Objective: The coronavirus pandemic has affected over a thousand people in the state of South Dakota and it has caused a lot of uncertainty and unfortunate tragedy. When it comes to youth sports it is our job to follow the advice from local, state, and national level health advisors. Baseball is a sport that provides physical and mental wellness. Bottom Line: Teams must abide by Local, State and National COVID-19 Policies, have insurance and have permission from City officials to play.

The "SD Smart Play" guidelines (located under the Rules/Forms tab on website) are intended to provide information on how SD VFW Baseball recommends youth baseball organizations a plan to implement safe practices and to ensure we have a summer baseball season. Teams, leagues and associations should develop and approve local rules for playing baseball.  It is recommended SD VFW Baseball Rules be used to play. Each player(s) will need to have a copy of Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver (signed by a parent) as part of the Coach’s folder that will be checked at VFW Region and State Tournaments with team insurance certificate and player birth certificates.

These guidelines are recommended to ensure safe and healthy physical distancing. The guidelines are broken up by three phases that allow the gradual phasing-in of baseball.

South Dakota VFW baseball recommends entering each phase with an abundance of caution and understanding that a spike in South Dakota COVID-19 cases may limit baseball activity. Teams, leagues and associations shouldn’t enter any phase without the approval from local/municipal commissions.

These guidelines may change as more information becomes available.