skip navigation

COVID-19 Update

By Steve Hilton, 03/13/20, 4:45PM CDT

Share

New Guidelines for Recreational Sports in Illinois

 

July 31st --

The Governor of Illinois recently announced new guidelines pertaining to recreational sports within the state.  These will take effect on August 15th.  Here is the link:

NEW ILLINOIS GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS

Baseball and softball have been classified as low risk if players are spread out by 6 feet when in the dugout or in the bleachers.  This aligns with the requirements we already have in place.

 

June 25th--

Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan is targeted for June 26th.  Baseball and softball games cannot begin until Phase 4 begins.

Practices and games during Phase 4 will be subject to requirements in order to comply with the order from the State of Illinois.  We expect all players, coaches and parents to abide by these conditions whether they agree with them or not.  These are requirements, not recommendations.  We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we move into this new phase.

Click here to be directed to Return to Play Requirements.

 

May 19th--

We recently sent out a poll for your comments on potential play this summer.  In case you missed the blast, here's the link to take the poll:

Click here to take the poll

We're still hoping to play baseball and softball this summer.  We are monitoring our state and local governments so we can follow their guidance.  We are watching what is happening in other states.  Some states are opening up faster and that can provide valuable information.  We are keeping in touch with other regional youth sports organizations and reviewing different ideas.  Most leagues have not given up on summer ball.  We felt it was important to see what your thoughts are.  The early results indicate most want to play if it's safe...we're aligned on that.

It is very difficult to predict what conditions will be like in a few weeks.  Think back eight weeks ago; a lot has changed since then.  Our hope is conditions will improve going forward!  We are planning for different contingencies and your input is valuable for that process.

Your responses to this poll are not a commitment.  Things might change and your thoughts and decisions might change.  If you're already decided the conditions are not right for baseball or softball this summer, that's OK.  We completely understand that.  If you're not comfortable, then your kids shouldn't play.  Because a summer season won't start until July at the earliest, that might cause a schedule conflict and your kids cannot play ball.  That's OK too.  Once we have enough visibility and we can define what the season will look like, then we'll be reaching out to everyone to see who wants to play and who doesn't, and we'll work through any refunds at that time.

We will make updates as we get more information.

 

 

April 24th--

Per the Governor's mandate to extend the stay-at-home order through May 30th, all LZBSA baseball and softball activities remain on hold.  It is our hope that we will be able to play baseball and softball at some point this summer.  At this time, we are still working with a lot of uncertainty but we are monitoring conditions and other organizations. 

We will be sending out a survey in early to mid-May for your input as we plan and move forward.  Please be on the lookout for that communication.

Also, LZBSA will be joining the nation tonight as part of the #BeTheLight movement.  Look for the lights at Lions Park to be turned on tonight from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. as a symbol of hope for brighter days ahead.

Please remember to support our sponsors if you can during this challenging time.  We hope you are safe.  We hope you are well.  We will pull through this!

 

April 5th--

In accordance with the Governor's stay-at-home-order, LZBSA has cancelled all practices, games, clinics and events through April 30th.

We are still hoping to play baseball and softball this spring and summer, although our traditional start and end dates will be different this year.  The guidance from local school districts, IHSA and the local/state governments will be inputs we use to decide when it is OK to start playing ball again. Most importantly, we want our players and families to be healthy!

 
March 20th --
 

Per the Governor's stay at home order, we will continue our shut down of all practices, events, and clinics through April 7th.  Information is changing rapidly so we'll continue to monitor the situation and look for guidance from school districts, and local and state government agencies.

The most important thing is for everyone to stay healthy! 

 

March 13th --

LZBSA has cancelled all practices, events, and clinics through March 29th to support the social distancing efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  We are monitoring information and responses from local school districts and government agencies to help us make decisions in order to best serve the health and welfare of our players and their families.

We will not be handing out team equipment at Dick's Sporting Goods this weekend.  The discounts previously advertised will still be in effect for those who are comfortable shopping.  Please make the best decision for your families.  We will look to schedule another event with DSG at a later date.

Stay tuned for updates.

Please stay healthy!

LZBSA Board