Resocialization of Sport

Summer 2020 COVID- 19 Response Guidelines

Part I- General Information:

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges.  The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness which primarily attacks the upper respiratory system. The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Research from the Centers for Disease Control, among others, has found children do get infected by COVID-19, relatively few children with COVID-19 are hospitalized.  However, some severe outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable.  While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the current science suggests there are many steps schools can take to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families.

Union Area School District will take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal, state, and local governments, CDC, PA DOH, as well as the NFHS and PIAA. The UASD realizes the knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available.  These recommendations will be adjusted as needed as new information becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our staff, students, and spectators.  Any information concerning Covid-19 testing received by the district will remain confidential.  Testing results can result in specific sports or activities requiring a period of shut down.

Part II- Summer Work out Guidelines:

OUTDOOR RECOMMENDATIONS

(Green and Yellow Phases)

– Outdoor workouts are encouraged due to the availability of space and ample ventilation.

– Station type, skill- based instruction is encouraged, over close game style drilling. Station groups should be as small as possible, while still having exceptional supervision and instruction.
(These groups must stay under 25 individuals during the yellow phase.)

– Live contact drill stations are permissible, but should be minimized as sport appropriate.
(Live contact drills will not be allowed during yellow phase.)

Athlete responsibilities:

1. Arrive to each session prepared. This means coming dressed for practice in clean clothes and with ample water and snacks (when appropriate) for the entire session. Personal items should be labeled to discourage accidental sharing.
2. During screenings, athletes will report symptoms honestly. Similar to concussion and cardiac agreements, athletes have a responsibility to themselves, teammates, families, and school community to report potential COVID- 19 symptoms as accurately as possible.
3. Athletes will participate proper in- practice hygiene. This prohibits the sharing of personal items. Students shall wash hands, and use hand sanitizer frequently during participation.

Coach responsibilities:

1. Structure practice maximizing skill-based stations. Contact drills are allowed but should be minimized for the session.
2. Monitor athletes as instructed by the school administration.
3. Maintain accurate participation rosters for each day.
4. Monitor hygiene of athletes. Prohibit sharing of personal items and use of indoor facilities.
5. Sanitize shared equipment/surfaces between station rotation and at the end of each daily session.

School Responsibility:

1. Ensure understanding and compliance of guidelines.
2. Schedule facilities so that there is time between teams/groups to sanitize shared surfaces.
3. Provide monitoring tools and sanitizing materials.
4. District administration can recommend a period of quarantine for student/athletes when necessary.

INDOOR RECOMMENDATIONS

– Outdoor workouts are encouraged due to the availability of space.

– Station type, skill- based instruction is encouraged, over close game style drilling.

(Groups must stay under 25 participants during the yellow phase.)

– Live contact drill stations are allowed but should be minimized as sport appropriate.

(Live contact drills will not be allowed during the yellow phase.)

Athlete Responsibilities:

1. Arrive to each session prepared. This means coming dressed for practice in clean clothes and with ample water and snacks (when appropriate) for the entire session. Personal items should be labeled to discourage accidental sharing. Personal items should be kept in designated areas to minimize shared surfaces.
2. During screenings, athletes will report symptoms honestly. Similar to concussion and cardiac agreements, athletes have a responsibility to themselves, teammates, families, and school community to report potential COVID- 19 symptoms as accurately as possible.
3. Athletes will participate in proper in- practice hygiene. This includes avoiding sharing personal items, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer.

Coach Responsibilities:

1. Structure practice that maximizes skill-based stations. Contact drills are permissible but should be minimized and relevant for the session.
2. Monitor athletes as instructed by the school administration.
3. Maintain accurate participation rosters for each day.
4. Monitor hygiene of athletes. Prohibit sharing of personal items and use of indoor facilities.
5. Sanitize shared equipment/surfaces between station rotation and at the end of each daily session.

School Responsibility:

1. Ensure understanding and compliance of guidelines.
2. Schedule facilities so that there is time between teams/groups to sanitize shared surfaces.
3. Provide monitoring tools and sanitizing materials.

Monitoring of Athletes- Indoor and Outdoor Sessions:

1. Athletes should report to a designated OUTDOOR location.
2. Staff will provide monitoring of the day as directed by the school administration.
3. If an athlete does not meet screening criteria during the monitoring, the athlete’s parents/guardian will be contacted, and the athlete will not be able to participate in ANY athletic activity until the athlete is cleared by a physician.
4. A staff member will report to designated administration immediately following monitoring, any/all individuals that did not meet screening criteria during monitoring.
5. Screening can consist of any OR any combination of the following: Symptom Questions, tissue temperature, or pulse oximetry.

– Symptom Questions must ALL be negative to participate.

– Tissue temperature must be < 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit to participate. If a false positive is suspected, the athlete may have a cool-down period of up to 10 minutes before a retest.

– Pulse oximetry must be > 95% to participate.

** It should be noted that asymptomatic individuals can transmit the COVID-19 virus to more vulnerable individuals. Despite intensive symptom reporting and monitoring, it is possible for COVID-19 to be transmitted. **

** ALL athletic programs will be suspended during red phase**

Community Education

1. Materials will be available to parents, athletes, and community members on how the USAD is being proactive to protect their student- athletes in all sports related activities.
2. Specific instructions will be given to athletes and families that have not met screening criteria during monitoring.
3. CDC Info Graphic will be placed prominently in ALL locker rooms and shared athletic facilities.

Athlete and Staff Covid – 19 Screening Document