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Department of Athletics, 511 S. Sixth St · Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 267-4460
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“Return to Sports” Health & Safety Plan
The guidance in this plan is preliminary. This guidance is for optional out-of-season workouts.
Participation in optional summer work outs will not negatively affect further participation during
in-season activities. Should families choose to not have students participate in off season
workouts, other activities which can be completed individually, will be made available by
coaches. As more public health information becomes available, the Chambersburg Area School
District “Athletics Covid-19 Task Force” will work to release further guidance which could
impact fall, winter, or spring seasons.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
CASD Athletics Covid-19 Task Force ........................................................................................... 2
Start Dates ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Recommendations for All Sports ....................................................................................................3
Classification of Sports ...................................................................................................................4
Levels of Participation .................................................................................................................... 5
Additional Recommendations .........................................................................................................8
Positive Case Plan (Staff or Student-Athlete) ................................................................................. 9
Education ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Resources/References ...................................................................................................................11
Appendix A - (Covid-19 Screening Questionnaire)
Appendix B - (Return to Sport Covid-19 Waiver)
Appendix C - (CDC Covid-19 Information)
Appendix D - (Wellspan Return to Sport Guidance)
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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 and athletic programs can take to reduce the risks to students,
coaches, and their families.
The Chambersburg Area School District (CASD) will take necessary precautions and implement
recommendations/guidance from the federal, state, and local governments, Center for Disease
Control (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Pennsylvania Department of
Education (DOE, the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS), and the Pennsylvania
Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The CASD recognizes that the knowledge regarding
COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available. This
“Return to Sports” Health and Safety Plan may be adjusted as new information becomes
available in order to decrease the risk of exposure Covid-19 to our staff, student-athletes, and
spectators.
CASD ATHLETICS COVID-19 TASK FORCE:
Members of the CASD Athletics Covid-19 Task Force which whom are responsible for the
development and implementation of this plan include:
- Karen Gokay, CASD Pandemic Coordinator
- Jeremy Flores, CASD Director of Athletics
- Corey Dayley, CASD Assistant Director of Athletics
- Ashley Ippolito, CASD Head Athletic Trainer (Wellspan Sports Medicine)
- Rachel Lawver, Sports Medicine Coordinator (Wellspan Sports Medicine)
- Dr. Michael Day, Team Physician (Wellspan Sports Medicine)
- Dr. Brad Conner, Team Physician (Wellspan Sports Medicine)
- Gary Carter Jr., CASD Director of Security
- Jason Myers, CASD Buildings and Grounds Department
- Mark Luther, CASD Head Football Coach (High Risk Sport)
- Corey Grove, CASD Head Boys Soccer Coach (Medium Risk Sport)
- Chris Monheim, CASD Girls Cross Country/Track Coach (Low Risk Sport)
- Brad Ocker, CASHS Principal
- Dr. Janilyn Elias, CASD Assistant Superintendent
- Tamera Stouffer, CASD Director of Finance
- Eric Walker, CASB President
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This task force will meet on an as needed basis to review the implementation of this plan and
make any necessary adjustments. Questions regarding CASD’s “Return to Sports” Health and
Safety Plan should be directed to Jeremy Flores, Director of Athletics.
START DATES:
The following staggered start dates for summer/off-season activities are recommended:
June 29, 2020 – Fall Sports (Level 2)
July 13, 2020 – Fall Sports (Level 3), Winter Sports (Level 2)
July 27, 2020 – Winter Sports (Level 3), Spring Sports (Level 2)
August 10, 2020 – Spring Sports (Level 3)
The purpose for the staggered starts is to ensure sports medicine staff and coaches have adequate
time and resources to effectively implement the recommendations within this plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL SPORTS:
Recommendations for ALL LEVELS for Junior and Senior High Athletics include:
1. Student-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 “Level of Participation.” The purpose is to check for signs and
symptoms of COVID-19. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire
to a temperature check. Any person with a recorded temperature at 100.4 or higher will
be sent home.
2. Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing (20 seconds with warm water
and soap) and employees wearing a cloth face covering as feasible. (Face coverings are
recommended to help decrease potential exposure to COVID-19 respiratory droplets by
an infected individual. Face Coverings will not be used for student-athletes while
practicing or competing.) Hand Sanitizer will be available for team use as resources
allow.
