Inter Miami could begin small-group training as early as Friday. Here are the rules
Inter Miami got another step closer to rebooting its coronavirus-suspended season Thursday. Major League Soccer announced that clubs may upgrade from individual training to small-group workouts, so long as they comply with local government and league health and safety protocols.
Inter Miami submitted its plan and could start group training as early as Friday at the club’s Fort Lauderdale facility. Miami was among the first four clubs to begin individual training on May 6. MLS is expected to announce its reopening plan in the next week, most likely a league-wide tournament to be held in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
“It would be amazing because it’s weird not to receive a pass for two to three months, I don’t know if I can still make a touch,” joked forward Jerome Kiesewetter. “We have been able to dribble, but it will be a nice feeling to get a pass again. Looks like we are getting closer, and each step is exciting.”
The MLS guidelines for group training are:
▪ Temperature checks in the parking lot. Outdoor training only. Indoor facilities remain closed to players except those requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation.
▪ Clubs can divide each full field into a maximum of two equal halves and may assign a group of players to each full or half field. Coaches may 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.
▪ Players may only train with the other players in their own group and may not interact with other groups. Coaches and technical staff must wear face masks at all times and may direct players from the perimeter of the field, never entering the field.
▪ Only approved equipment may be used 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.
▪ Finally, goalkeepers may not spit on their gloves and must clean, disinfect and sanitize their gloves after each training.
This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 3:28 PM.