Reopening: Guidance for Amateur Sports
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Reopening: Guidance for Amateur Sports Guidance Document aiha.org Photo courtesy of Getty Images Version 5 | December 8, 2020 Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Amateur Sports Overview Even though most states have exemptions regarding social gathering guidelines issued on the COVID-19 There are various recreational and organized levels pandemic, most sport activities in the U.S. have of play for teams, schools, leagues, clubs, and as- been shuttered since mid-March 2020 to combat sociations conducting organized youth or adult am- the spread of COVID-19. There are opportunities ateur sports activities in the United States. Sports for amateur sports to follow established Centers include, but are not limited to lacrosse, soccer, base- for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Health ball and softball, volleyball (beach/court), basketball, and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines to pro- cheerleading, gymnastics, ice hockey, boxing, foot- tect coaches, officials, volunteers, guests, and visi- ball, wrestling, swimming, and cycling. The reopen- tors. Administrative controls also should be applied ing of amateur sports during the continuing threat of with periodicity for each scheduled sporting contest, COVID-19 should not be interpreted as lessening of game, match, and special events like competitions the threat of the virus. While the threat for outdoor and tournaments. This guide helps address some sports is less, failure to adhere to appropriate safe- of the most pressing questions amateur sports may guards including local, state, and federal guidance have while at practice or play, including: during play or practice in various venues could result in the continued spread of the virus. • How can we protect the employees, volunteers, public, and players from exposure to COVID-19? SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is thought to be spread primarily through aerosolized • Can attendance be limited at practices and com- respiratory droplets at close range. Airborne trans- petition? mission from exposure to very small droplets over • How can we minimize the risk of disease transmis- long distances is unlikely. However, there is evidence sion to athletes, coaches and officials? that this mode of transmission is possible, particu- • What do we do if someone is visibly sick or not fol- larly in crowded, indoor spaces. People may also be- lowing CDC guidelines? come infected by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus has been shown to survive in aerosols for • How do we clean and sanitize contact surfaces hours and on surfaces for days. Infection can occur such as balls and player equipment? through eyes, nose, and mouth exposures. There is • Can shower facilities, rest rooms, and locker rooms also strong evidence that people can spread the vi- be cleaned and sanitized before use? rus while pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. • How do we manage comingling and shared facili- This document addresses a broad range of amateur ties with different teams during sporting events? sports and operations providing instruction, practice, At this time, it is unknown if sport events will be training, officiating, trials, and competition in all age sparsely attended after stay-at-home restrictions are groups. This document can be applied to other ancil- lifted, or if they will be flooded with athletes, coaches, lary sport activities such as: meetings, registrations, and officials returning to practice or play in order to concession stand operations, parade, picnics, award salvage their season. There is still uncertainty with re- banquets and ceremonies and incidental fund-rais- gard to allowing a limited number of spectators from ing activities involving the sale of products, coupons, the public to attend team practices, trials, and compe- raffle tickets and services, such as car washes, bake titions. In some sports, the season may be extended sales, and coin drops. based on the outcome of the governing body, associ- AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org ©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 2 of 15 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Amateur Sports ation, or organization. This document offers practical protections and other best management practices. guidance for sport organizations and associations to They should seek guidance from regional, nation- implement interim control measures to reduce the risk al, and international leaders relative to health poli- of transmitting the SARS CoV-2 virus or acquiring the cy and best practices as well as consider forming a COVID-19 disease. It addresses key questions, and knowledgeable team to monitor, assess, and imple- provides tips for the coaches, officials, athletes and ment new strategies as they become available. parents or guardian to support their organization. In addition, ADs and the leadership of sport organi- zations should consider the following strategies for What should an Employer do to protect reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in re- coaches, officials, athletes and the gards to physical distancing, ventilation, enhanced public? cleaning and disinfecting practices, restrooms, gym- nasiums, food preparation, personal hygiene, em- Measures can be taken to reduce the risk of transmit- ployee wellness, respirators, personal protective ting the SARS CoV-2 virus from touching surfaces, equipment (PPE), training, waste and uniform laun- or transmitting it from person-to-person by respira- dering, and risk communication. Due to the wide va- tory droplets from coughing or sneezing or aerosols riety of amateur sports and venues, it may not be (microfine viral particles in air) or from close contact possible for organizations to implement all of the fol- during normal conversation or rooting for your team. lowing. However, trying to tackle the problem from Clear communication and social, print, and digital multiple angles and with multiple layers can help media can be used help educate parents, coaches, reduce health risks. Employers, associations and or- and athletes on the appropriate control measures to ganizations should support COVID-19 prevention protect their health. Signs can be posted at parks, activities, procedures, and education. schools, and other venues to help students and the public understand these precautions. In schools, the Physical Distancing Athletic Directors (ADs), in coordination with local • Encourage the use of live streaming of events for school districts and state athletic associations, can the public, scouts, parents, and guardians. provide additional information, communication, and resources to student athletes, parents, and guardians • Use social media, text, emails, and verbal an- regarding precautions being taken to protect every- nouncements during practices and competitions to one from COVID-19. State athletic associations also discuss steps being taken to protect coaches, play- can provide similar information to officials. Leaders ers, and officials. in private clubs, associations, and organizations also • Stand at least 6-feet apart when warming up, can distribute information to their membership to exercising, or socializing with fellow players and help protect coaches, athletes, officials, parents and coaches. guardians, and the general public. Schools, clubs, sport associations, and organizations should con- • Train coaches, athletes, and officials on the CDC tinually monitor global (World Health Organization public health guidelines to prevent spreading [WHO]), federal (Centers for Disease Control [CDC] COVID-19. and Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Make this a key point in pre-game announce- [OSHA]), state, and local guidelines for changes in ments, posting signage at the field or athletic fa- recommendations, disinfection strategies, worker cility, websites, and verbally stating, “Hello, thank AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org ©aiha 2020 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 3 of 15 Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines. Guidance Document Reopening: Guidance for Amateur Sports you for coming in, we will be keeping a physical – Ensure restrooms are under constant negative distance of 6-feet for your health”. air pressure. – Shaking hands, celebrations or exchanging pub- – Without affecting the original HVAC design spec- lic displays of affection with each other should be ifications consider using MER-14 or HEPA filters discouraged. for facilities, especially for small practice, gymna- • Gatherings in groups or team meeting outside, on siums, training, treatment or fitness rooms. the field, or inside an athletic facility should be dis- – Discard air filters carefully to prevent the dis- couraged except for teams with information to in- charge of viral particles during the disposal pro- dicate that they are not infected. cess. – If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth – If you need assistance on HVAC issues, ask an and nose with a tissue and throw used tissues HVAC professional and see the American Society in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Immedi- Engineers’ (ASHRAE) COVID-19 (Coronavirus) ately wash your hands after blowing your nose, Preparedness Resources updates for more infor- coughing, or sneezing. Learn more