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 student-athletes, coaches, and staff on health and safety protocols.
6. Any person who is sick must stay home.
7. Have a plan in place if a student or employee gets sick.
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8. Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees, and
families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures.
9. Student-athletes and coaches MUST provide their own water bottle for hydration. Water
bottles must not be shared and hydration stations will not be provided unless an
emergency occurs.
10. PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or as
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.(Reference - CDC “People Who are at a Higher
Risk for Severe Illness”)
12. Concession stands or other food must adhere to the PA Guidance for Businesses in the
Restaurant Industry.
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.
At CASD this includes: Football, Wrestling, Boys Lacrosse, Cheerleading (Stunts)
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 can’t be cleaned between
participants.
At CASD this includes: Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Field Hockey,
Baseball, Softball, Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Tennis (Doubles),
Track/Field (Pole Vault, High Jump, Relays), Swimming (Relays) 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.
At CASD this includes: Boys and Girls Cross Country (Staggered Starts & Individually),
Track/Field (All events not in moderate & Done Individually), Swimming (Individually), Golf,
Weightlifting, Boys and Girls Tennis (Singles), Sideline Cheer (No stunts),
* High/Moderate Risk Sports may move to a Low risk category with non-contact modifications.
Team Activities should be limited to individual skill development drills that maintain social
distancing.
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LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION:
Level 1 (PA State Red):
No in-person gatherings are permitted either on or off-campus.
Student-athletes and coaches may communicate via online meetings (zoom, google meet,
etc.).
Student-athletes may participate in individual home workouts including strength and
conditioning.
All school facilities are closed as per PA State Guidelines.
Student-athletes, coaches, and staff should abide by all guidelines set forth by the local,
state, and federal governments.
Level 2 (PA State Yellow as Permitted by PDE/PIAA):
Pre-workout Screening:
All coaches and student-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. (See Appendix A for COVID-19 Screening
Form)
Responses to screening questions for each person 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 or her primary care provider or other appropriate
health-care professional. A clearance may be required to return to play.
Limitations on Gatherings:
No gathering of more than 25 (Twenty-five) individuals per group including
coaches per practice area. No spectators permitted.
Controlled non-contact practices only, and modified game rules.
Social distancing recommendations including six-feet of separation, and
facemasks should be implemented as feasible.
Facility Cleaning/Procedures:
Adequate cleaning schedules will be created by the CASD Buildings and Grounds
Department and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any
communicable disease, including Covid-19.
Athletic facilities should be cleaned prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings.
High touch areas should be cleaned more often.
Weight Room Equipment should be wiped down after each individual’s use.
Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to
minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces.
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
Lower risk sports practices may begin.
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Modified practices may begin for Moderate and High risk sports (practices must
remain non-contact and include social distancing where applicable, activity
should focus on individual skill development).
Students 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.
Locker Rooms will not be utilized.
Hydration:
Student-athletes, coaches, and staff MUST bring their own water bottle.
Water bottles must not be shared.
Hydration stations (water coolers, water fountains, water cows, water troughs,
etc.) will not be provided unless an emergency occurs.
Level 3 (PA State Green as permitted by PDE/PIAA):
Pre-workout/Contest Screening:
Any person who has COVID-19 symptoms should not be allowed to participate in
practice/games, and should contact their primary care physician or another
appropriate health-care provider. A clearance may be required to return to play.
COVID-19 Screenings (Questionnaire and Temperature Checks may continue as
per State and Local government recommendations)
Team attendance should be recorded
Limitations on Gatherings:
No gathering of more than 250 (Two-Hundred-Fifty) individuals per group
including coaches per practice area. No spectators permitted.
When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should
be considered and applied when able
Facility Cleaning/Procedures:
Adequate cleaning schedules will be created by the CASD Buildings and Grounds
Department and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any
communicable disease, including Covid-19.
Athletic facilities should be cleaned prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings.
High touch areas should be cleaned more often.
Weight Room Equipment should be wiped down after each individual’s use.
Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to
minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces.
Locker Rooms will not be utilized.
