On May 26th players in Ohio will once again be able to play softball.  Just make sure not to high-five your teammate after they hit the game-winning home run!

No high-fives, no coolers, and no spitting are among just some of the new measure Ohio teams participating in sports will have to adhere by following the coronavirus pandemic.

Everyone will have to practice social distancing and wear face masks. And umpires will have to call balls and strikes from as far back as possible.

This Friday the Department of Health in Ohio released a new list of measures that are mandatory, as well as another list of recommended additional measures to follow.

Here are the new rules as published at cleveland.com:

• Everyone at the game – whether on the field or off – must stay at least six feet away from each other at all times, except for players on the field when the ball is in play and families watching together in the stands.
• Coaches and umpires must wear face coverings at all times. The same goes for athletes, except when actively participating in the field of play. Masks are “strongly recommended” for spectators.
• Game balls must be designated to each team for use while that team is playing defense.
• Players must refrain from high-fives, handshakes, and any other physical contact with other players, coaches, umpires, and fans. Instead, the state health department recommends players tip their caps.
• All equipment, including bats, gloves, and water bottles, should be used on only by their owner and kept separate from others’ gear. If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between uses.
• Water coolers and shared drinking stations are not allowed, nor is spitting or eating seeds, gum, and other similar products.
• Coaches and players must conduct self-evaluations before each game. Anyone who has symptoms of illness must stay home.
• Coaches must make sure players are following prevention measures, including keeping at least six feet away from other players on the bench.
• Must avoid exchanging documents or equipment with players, coaches, or spectators. Umpires calling balls and strikes should allow adequate distance behind the catcher while still able to perform their duty.
• Spectators cannot go on the field or in the bench area, and they must stay at least six feet away from the backstop.
• Individuals should not congregate in common areas or parking lot following the event or practice, and should not exchange items.
• Prior to competitive tournaments, event owners must alert the local health department about the event.
• Game organizers must maintain a complete list of coaches, players, and employees present at each event, as well as record the date, beginning and ending time of the event, plus name, address, and phone contact to be made available upon request from local health district.

In addition to the mandatory health rules for baseball and softball games, the state also listed a number of recommendations, including having: (cleveland.com)

• Lineups be submitted online or by spoken word, instead of exchanging lineup cards.
• All team meetings be held online or over the phone, and conducting check-ins and registrations digitally.
• Participants and fans travel to each game alone or with a member of their immediate household.
• Athletes wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently during games.
• During practices, coaches divide players into groups and establish rotating shifts when possible.
• Umpires calling balls and strikes “allow adequate distance behind the catcher while still able to perform their duty.”

Read more here.