Dear Menomonie Area Soccer Community,

It is with regret I write you to let your player and family know Menomonie Area Soccer (MAS) is suspending all remaining recreational and competitive soccer practices and games, at home and away, for the remainder of fall (i.e. through the end of October) for all teams. On Friday the 2nd, the Dunn County Health Department released a Health Alert – COVID-19 press memo on the current state of Dunn County and COVID. In the report, it stated the following highlights specific to our sport:

1. Do not play high contact sports;

2. Outdoor groups larger than 25 people should be avoided; and,

3. Stay home if you do not need to go out.

Report: https://tinyurl.com/yy6leyys

The Center for Disease Control and Intervention considers soccer a high contact sport. Further, our governing body, Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA), defers to county health departments to determine whether a local youth soccer club plays or not, even before WYSA safety requirements apply. This effectively puts an end to our season for now.

The MAS Board is currently working on a plan to credit rec families for the equivalent of 1 lost practice and 1 lost game day. Once established in the next week, I will email those families directly with how that credit will be applied to their account. Rec families not returning to MAS in Spring 2020, should email our registrar at registrar@menomonieareasoccer.org AFTER Monday the 12th to request a credit refund.

Competitive players that have registered to play winter soccer should continue to plan on playing until notified otherwise. All winter fees are 100% guaranteed refundable by Futsal East, so commitment at this time is a non-issue. That said, competitive players should highly consider lying low over the next month to maximize their chances of playing this winter season. This is not a demand; it is simply a recommendation.

I appreciate all our club members—players, coaches, team managers, special assistants, trainers, families, and board members—for all you have given to keep our young athletes playing for as long as possible, knowing this day would likely come sooner or later. Together, we made it to one week short of a full season. “Bravo!” to all of you for your flexibility and poise during this incredibly unique time. MAS could not have done it will out you!

As always, “One Club, One Team!”

Jamison Patrick MAS President