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
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Low, Moderate, and High Risk practices permitted and Low and Moderate Risk
competitions may begin (As permitted by State, Local, and PIAA Guidelines)
Students 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.
Hydration:
Student-athletes, coaches, and staff MUST bring their own water bottle.
Water bottles must not be shared.
Hydration stations (water coolers, water fountains, water cows, water troughs,
etc.) will not be provided unless an emergency occurs.
Level 4 (PA State Green/Post-Green – as permitted by PDE/PIAA):
Pre-workout/Contest Screening:
Any person who has COVID-19 symptoms should not be allowed to participate in
practice/games, and should contact their primary care physician or another
appropriate health-care provider.
COVID-19 Screenings (Questionnaire and Temperature Checks may continue as
per State and Local government recommendations)
Team attendance should be recorded
Limitations on Gatherings:
As per State and Local Guidelines
When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should
be considered and applied when feasible.
Facility Cleaning/Procedures:
Adequate cleaning schedules will be created by the CASD Buildings and Grounds
Department and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any
communicable disease, including Covid-19.
Athletic facilities should be cleaned prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings.
High touch areas should be cleaned more often.
Weight Room Equipment should be wiped down after each individual’s use.
Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to
minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces.
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
All sports may resume normal practice and competition
Students should refrain from sharing clothing/towels and should be washed after
each practice, including pinnies.
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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
Hydration:
Students MUST bring their own water bottle.
Water bottles must not be shared.
Hydration Stations may be used but MUST be cleaned after every practice/event.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Transportation:
Modifications for student-athlete/coach transportation to and from athletic events may be
necessary.
This may include:
Reducing the number of students/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 CASD Transportation Department, bus
companies, Department of Education, and State and Local governments.
Social Distancing During Contests/Events/Activities:
Appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained on sidelines and team benches during
contests and other activities as deemed necessary by the school, PIAA, state and local
governments. Tape and/or paint may be used to help direct student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Who should be allowed at events?
Attendees will be separated into tiers from essential to non-essential as follows:
Tier 1 (Essential) – Student-athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, sports medicine staff,
CASD Administration, and security
Tier 2 (Preferred) – Media
Tier 3 (Non-essential) – Spectators, vendors
Only Tier 1 and possibly Tier 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 and
will be determined as more recommendations are released by the local/state governments.
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Overnight/Out of State Events/ Events in COVID-19 Hot Spots:
The CASD 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.
Reduction in Contact:
The following programs are being implemented and/or explored by CASD to reduce contact
where feasible:
Online Athletic Registration and Student-Activity Fee Payments via FamilyID and
MySchoolBucks
Online Ticket Sales for Athletic Events
Credit Card Payment Options at Ticket Booths and concession stands to reduce cash
payments
Booster Club Operation:
The following recommendations should be implemented by the Chambersburg Area Sports
Booster Organization:
Adhere to appropriate limits on gathering per each level of participation phase
Fundraisers and committee meetings may begin in Level 2
Banquets may resume in Level 3 and 4
Fundraisers requiring student-athletes to sell items from door to door should not occur
until Level 4
Booster clubs will be required to follow state/local guidelines in the operation of
concession stands.
Facilities/Practice Areas:
For purposes of this plan CASHS is recommended as the only facility to be used during the
summer of 2020 to ensure adequate sports medicine coverage exists for all sports. The ability to
use the Fieldhouse, Auxiliary Gym, Trojan Stadium, and Bus Peters Field will assist.
A practice area is defined as approximately 25 yard sections within the football field, and each
court within the Fieldhouse and auxiliary gym. Gym dividers may be used to assist in indoor
separation of groups during Level 2 and Level 3.
POSITIVE CASE PLAN (STUDENT-ATHLETES AND/OR COACHES):
What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may range from mild to
severe. (See CDC Fact Sheet in Appendix). Symptoms may include:
Fever or chills (100.4 or High)
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
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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 (students, 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.
What to do if a student-athlete, coach or staff member becomes 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-athlete
or staff member can leave the school or event.
If a student-athlete a parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements
will be made for the student to be picked up.
The ill individual will be asked to contact their physician or appropriate healthcare
professional for further direction.
