timeline is one similar to those that have been projected by our major professional sports leagues and professional organizations. Many of those groups have chosen to suspend activity for 30 days. In our situation, a 30-day timeline from the initial suspension date would extend to April 11.
If this 30-day timeframe proves to be sufficient to extinguish all restrictions, closures, and suspensions, we aim to resume training Monday, April 13. Our first games would take place Saturday, April 18. We would then use a number of scheduling alternatives to get in the full 8 games for the season. Some may be played at night during the week. Some may be played by scheduling two games on a weekend. Presently, we do not plan to play Memorial Day Weekend; but will consider playing up to but not exceeding the two Saturdays that follow the holiday weekend. Our goal will be to use alternative means to get games in before that time. The usual Spring challenge of inclement weather may require using all of these measures in some form along the way. The schedule posted on the website will be updated as soon as we have a definitive timeline and clearance for a return to activities.
We want to thank each of you for your patience and for allowing your young people to play soccer with us this season. We want to extend a special thanks to the coaches and volunteers that make soccer in our community possible. We know this has been and continues to be a frustrating process. The usual Spring issue of unpredictable and inclement weather has this season been coupled with an unprecedented challenge. While that challenge undeniably comes with timelines and variables that are out of our control, we are committed to being fully prepared when all restrictions, suspensions, and closures are lifted. We want nothing more than to put this situation behind us and return to the fields to continue our Spring soccer season. We will continue to do everything we can to make that a reality and keep you updated as developments move us closer to that objective.
Stones River Futbol Club
Building A Soccer Community
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION REGARDING CORONAVIRUS
Post Date:03/05/2020
Updated: The Town of Smyrna Suspends Special Events and Activities
SMYRNA, Tennessee—Based on the decision of the World Health Organization to declare the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic, the declaration of a state of emergency for Tennessee by Governor Bill Lee, and the declaration of a national emergency by President Trump, the Town of Smyrna will suspend special events and activities.
“The safety of our citizens and personnel is of the utmost importance,” explained Brian D. Hercules, Town Manager. “We are following CDC guidelines to mitigate the spread of this virus by suspending large gatherings. A comprehensive list is included in this release and will be available on our social media platforms and on our website.”
Suspended Events:
Cedar Stone Park Ribbon Cutting
Citizens’ Police Academy
Town of Smyrna Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Town of Smyrna Easter Brunch
Suspended Meetings:
Arts Commission
Charity Assistance Committee
Historic Zoning Committee
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Project Assistance Committee
Storm Water Action Committee
Closures:
Smyrna Outdoor Activity Center, effective March 14th
Smyrna Event Center, effective March 14th
Smyrna Parks, effective March 14th
Smyrna Golf Course, effective March 16th
The Town of Smyrna is committed to transparent communication regarding Coronavirus. Please read the media release from today's meeting here.
Following are key points we would like to share:
1. It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of illness, but not to panic.
2. Continue practicing good hygiene: frequent handwashing, covering a cough or sneeze, avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth with unwashed hands, and staying home if you are sick
3. The Town of Smyrna continues to monitor this situation through the Rutherford County Health Department
4. The Town of Smyrna is collaborating with other agencies within Rutherford County to make sure we are prepared
For detailed information from the Tennessee Department of Health, please click here.
For detailed information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please click here.