All American Youth Football League touts 'Return to Play Policy' for Kewaskum coach’s dismissal

KEWASKUM, WI (CBS 58) – A youth football coach in Kewaskum is out of a job after officials say he was caught coaching after testing positive for coronavirus. The Wisconsin All American Youth Football League (AAYFL) is now touting their Return to Play Policy which served as the basis for his dismissal.

The league’s commissioner says they were in contact with several athletic associations in forming their health, safety and operational policies.

These are things they’ve had in place for well over a month and are confident will continue to keep players, staff, and families safe.

“We’re now going into week four of how these protocols and procedures have been taking place and how they’re supposed to be working,” says AAYFL Commissioner Mike Brewer.

AAYFL Commissioner Mike Brewer thanked their protocols; within 15 minutes, the Kewaskum coach was dismissed and relieved of his duties for attending a scrimmage while symptomatic and positive.

“The health department had already cleared everybody of any quarantine issues because there was no contact tracing,” said Brewer. “It kind of closed the book on the whole deal. Thankfully we’re getting close to business as usual here.”

The league has been working closely with several athletic associations as well as the health department and following CDC guidelines.

Each team has two to four COVID-19 representatives who ask questions to staff, players, and essential personnel about exposure and symptoms.

“They should be requesting anybody who shows the signs and symptoms to remove themselves and then contact the local health department,” Brewer said.

These are similar protocols that can be seen in other schools across the country as medical experts assisted in creating them.

“People have to take them seriously and have to look at things like if they have signs of illness or if their child has signs of illness, you just can’t let them go and potentially expose other kids,” says Dr. Michael Koester, sports medicine physician.

The league reminds families to stay safe even when attending.

“There’s plenty of space on the exterior fence to watch, but enjoy the fact our students can get out and start playing,” says Brewer.

If a coach, player, or other essential staff tests positive, they will need a note from a doctor or health department clearing them in order to return to the field.