Minnesota Department of Health

Rochester FC is following the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidance for youth sports. The most up to date copy of the guidance is linked here:

COVID-19 Organized Sports Practice and Games Guidance for Youth and Adults

Face Coverings

As of May 6, 2021, face coverings are no longer required for participants actively (or inactively) participating in outdoor competition or practice. This includes players, coaches and referees.

Physical distancing is still recommended for participants who are in close proximity to others, on the bench, coming to and from games, etc.

Spectators are required to wear face coverings in outdoor venues with 500 or more spectators in attendance.

This loosening of the face covering requirement comes with a strong recommendation from MDH to conduct weekly testing. If weekly testing cannot be achieved, MDH recommends that players continue to wear face coverings at all times (including while actively practicing or playing).

Testing

Effective Monday, April 26, 2021, Minnesota is offering organized sports teams additional testing support and options to order and provide weekly COVID-19 testing to all participants. The Minnesota Department of Health encourages all participants (including athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, etc.) on a team to participate in weekly testing.

The testing requirement is part of a larger initiative by the MDH to curb the spread of COVID-19 in middle and high school aged children. Testing resources are being made available to schools and sports programming across the state and we encourage you to take advantage of these resources.

COVID-19 Testing for Minnesota Organized Sports Participants

VACCINATIONS

Rochester FC does not require athletes to get vaccinated. We strongly encourage all players and families to get vaccinated.

If a player is not vaccinated, we strongly encourage they wear a mask for team activities.