MARA Members,
Greetings from the MARA Board. We hope all our MARA Members are continuing to stay safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The MARA Board continues to monitor the recommendations of Mecklenburg County, Town of Matthews, State of North Carolina and the CDC as we prepare for opening our communities in a phased approach. With the stay at home order expiring on May 8, 2020 we will now be able to consider options for opening Arthur Goodman Park. With that task the MARA Board has developed “MARA Next Steps” committee to address this process using the utmost care to protect our children, parents, and volunteers.
MARA Next Steps:
The State of North Carolina has now entered Phase 1 of the plan to reopen the State. Under phase 1 we are not able to fully reopen the park. We will be able to have controlled openings allowing 10 or less people per field over the next several weeks. We will be sending out a schedule of openings and sign up opportunities.
As the state transitions to phase 2 and allows gatherings of more than 10 people we can then slowly reopen the park. As phase 2 is implemented, all sports will begin a 1-week practice and warm up session to get our athletes back in play condition. After the 1-week warm up we will begin a Spring/Summer season for Baseball, Softball and Flag Football lasting thru June and July. Details for each sport will be sent out by the Next Steps Committee 1 week prior to reopening.
Safety is our number one concern. During the Spring/Summer season, sports as we know them will be a little different. Dugouts will be closed off and benches sectioned off on the football fields. Players will need to spread out and maintain safe distances. Parent participation will be limited to meet the max number of participant guidelines. Hand sanitizing stations will be located at each field. Players will be encouraged to wear face masks. Gear will not be shared amongst players. High fives and hugs will be replaced by encouragement from a distance. Our restrooms will be cleaned and maintained daily. It will take each of us to make this happen safely.
As we consider a phased opening approach for MARA we understand that it may not be the right opportunity for all of our members. With that, we are providing the following options for our members to opt out:
- If you would like to play this Spring/Summer do nothing and you will be contacted by your coach as soon as we are able to play ball!
- Request refund of the full spring season registration amount paid minus the cost of uniforms and expenses (varies per sport and league) incurred prior to the halt of the spring season.
- Choose not to play and transfer spring fees paid minus cost of uniforms and expenses (varies per sport and league) towards future sports registration.
- Choose not to play and donate full spring registration amount to MARA a 501(c)(3) non-profit org.
Refund requests can be made at [email protected]. Please include sport, league and player name you are requesting a refund for. If you would like to donate your registration fee and not participate in the season, please indicate that in your email and we will provide you with tax deductible gift letter. We request that all refund requests be made by May 23, 2020.
As we continue thru the next couple of weeks please join us in sharing how your and your families are spending your time by posting your pictures in the #MARAMAGIC campaign!
Wear your favorite MARA jersey and send us a "quarantine" snapshot showing #MARAMAGIC. Send to [email protected].
Pictures will be shared via Instagram and Facebook and a select few will be chosen for our next Newsletter.
Don't forget to follow:
mara_sports on Instagram and Matthews Athletic Recreation Association on Facebook
Thank you for being a MARA Member and being patient as we all strive to safely get back to the ballpark!
Sincerely,
Anthony Andujar
MARA President 2019-20