Midd-West Athletics -

MIDD-WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

ATHLETICS HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that 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 that while 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.

The MWSD 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 MWSD 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. As adjustments are made by the administration, a new document will be available. The primary points of contact for COVID-19 questions relating to athletics are Bree Solomon, AD and Tami Eiswerth, ATC.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations for ALL PHASES for junior and senior high athletics:

1.Athletes, coaches, and staff will undergo a COVID-19 health screening prior to any practice, event, or team meeting. The type of screening will be dependent upon the available resources and the phase level. The purpose is to check for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

2.Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing (20 seconds with warm water and soap) or hand sanitizer will be available for team use as resources allow.

3.Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities. All coaches will be required to disinfect equipment throughout practice and after.

4.Encourage social distancing through increased spacing, small groups, and limited mixing between groups, if feasible.

5.Educate athletes, coaches, and staff on health and safety protocols.

6.Anyone who is sick must stay home.

7.Plan in place if a student or coach/staff gets sick.

8.Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees, and families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures.

9.Athletes and coaches MUST provide their own water bottle(s) for hydration. Water bottles must not be shared.

10.PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or

determined by local/state governments.

11.Identify staff and students who may be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due

to underlying medical conditions. (See – CDC “People Who are at a Higher Risk for Severe Illness”)

CLASSIFICATION OF SPORTS

High Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants. Examples: football, wrestling, cheerleading (stunts), dance

Moderate Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR intermittent close contact OR group sports that use equipment that cannot be cleaned between participants. Examples: basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, ice hockey, tennis, pole vault, high jump, long jump, 7-on-7 football

Low Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between uses by competitors. Examples: running events, cross country, throwing events, swimming, golf, weightlifting, sideline cheer

**High/Moderate Risk sports may move to a Low risk category with non-contact modifications.

LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

Level 1

We will only use this level if we move back to Red.

Team Activities

No in-person gatherings allowed. Athletes and coaches may communicate via online meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). Athletes may participate in individual home workouts including strength and conditioning.

All school facilities remain closed as per PA state guidelines.

Athletes and coaches should abide by guidelines set forth by the local and state governments.

Level 2

This will be the starting point for all teams. We will stay at this level for a minimum of two (2) weeks

Pre-Workout Screening

All coaches and athletes should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire to a temperature check (100.4 or higher)

Responses to screening questions for each coach and athlete should be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a coach and/or athlete develops COVID-19.

Any person with positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts and should contact his/her primary care provider or other appropriate health care professional. A doctor clearance, negative COVID test or 10 day quarantine will be required to return to play.

Limitations on Gatherings

Outdoors

No gatherings of more than 50 individuals including coaches per scheduled field. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

Limited contact practices. High emphasis on skill development.

Locker rooms will not be accessible.

No concession stands.

When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should be considered and applied when able.

Indoors

No gathering of more than 25 individuals including coaches for gyms. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

No gathering of more than 15 individuals including coaches for weight rooms and wrestling rooms. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

Limited contact practices. High emphasis on skill development.

Locker rooms will not be accessible.

No concession stands.

When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should be considered and applied when able.

Facilities Cleaning

Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable disease.

Athletic facilities should be cleaned between each group access to the facility.

Weight room equipment should be wiped down after an individual’s use.

General Guidelines

Athletes should refrain from sharing clothing/towels and should be washed after each practice, including pinnies.

Athletic equipment that may be used by multiple individuals (balls, shields, tackling dummies, shot put, discus, pole vault, etc.) should be cleaned intermittently during practice and events as deemed necessary.

Hand sanitizer should be used periodically as resources allow.

Spotters for maximum weight lifts should be stationed at each end of the bar.

Athletes MUST bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared. Limit indoor activities and the areas used.

Student athletes should remain with their assigned groups during each workout and during daily workouts to limit the number of people they come in contact with.

No students allowed in training areas without the presence of an athletic trainer.

Level 3

Will move to this level after completing Level 2

Pre-Workout Screening

All coaches and athletes should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire to a temperature check (100.4 or higher). (See Appendix for COVID-19 Screening Form)

Responses to screening questions for each individual should be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a student develops COVID-19.

Any person with positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts and should contact his/her primary health care provider or other appropriate health care professional. A doctor clearance, negative COVID test or 10 day quarantine will be required to return to play..

Limitations on Gatherings

Outdoors

No gatherings of more than 75 individuals including coaches per scheduled field. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

Normal practices and intra-squad scrimmages are allowed. No 7v7, summer league, etc., involving other teams at this time. We will re-evaluate as recommendations change.

Locker room access will be limited to 25 individuals including coaches.

Concession stands or other food must adhere to the Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry.