The ill student-athletes, coach, or staff member will be quarantined in a designated area
by the Trojan Stadium lower concession stand until parents/guardians or the proper
medical assistance arrives.
Return of student-athlete, coach, or staff member to athletics following a COVID-19
diagnosis?
Student-athlete, coach, or staff member 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:
Student-athletes, coaches, staff, and parents will be educated through posters, flyers, seasonal
meetings, the athletic website, and emails on the following:
The content of the CASD “Return to Sport” Health and Safety Plan
COVID-19 signs and symptoms
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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.
Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, NFHS, and
PIAA.
RESOURCES/REFERENCES:
The following resources/references assisted the “CASD Athletics Covid-19 Task Force” in the
development of the CASD “Return to Sport” Health and Safety Plan.
NFHS: Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities
A. https://www.nfhs.org/media/3812287/2020-nfhs-guidance-for-opening-up-
high-school-athletics-and-activities-nfhs-smac-may-15_2020-final.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website
A. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
PA Guidance for All Sports
A. https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/sports-guidance/
PA Department of Health Website
A. health.pa.gov
A. “Coronavirus Symptoms”
B. “Phased Reopening Plan by Governor Wolf”
PA Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry
A. https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/restaurant-industry-guidance/
A Guide to Re-Entry to Athletics in Texas Secondary School
APPENDIX
A
CHAMBERSBURG AREA ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
SPORT SPECIFIC COVID-19 REPORTING FORM
Date:_______________ Sport:______________ Facility:_____________
Student-athletes, coaches, and staff 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 6ft 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 and Director of Athletics will be notified.
Name Time Temp Fever/
Chills Cough
Sore
Throat
Short of
Breath
Loss
Taste/
Smell
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Close
Contact
***
Page_____ of______ Submitted By:________________________
APPENDIX
B
CHAMBERSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS
PARTICIPATION WAIVER FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES INCLUDING COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges
concerning this highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory system.
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 CASD
will take necessary precautions and comply with guidelines from the federal, state, and local
governments, CDC, PA DOH, as well as the NFHS and PIAA, to reduce the risks to students,
coaches, and their families. As knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing, CASD
reserves the right to adjust and implement precautionary methods as necessary to decrease the
risk of exposure for our staff, students, and spectators. Some precautionary methods in the
CASD “Return to Sports” Health and Safety Plan include but may not be limited to:
1. Health screenings prior to any practice, event, or team meeting with participation in the
activities being limited and/or prohibited where an individual displays positive responses or
symptoms.
2. Encourage social distancing and promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing,
using hand sanitizer, etc.
3. Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities.
4. Educate student-athletes, coaches, and staff on health and safety protocols.
5. Require student-athletes, coaches, and staff to provide their own water bottle for hydration.
By signing this form, the undersigned voluntarily agree to the following waiver and release of
liability. The undersigned agree to release and discharge all claims for ourselves, our heirs, and
as a parent or legal guardian for the student-athlete named below, against the CASD, its Board of
Directors, successors, assigns, officers, agents, employees, and volunteers and will hold them
harmless from any and all liability or demands for personal injury, psychological injury,
sickness, death, or claims resulting from personal injury or property damage, of any nature
whatsoever which may be incurred by the student-athlete or the undersigned relating to or as a
result of the student-athlete’s participation in athletic programs, events, and activities during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The undersigned acknowledge 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. The undersigned further acknowledge that they are aware of the risks
associated with COVID-19 and that certain vulnerable individuals may have greater health risks
associated with exposure to COVID-19, including individuals with serious underlying health
conditions such as, but not limited to: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes,
asthma, and those whose immune systems that are compromised by chemotherapy for cancer,
and other conditions requiring such therapy. While particular recommendations and personal
discipline may reduce the risks associated with participating in athletics during the COVID-19
pandemic, the risk of serious illness, medical complications and possible death does exist.
We knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from
the negligence of others, and assume full responsibility for student-athlete’s participation in
athletics during the COVID-19 pandemic. We willingly agree to comply with the stated
recommendations put forth by the CASD to limit the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and
other communicable diseases. We certify that the student-athlete is in good physical condition or
believe the student-athlete to be in good physical condition and allow participation in this sport
at our own risk.
