While in Cuba the fans are still waiting for a possible start date for the 60th National Baseball Series, the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) recently released a list of health and operational recommendations for the safe return of their activities.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- "These new guidelines and considerations serve to reduce exposure to COVID-19, as the return of activity in our sport is planned and will begin slowly around the world," Riccardo Fraccari, WBSC President, said.
The Italian manager added that “major sporting events such as the WBSC World Cups, as well as continental and national championships, have attracted many fans to the stadiums. Therefore, we have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of all to the best of our ability and not to promote the spread of COVID-19.”
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WBSC’s full list of “Safe Return to Baseball/Softball - COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines”
The protocol of measures is called “Safe Return to Baseball/Softball - COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines,” and it was prepared by the WBSC Medical Commission in strict adherence to the indications of the World Health Organization (WHO) to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
Although intended to be a guiding document for its affiliated federations, the recommendations published by the WBSC do not prevent the execution of national security plans and procedures. In fact, tournaments like those in South Korea and Chinese Taipei had already started their Leagues with their own security protocols, and with a strict restriction of public access to stadiums.
The Cuban National Series could start in September, according to recent statements by Ernesto Reynoso, national director of Baseball, who did not rule out a start of the Championship behind closed doors.
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 meter shall always be kept in dugout
- Bases shall be cleaned every half inning
- No bat boys/girls shall be allowed