When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should be considered and applied when able.

Indoors

No gathering of more than 25 individuals including coaches for gyms. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

No gathering of more than 15 individuals including coaches for weight rooms and wrestling rooms. Only approved coaches and volunteers are permitted.

Limited contact practices. High emphasis on skill development. Intra-squad scrimmage can start twice a week. No 7v7, summer league, etc., involving other teams. We will re-evaluate as recommendations change.

Locker room access will be limited to 25 individuals including coaches.

No concession stands.

When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should be considered and applied when able.

Facilities Cleaning

Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable disease.

Athletic facilities should be cleaned between each group access to the facility.

Weight room equipment should be wiped down after an individual’s use.

General Guidelines

Athletes should refrain from sharing clothing/towels and should be washed after each practice, including pinnies.

Athletic equipment that may be used by multiple individuals (balls, shields, tackling dummies, shot put, discus, pole vault, etc.) should be cleaned intermittently during practice and events as deemed necessary.

Hand sanitizer should be used periodically as resources allow.

Spotters for maximum weight lifts should be stationed at each end of the bar.

Athletes MUST bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared. Athletes should come dressed for activity.

Student athletes should remain with their assigned groups during each workout and during daily workouts to limit the number of people they come in contact with.

No students allowed in training areas without the presence of an athletic trainer.

Level 4

Regular Season for PIAA Sports

We will follow all guidelines sent out by the PIAA and the Governor’s Office starting on August 10, 2020, for football and August 17, 2020, for all other fall sports.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS – these will be updated as new recommendations are released

Transportation

Modifications for athlete/coach transportation to and from athletic events may be necessary. This may include:

Reducing the number of athletes/coaches on a bus/van

Using hand sanitizer upon boarding a bus/van

Social distancing on a bus

These potential modifications will be determined by the school district, bus companies, Department of Education, state and local governments.

Social Distancing During Contests/Events/Activities

Sidelines/Bench – appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained on sidelines/bench during contests and events, as deemed necessary by the school, PIAA, state and local governments. Consider using tape or paint as a guide for athletes and coaches.

Who Should be Allowed at Events?

Group people into tiers from essential to non-essential and decide which will be allowed at

an event:

1.Tier 1 (Essential) – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security

2.Tier 2 (Preferred) – Media

3.Tier 3 (Non-essential) – Spectators, vendors

Only Tier 1 and 2 personnel will be allowed to attend events until state/local governments lift restrictions on mass gatherings.

Changes to seating capacity and social distancing may be necessary for each venue facility and will be determined as more recommendations are released by the local/state governments.

Overnight/Out-of-State Events/Events in COVID-19 Hot Spots

The MWSD will evaluate each event and follow all local/state government guidelines on a case-by-case basis. Every consideration will be taken as to not expose students to unnecessary or potential high risk exposure.

Positive Cases and Coaches, Staff, or Athletes Showing COVID-19 Symptoms

What are the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms may range from mild to severe. (See CDC Fact Sheet in Appendix)

Symptoms may include:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

New loss of taste or smell

Sore Throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

What to do if you are sick?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you are infected with the virus, STAY AT HOME. It is essential that you take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home or community. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Notify the school immediately (principal, athletic director, athletic trainer, coach).

It will be determined if others who may have been exposed (athletes, coaches, staff) need to be notified, isolated, and/or monitored for symptoms.

If a positive case of COVID-19 is diagnosed, Contact Tracing will be implemented with the assistance of local health professionals and the CDC/PA DOH. See Information in Appendix.

What to do if a student or staff become ill with COVID-19 symptoms during practice, event, or during transportation to or from an event?

Every effort will be made to isolate the ill individual from others until the student or staff member can leave the school or event.

If student, parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements will be made for the student to be picked up.

Ill individual will be asked to contact their physician or appropriate healthcare professional for direction.

Return of student or staff to athletics following a COVID-19 diagnosis?

Student or staff should have medical clearance from their physician or appropriate healthcare professional, determined to be non-contagious, fever free (without fever-reducing medicine), improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath), no vomiting or diarrhea.

EDUCATION

Staff, coaches, parents and athletes will be educated on the following (through posters, flyers, meetings, emails, phone calls):

COVID-19 signs and symptoms

Proper ways to limit exposure to COVID-19 (hand washing, cough in your elbow, disinfecting touched surfaces, social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose, face and mouth, no spitting, gum chewing, etc.)

No handshakes/celebrations (high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, hugging), etc.

The content of this Return to Sport Guidelines Document

Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, NFHS, and PIAA

Students should come dressed for activity as to limit indoor activities and the areas used. Locker room use is not permitted. Facility showers cannot be used.