We consent for an emergency medical care provider to administer any emergency medical care
deemed advisable to the welfare of the herein named student while the student is practicing for or
participating in Inter-School Practices, Scrimmages, and/or Contests. Further, this authorization
permits, if reasonable efforts to contact me have been unsuccessful, physicians to hospitalize,
secure appropriate consultation, to order injections, anesthesia (local, general, or both) or surgery
for the herein named student. I hereby agree to pay for physicians’ and/or surgeons’ fees,
hospital charges, and related expenses for such emergency medical care. I further give
permission to the school’s athletic administration, coaches and medical staff to consult with the
Authorized Medical Professional who executes Section 6 regarding a medical condition or injury
to the herein named student.
Sport: _____________________
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________
Date: ______________
Emergency Contact Number: __________________________________________
Printed Name of Student-Athlete: ______________________________________
Signature of Student Athlete: __________________________________________
Date: ______________
Please describe the Student’s Health Condition(s) of Which an Emergency Physician or Other
Medical Personnel Should be Aware:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
*Parents/Guardians may request a full copy of the CASD “Return to Sports” Health and Safety
Plan. Contact Jeremy Flores, Director of Athletics, at [email protected] or Ashley
Ippolito, ATC, at [email protected] or visit www.casdathletics.com.
APPENDIX
C
APPENDIX
D
2020 School and Youth Sports Reopening Guidelines
WellSpan Sports Medicine prioritizes the health of athletes everywhere. We have compiled a game plan for the reopening of athletic practices and events that aligns with the CDC, PA Department of Health, PA Department of Education, and NFHS. The PIAA has also released a statement saying guidance is forthcoming, so we will factor that information in when we have it. This guidance is meant to assist in the development of Health and Safety Plans for schools and other facilities as they begin to reopen after COVID-19 shutdown. We have compiled and arranged the information into useful subgroups to help direct athletes and administrators to making safe and well-directed decisions about their health.
WellSpan COVID-19 Information: Click here
How to prevent getting sick: Click here
Facilities Cleaning and MaintenanceCleaning Procedures (Taken from the CDC’s COVID-19 Guidelines):
Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
o A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available herepdf iconexternal icon. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method and contact time, etc.
o Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
– Prepare a bleach solution by mixing: • 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Soft (Porous) Surfaces
• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
o If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
– Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 and that are suitable for porous surfaces
Electronics
• For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present.
o Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
o Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
o If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry
• In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
• Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.
Click here for ReOpening America Cleaning Disinfection Decision Tool.
Athletes, Coaches, and Other School PersonnelThe NFHS released phased guidance for reopening school athletics. These phases are broken into red, yellow, and green phases according to geographical risk, sport level of risk, equipment availability, location of practices, and more. These guidelines were shaped with respect to The White House’s phased reopening plan, so it is important to note that state and local regulations may outweigh some of the guidance in this document based on locality’s phase of reopening. The NFHS document can be found here: Click here for guidance for opening-up high school athletics and activities.
The most important factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19 is staying home when you are sick. This needs to be stressed to students and athletes, but also double-checked by qualified people. Symptom and temperature screens are paramount in making sure sick people do not enter facilities, risking the spread of illness. WellSpan recommends screening all people entering the building for fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Fever can be checked in a non-invasive manner by use of infrared thermometer that scans the forehead without contact. It is also important to have a plan of action for if someone is ill and cannot be permitted in the building. Specific to COVID-19, WellSpan recommends staying home for 10 full days after the first symptoms of illness appeared, as well as going 3 full days fever-free without the use of antipyretics such as Tylenol.
Equipment Usage• The CDC, PA DOH, and NFHS recommend avoiding shared
equipment when at all possible.
• Each team should have its own equipment that does not need to be shared with other groups: this includes within JV and Varsity teams.
• Items like bats that are shared between team members should be sanitized between uses.
• Balls should be thoroughly sanitized at the end of each practice.
• There should be absolutely no sharing of water bottles; each athlete needs to bring their own every day and are responsible for its daily cleaning.
• Pinnies or other shared clothing items should be laundered daily and only used by one person per day.
• Items for equipment-intensive sports such as football should be sanitized daily prior to placing in a locker at the end of practice: this should be the responsibility of each student-athlete.
