Return to Play Phases for SoCal Express Programs
These guidelines prioritize the protection of players, coaches, officials and volunteers, as well as their families and friends. They are intended to provide program leaders with medically-informed guidance in the development of safer return to play protocols.
Stages of Returning to Playing Lacrosse
These guidelines consist of a “staged” return to play that is based on staged or phased return of activities established by most states and local public health departments. SoCal Express is committed to keeping all of the players, coaches, and staff safe while continuing to provide high-end training and experience for all. We plan to continue following the US Lacrosse Organization's Return to Play Guideline.
Below you will see the outline of each stage.
*Stages and guidelines are all subject to change given
ever-changing situation and recommendations.
STAGE ONE - At Home Individual Training
Aligned with state/local public health guidelines that do not
permit or recommend any size group gathering, outside of
family members, in any public setting.
Risk: Mild
Goal: Hone sport-specific skills at home with individual drills
that can be done in backyard or driveway. Prepare for sports
participation with general cardiovascular conditioning, core
work and body weight strength.
Work on injury prevention activities.
STAGE TWO - Small Group / Modified Lacrosse Activity/Practice
Aligned with state/local public health guidelines that allow for small group (under 10) gatherings in a public or private setting.
Risk: Mild to moderate
Goal: Continue conditioning with small, socially-distanced community based groups. Improve hand-eye coordination, footwork, shooting skills. Continue improving cardiovascular and lacrosse fitness in a supportive group setting for enhanced mental and physical health.
STAGE THREE - Medium Group / Modified intra-squad scrimmages / Practice
Aligned with state/local public health guidelines that allow for under 10 people to gather in groups indoors at a time or up to 50 people, to gather outdoors at a time.
Risk: Moderate
Goal: Once appropriate fitness levels are attained, this stage allows for increasing intensity and competitiveness in drills, including game-specific drills.
STAGE FOUR - Medium Group / local competition / practices from teams within same locale
Aligned with state/local public health guidelines that allow for up to 50 people, to gather indoors or outdoors, at a time.
Risk: Moderate to high.
Goal: Create a more competitive environment with local groups to enhance skills while protecting athletes from risks of travel and interactions with different communities with different risk profiles.
STAGE FIVE - Large Group Gatherings & Full Competition resumption
Aligned with state/local public health guidelines that allow for groups larger than 50.
Risk: Highest
Goal: Full return to larger competitive events, including participants from a variety of communities/regions. Events should be evaluated for safety considerations and continued diligence to mitigate virus transmission.