Student athletes should remain with their assigned groups during each workout and during daily workouts to limit the number of people they come in contact with.

No students allowed in training areas without the presence of an athletic trainer.

MIDD-WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

ATHLETE AND STAFF COVID-19 SCREENING

Name: ______________________________________ Date: _______________________

Grade: _______ Sports: ______________________________________________________

Athletes/Coaches should self-report as deemed necessary prior to each practice/event.

Temperature may be taken from a designated trained individual as needed. The other symptoms should be marked as “N” – NO or “Y” – YES answers.

For the column, “Close Contact,” the answer should reflect the following question:

Within the past 14 days have you had close contact with someone who is currently sick with suspected or confirmed COVID-19? (Note: Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes, without PPE equipment.)

If any responses are “YES,” student will NOT be allowed to practice or compete and will be asked to leave school grounds. Parent/Guardian will be notified.

WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING? 

BACKGROUND

Contact tracing is the process of reaching out to anyone who came into close contact with an individual who is positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing helps monitor close contacts for symptoms and to determine if they need to be tested. Contact tracing is a key strategy for preventing the further spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

WHAT DOES THIS PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

-In contact tracing, public health staff work with a case to help them recall everyone they have had close contact with during the time they were infectious.

-Public health staff then inform individuals who have had close contact (e.g. “close contacts”) that they have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. Close contacts are only told that they may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19; they are not told who may have exposed them.

-Close contacts are given education, information and support so they understand their risk. They receive information on what they should do to separate themselves from others who have not been exposed, how to monitor themselves for illness, and are made aware that they could possibly spread the infection to others, even if they do not feel sick.

-Close contacts will be asked to quarantine themselves and are encouraged to stay home and maintain social distancing through the end of their infectious period, which is about 14 days, in case they become sick. They should monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice a day and watch for any other symptoms of COVID-19. Public health staff will check in with these contacts to make sure they are self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms.

-If a close contact develops symptoms, they should isolate themselves and let public health staff know. The close contact will be evaluated to see if they need medical care. A test may be necessary unless the individual is already in a household or long-term care facility with a confirmed case, then the close contact would be considered a probable case without a test.

WHAT TERMS SHOULD I KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO CONTACT TRACING?

1. A case is a patient who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. A case should isolate themselves, meaning they should stay away from other people who are not sick to avoid spreading the illness.

2. A close contact is an individual who had close contact with a case while the case was infectious. A close contact should quarantine themselves, meaning they should stay at home to limit community exposure and self-monitor for symptoms.

3. A contact of a close contact is an individual who had or continues to have contact with a close contact. A contact of a close contact should take all regular preventative actions, like washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning surfaces frequently. A contact of a close contact should be alert for symptoms.

RESOURCES:

NFHS: Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities (per update on May, 2020)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

“What You Should Know About COVID-19 to Protect Yourself and Others”

“School Decision Tree”

PA Department of Health

Website: health.pa.gov

“Coronavirus Symptoms”

“What is Contact Tracing”

“Phased Re-opening Plan by Governor Wolf”

A Guide to Re-Entry to Athletics in Texas Secondary Schools

By Jamie Woodall, MPH, LAT, ATC, CPH and Josh Woodall Med, LAT, ATC

MIDD-WEST SCHOOL DISTRICT

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

PARTICIPATION WAIVER FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that 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 that while 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. The MWSD 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 MWSD 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.

These recommendations include, but may not be limited to:

1. Athletes, coaches, and staff will undergo a COVID-19 health screening prior to any practice, event, or team meeting. The type of screening will be dependent upon the available resources and the Phase level. The purpose is to check for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. It will include a questionnaire and temperature check as needed.

2. Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing, using hand sanitizer, cough in your elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, face and mouth, no spitting, no gum chewing, no handshakes/celebrations (high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, hugging).

3. Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities.

4. Encourage social distancing through increased spacing, small groups, and limited mixing between groups, if feasible.

5. Educate athletes, coaches, and staff on health and safety protocols.

6. Anyone who is sick must stay home.

7. Plan in place if a student or employee gets sick.

8. Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees, and families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures.

9. Athletes and coaches MUST provide their own water bottle for hydration. Water bottles must not be shared. Refill stations and water fountains will NOT BE initially AVAILABLE!

10. PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or determined by local/state governments. Face coverings will not be used for athletes while practicing or competing.

I understand that participating in athletic programs, events, and activities may include a possible exposure to a communicable disease including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular recommendations and personal discipline may reduce the risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of others, and assume full responsibility for my participation. I willingly agree to comply with the stated recommendations put forth by the Midd-West School District to limit the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.

Sport:

Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date:

Signature of Student Athlete: Date: