The COVID plan for 2021 will be published in May, and will follow the guidelines of the State of MA, Arlington Board of Health, and the CDC.

A summary of the 2020 guidelines are below. To download and read the original opening plan, click here. Our guidelines have updated as of July 8th based on Phase 3 updates from Governor Baker, so the latest/greatest guidelines are listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you enforce mask usage?
We have a multi-layered enforcement plan involving the house staff, club management, the executive committee, and the Arlington Board of Health. We are taking this very seriously, and sincerely apologize if our wording seemed as if we weren’t. There is, obviously, an expectation of personal responsibility, and we hope that all members accept and take that responsibility seriously – but we will be there to enforce the guidelines.

How will you handle work hours this season?
Member families will be required to perform three work hours this season. There will be ample work hours available. To check for work hour openings, visit our MBC Signup.com Page.

2020 Guidelines

This is a summary of the latest 2020 guidelines. Please take personal responsibility at the club and adhere to the guidelines set forth in the plan.

• Masks: Per Arlington Board of Health guidelines, masks must be worn by all persons three years or older, but it is at parents' discretion through age five. This applies to indoor or outdoor situations and includes entering and exiting the club, in all common areas, and when you cannot maintain at least six feet of distance between other members. If you are at your own table, back beach spot, or in a non-crowded area and socially distanced, you may remove your mask.
• Hygiene/Cleaning: There are disinfectant stations installed in numerous areas of the club. Members are also encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly at regular intervals. Staff have been cleaning frequently touched surfaces at regular intervals.
• Protocols: There are daily screening questions about symptoms and exposure at the front gate. Members and guests must answer these questions EACH TIME they enter the club. There are also protocols in place with regard to anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Tables/Chairs: Tables are placed 14ft apart center-to-center and each have four chairs. If you need additional chairs, please ask a house staff member. Maximum occupancy per table is six people. Please do not move tables or chairs.
• Clubhouse: Certain areas of the clubhouse are one way. Please follow the signs and arrows.
• Galley: The galley is open with a limited menu. Condiments are in single serve packets. Place an order at the counter and wait outside to hear your name.
• Game Room: The game room opens starting Monday, July13th. There are three games and no benches. Maximum of six people (two per game) in the room at a time. Garage door and side door will stay open at all times. Masks must be worn at all times, no exceptions.
• Locker Room: The locker room opens starting Monday, July13th. Maximum of three people (one per "bay") in the room at a time. Masks must be worn at all times, no exceptions.
• Bocce: Masks must be worn at all times when on the courts; Games can be played on both courts, with buffers between league games; League teams may not enter game area until prior teams have completely vacated the area; Only the next thrower may be on or near the bench - others must be socially distanced; Wash hands before and after each game; No spectators on or between bocce courts; spectators may watch from upper railing, pavilion seating, and other vantage points as long as they maintain appropriate social distancing; Balls will be disinfected at regular intervals
• Capacity: The club operates on a first-come first-served basis; no tables may be reserved in advance. If you leave a tablecloth on a table for more than 30 minutes with nobody sitting there, it will be removed and placed in the office. Note that our two highest attendance days this year have been July 4th (204) and Opening Day (189).
• Guests: Guests are allowed seven days a week. Up to four guests are allowed per membership per visit. This does not mean four guests for each person in your family. A family of four can bring four total guests per visit. If attendance reaches 200, no additional guests will be allowed until attendance dips back under 200.
• Parties: Due to restrictions put in place by the State of MA, we do not feel it is safe to have parties in the pavilion at this time. Guests are allowed as outlined above, but the pavilion cannot be reserved.
• Swim/Lifeguard: There will be no swimming lessons for the 2020 season. Lifeguards are available and swimming is encouraged, with proper social distancing both on the dock and in the water. Children moving from their table to the swimming area may do so without a mask, but should be encouraged to maintain social distance when moving to and from the swimming area(s).
• Swimming Lanes: No more than one person in a swim lane at a time.
• Noodles & Life Vests: Noodles and life vests will not be available in the initial phase. We may re-examine this policy for later phases. Families may bring their own.
• Back Beach: Those using the back beach area are asked to set up chairs, towels, blankets, etc. at least 12 feet apart and will be required to wear a mask (on beach only; never while swimming) if safe distancing cannot be observed. Each group will be limited to six people or less and there should be no more than five groups on the beach at any given time.
• Sail Lessons: Modified sail lessons are being offered this season. Contact [email protected] for details..
• Sailing and Powerboating: ALL SAILORS (RECREATIONAL OR IN LESSONS) MUST SAIL ONLY WITH MEMBERS OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD.
• Kayak/Paddleboard: Kayaks and Paddleboards will be available for use by members as outlined in House Rules. Members are responsible for watching their own children while they use kayaks and paddleboards. No more than four kayaks and two paddleboards may be in the water at the same time. Kayaks, paddleboards, and paddles will be disinfected by house staff or member volunteers after each use.