September 20, 2021
An Important Update Regarding 2021 Winter League
Dear PVYBL families:
As local Public Health requirements related to youth sports keep changing, the Board of PVYBL has been compelled to make some changes to our upcoming winter season.
Our 'Competitive Divisions,' which are made up of participants in Grade 3 and higher, will play their seasons indoors in PVPUSD gymnasiums. Per current Public Health requirements, all participants must be masked at all times and must be either fully vaccinated or COVID-tested on a weekly basis.
Our younger players, in Grade 2 and below, will play their seasons outdoors on the grounds of PVPUSD facilities. Per current Public Health requirements, participants will NOT need to be masked while playing and will NOT be subject to weekly testing.
If and when Public Health requirements change, you should expect that your League will change, too. If, for example, indoor masking were no longer to be required for players, then you should expect that PVYBL would alter its rules and no longer require indoor masking. If local requirements become more restrictive, we will be forced to enact those more restrictive requirements.
Please know that the Board’s goal is always to provide a fun, safe, and healthy opportunity for PV kids to learn and play basketball. That’s a tall order in the current environment, but we will continue to do our best.
The Board recognizes that some may not wish to participate under these circumstances. Our refund policy allows for full refunds at any time prior to Friday, October 1, 2021. If you wish to request a refund, please email us at Support@PVYBL.com. Requests received after that date cannot be honored.
Why are only the younger players playing outdoors?
Safety is our primary concern. Because our older players in the Competitive Divisions play a fast-paced, competitive, full-court 5-on-5 or 4-on-4 game it was determined that outdoor play posed too big a risk of injury. This is compounded by play in the winter, when weather conditions could add to the safety risk.
Younger players playing a 3-on-3 half court game can participate more safely in an outdoor environment.
What happens if a portion of the season is cancelled due to COVID restrictions or weather?
In the event of cancellations the Board will consider whether some form of pro-rata refund policy is warranted. However, please be aware that the majority of the league’s costs are incurred up-front, including uniforms, insurance, and league equipment. Amounts potentially available in a refund pool would be only a small portion of the total registration fee. Please also note that PVYBL is a not-for-profit league run entirely by volunteers.
Who arranges for and pays for the required weekly COVID testing?
PVYBL is currently exploring options for testing, and we are aware of some potential low- or no-cost options for weekly testing. We hope to have further details soon. In the end, however, it is each family’s responsibility to ensure that testing is completed when required and PVYBL cannot reimburse families for testing costs incurred.
Why can’t PVYBL just let the kids play in the gyms without masks and weekly testing?
Our league is bound by the health orders of the LA County Department of Public Health, which carry the weight of law. We are further required by the terms of our rental agreements with the school district to comply with such health orders. Lastly, our insurance also requires compliance.
Why can’t I get a refund after Friday, October 1, 2021?
Many of our largest costs are incurred up-front, including uniforms, insurance, gym rental, and league equipment. Once we incur these costs, we can no longer honor refund requests.
Will coaches and spectators be required to wear masks?
Under the current requirements, masking is required for coaches and spectators, whether indoors or outdoors.
Is it possible that all age groups could play indoors in the gyms unmasked?
When it is deemed safe by local health authorities we’d love nothing better than to see all children playing basketball in the gyms with no restrictions. If and when such a health order is enacted, you should expect that the Board will work to make unmasked indoor play a reality to the extent that scheduling and logistics allow.
We thank you for your continued support of PVYBL and appreciate your patience and understanding in these difficult and frustrating times.