Upward Basketball and Cheerleading 2021 Update

We are currently planning to have an Upward basketball and cheerleading season, however what that may look like will need to be different than past years. This is unprecedented times and the changing landscape of state requirements and individual expectations make this process very challenging. Please know we are trying our best to balance personal beliefs with public health concerns and expectations. Unfortunately, these two entities are often times more at odds with one another than in alignment. We want this to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all Upward athletes and their families.

CDC Classifications of Risk

According to the CDC classification of risk, basketball is considered a moderate risk. This refers to a sport that involves close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the likelihood of transmission between participants or intermittent close contact or group sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between participants.

Cheer is considered low risk. This refers to a sport that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between uses by competitors.

Changes to the Program due to COVID-19

Before registering your child please be aware of the following information and guidelines:

Refund Policy. Full registration refund will be offered until 1st practice. Once season has begun we will not be able to offer a refund.
Games will be played Friday evenings and Saturdays, unless otherwise deemed necessary.
Parents may not have access to practice facilities. Athletes will be dropped off at the entrance to a facility.
Spectators will be limited to family members only.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED (coaches, assistant coaches, referees and parent volunteers). We cannot offer a season without a multitude of volunteers.
Participation will be limited. A waiting list will be available for each division that exceeds maximum participation.
Masks will be required for entry and movement around a facility.
Registration period will open October 16 and stay open thru November 1st.
Evaluations are scheduled for November 2, 3, and 5. A player must reserve an evaluation time here .
An additional COVID-19 Waiver Release Form will need to be signed at your Child’s Evaluation.
Due to the current inherent risks of COVID-19 and the lack of social distancing at practice and game facilities it is not recommended for an at risk athlete or family member to participate, volunteer, or attend games.
Seating at games will be limited and social distancing may not be possible.
Streaming of games will be available, when possible.

Plan to Play

Season schedule:

1st week of practice: January 4, 2021. 1st games: January 8 & 9, 2021. Season ends: February 27, 2021.

Policy on face coverings:

Practice and Games:

Athletes and coaches will be required to wear a face covering(mask or face shield) upon entering a practice or game location and when moving around the building. Once an athlete or coach has engaged in practice or a game, masks may be removed. Social distancing, when feasible, is to be encouraged.

Spectators will be required to wear a face covering(mask or face shield) upon entering an Upward’s location and when moving around the building. Once a spectator is seated the face covering may be removed.

Policy on spectators at practice and games:

Practice:

Due to some of our practice locations serving as either early childhood learning centers and schools, spectators or family members will be not be able to enter those practice facilities.

Christian Fellowship Church may grant access for parents to sit in their foyer area, but access to the gym will be limited to athletes and coaches only.

Games:

Spectators will be limited to family members only.

Cleaning and Sanitation:

– Hand sanitizer will be present at all practice and game locations.

– Coaches and volunteers will do their best to clean balls between practices and games.

– All gyms will have marked entry and exit doors to minimize foot traffic congestion.

– High traffic locations and seating areas will be cleaned and sanitized throughout game days and practices.

What if someone tests positive for COVID-19?

– Effort will be made to communicate with all Upward families who may have come in contact with individual.

– Individual will not be able to resume participation in Upward basketball and cheer until cleared by medical professional or symptom free for 48 hours and 10 days has passed since onset of symptoms.

Click Here to Register Online

Basketball

Click Here to learn more about the New Holland Upward basketball program.

Cheerleading

Click Here to learn more about the New Holland Upward Cheerleading program.

What Is Upward?

Upward is a program designed to give children, both boys and girls and their families, a positive sports experience by partnering with local churches to build character, self esteem, skill development and spiritual growth. This is done by providing: Equal playing time for every player, Separate leagues for boys and girls, a one hour practice and game each week of the season, an evaluation process to provide equal opportunity for improvement, a devotion time during each practice, upward is a national organization and you can learn more about them at their website, www.upward.org

New Holland Nazarene has been offering the Upward program to the community since 2005. Because of popularity and limited space in our facility, we have partnered with Christian Fellowship Church and ELANCO School District, in order to be fully effective.

Who Can Participate?

Any boy or girl, K5 through 9th grade, in the New Holland and surrounding area.

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