• Student Athletes should be encouraged to bring equipment from home whenever possible: bats, gloves, sticks, etc.
Practice and Game Considerations• Schedules for practices and games will need to be different
than we are used to.
• Extra time between groups for cleaning and sanitizing must be factored in.
• Lists should be created ahead of time which note what surfaces and materials need cleaned between each practice- for both indoor and outdoor practice venues.
• Outdoor areas will have fewer items that need cleaned: benches and tables are of most importance.
• Indoor venues will have more areas that need cleaned and so should factor in at least 30 minutes between one practice ending and another starting to be able to thoroughly clean and sanitize.
• Facilities will also need to designate who is cleaning surfaces after each group is done- maintenance and cleaning personnel most likely won’t be able to walk out to athletic fields to clean after practices, so coaches or managers may need to be designated and trained in how to properly clean and disinfect. Logs should be kept daily to note that appropriate procedures have been followed.
Spectators and OthersAs counties move to the green phase of reopening, there are some rules to keep in mind in general for facilities and events taking place. Businesses and buildings considered nonessential or closed during the first two phases of reopening are limited to 50 percent capacity once a county moves into the green phase. This could affect attendance of indoor sporting events should these limits still be in place at that time. Additionally, social distancing and mask wearing are still stressed as highly important during this phase, so schools and athletic groups need to decide how they are going to go about enforcing those matters.
The CDC’s Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings and Wearing a MaskCDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face
coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
Cloth face coverings: Click here
Different sports have different risk levels based on interaction between athletes, shared equipment, and ability to maintain small groups and social distancing.
• Keeping strict attendance day-to-day is noted in the NFHS’s position statement on reopening high school athletics. This log of participants will be critically important if someone should become sick, in order to advise those who were exposed to that person.
• Participants should be required to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water prior to joining any team practice or activity.
• Hand sanitizer must also be available during all team activities.
• There should be absolutely no sharing of water bottles; each athlete needs to bring their own every day.
Everyone who enters a practice, game, or facility in general needs to be held to the same standard of hygiene practices, symptom screening, and general accountability. Coaches should screen each other prior to any athletes arriving to ensure they are all well and able to conduct practice. Every employee entering the building should be screened daily. It may be helpful to limit access to buildings to ensure everyone is being screened- specifically employees. Personnel should be appointed to monitor these practices: lack of compliance could lead to a major outbreak.
CDC Considerations for Youth Sports: Click here
Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Youth Sports: Click here
What to Do When Someone Screens Positive Each school’s protocols for how to handle a sick person are going to vary based on building layout, class size and number of people potentially exposed, drop off and pickup procedures, etc. The most important factor is not allowing the person inside the building once they screen positive. Screenings should be done outside the building in open air, so that if someone screens positive they have low risk of infecting anyone. WellSpan athletic trainers are an excellent resource for developing this protocol specific to each school: they know the school, they know the population, and they know COVID-19 procedures.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Guidance for Reopening Schools requires that each school have a Pandemic Point Person or Team that handles the planning for sick students/staff in the building. This team should develop a plan specific to the school for how to isolate the sick person, cleaning procedures, returning after being sick, and notification of other people exposed. Signage will be required to be visible throughout the schools and facilities encouraging hand hygiene and symptom monitoring. These signs should be placed in areas of high traffic, as well as all entrances to the building.
CDC Handwashing materials: Click here
CDC COVID-19 Symptoms Signage: Click here
CDC Social Distancing Signage with Social Media-enabled documents: Click here
WellSpan advises screening every single person for symptoms and a fever. This may seem daunting at an athletic event, but is paramount in ensuring the health of students, staff and faculty, and spectators alike. Schools will need to take into account the extra personnel this may require for events like football games: extra volunteers at entrances to stadiums, gates opening sooner to allow for the added time this will take, etc. Additionally, WellSpan advises every person entering a facility to “gel in and gel out”, that is, sanitize hands prior to entering and exiting a location.
The following sources of information have been utilized in the creation of this document:
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Preliminary Guidance for Reopening Schools
NFHS Position Statement
CDC Coronavirus Homepage
Pennsylvania Department of Health Coronavirus Homepage
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