Chicago Fire to begin small group training on Friday

Chicago Fire FC players are scheduled to take part Friday in voluntary small group training at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. These sessions are the next step in Major League Soccer’s return to play plan, following voluntary individual workouts, which the Fire began last week.

The MLS season has been suspended since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team will again have use of two outdoor fields at SeatGeek Stadium—the stadium pitch, and the team’s regular outdoor practice field. While the sessions will allow more players on the field, there are still strict social distancing rules for players and coaches.

Earlier today, MLS announced that teams are now allowed to advance to the final stage of the return to play plan—full team training sessions. The Fire will eventually advance to that step, but it’s unclear when that will happen.

From the club’s press release, here’s the lengthy list of rules for the small group sessions:

Clubs must utilize outdoor fields as indoor training facilities remain closed to all players with the exception of those requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation, under the direction of the team medical staff, that cannot be performed from the safety of their residences.

Clubs may divide each full field into a maximum of two equal halves and may assign a group of players to each full or half field.

Clubs may clearly define up to six zones per half field, spaced at least 10 feet apart. Only one player may be in a zone at any given time in order to maintain physical distancing standards throughout the session. For clarity, a maximum of six players may be assigned to a single group with each player accommodated in a separate zone.

During training sessions, players may switch zones within their own group only if another player is not currently in that zone and players must maintain a physical distance of at least 10 feet from all other players and coaches while moving between zones.

Within a single group, players may pass the ball and shoot on goal; however, all training exercises must allow players to maintain a physical distance of at least 10 feet from one another.

Players may only train with the other players within their own group and may not interact with other groups. While the groups may not be rearranged during a single training session, clubs may rearrange the combination of players in each group from session to session.

Coaches and technical staff must wear a face mask at all times and may direct players from the perimeter of the field, never entering the field, while maintaining at least 10-feet of distance from other staff and players.

Only approved equipment may be used during a training session including balls; small and regular goals; rubber dots; small discs and cones; rebounders; rings; GPS Pods and personal equipment that is not shared between players. Mannequins, poles, bands, weights and ball machines may not be used.

Goalkeepers may not spit on their gloves and must clean, disinfect and sanitize their gloves after each training.

During small group sessions, clubs must continue to maintain the health and safety protocols implemented for the voluntary individual workout sessions, including:

Restricting training ground access to essential staff only, with specific staff listed in the plan.

Sanitization and disinfection plans for all training equipment and spaces, including disinfection of any equipment used by players (balls, cones, goals) between every session.

Completion of a Standard Screening questionnaire by each player prior to every arrival at the training site, and temperature checks upon arrival at the facility.

Staggered player and staff arrivals and departures, with designated parking spaces to maintain maximum distance between vehicles.

Player use of personal protective equipment from the parking lot to his designated position on the field, and again on return to the parking lot.

Staff use of the appropriate personal protective equipment throughout training, while also maintaining a minimum distance of 10 feet from players at all times.

Hand washing and disinfectant stations for required use before and after sessions.

An Emergency Action Plan for all COVID-19 related issues.