Fall 2021-2022 COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols - …



Fall 2021-2022 COVID-19 Health & Safety ProtocolsThe information contained in this packet represents recent updates to the NWAC’s Covid-19 health and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 academic year. Use the information to guide your through the fall knowing that as the year progresses, this information will most likely change. Changes often times are out of our control. For additional information please go to the NWAC website and we will do our best to keep you updated on any changes.*Item #1Covid-19 Health and Safety Manual (updated 9/7/21) #2Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Summary UpdatesPage 2Item #3Executive Summary of Covid-19 UpdatesPage 4Item #4Covid-19 Travel RosterPage 5Item #5Sport Safety Protocols (2021-2022)Page 6*We hope to post the updated Covid-19 Health and Safety Manual on our website Tuesday 9/7/21.NWAC SPORTS MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUMMARY OF UPDATES TO COVID 19 MANUAL, FALL 2021SectionChanges Made1.1Competition season is planned to continue on normal athletics calendar.2Eliminated Section II. 2.2, 2.2.1, & 2.7 moved to section III as Risk mitigation strategy. 2.2 is now 3.2 | 2.2.1 is now 1.3.1 | 2.7 is now 3.103.2Modifications to Sport Phasing3.2.1Grey Phase is now specific for non-vaccinated individuals. 7 days prior to start of yellow phase. 3.4Daily Screening is now the individual institution policy3.6Based on individual institution policy3.7.1When training outdoors, ensure that small groups are separated by a buffer zone between groups if there is high covid activity and/or low team vaccination rate. 3.9.1A 70% vaccination rate for teams matches state expectations for “community immunity”. Teams below this team threshold will need to have all members of the team to undergo testing as outlined in section 5.3.103.10 Cessation of Sport GuidanceThere may be situations that prohibit sports from occurring due to guidance from the institution, local, state, or federal health authority. This may include any face-to-face activities such as practices, scrimmages, games, or other team activities. Decisions regarding this may come from county health authority’s interpretation of current epidemiological data. Institutions should seek guidance from their local health authority if an outbreak occurs in athletics.4.7As recommended by the CDC, individuals who are fully vaccinated (section 1.3) no longer need to;?Quarantine after known exposure. oAs recommended by the CDC, individuals may be tested for breakthrough infection.?Perform surveillance testing as outlined in section 5. oUnless team threshold is under 70%?Wear masks during practice or games oUnless required by the institution (home or away)?Quarantine after personal travel?No incoming quarantine phase as outlined in section 2.2.5.3.1Updated language regarding CLIA Licensing. 5.3.1 Surveillance TestingAsymptomatic surveillance screening during athletic-related activities, the preseason, regular season, and postseason, testing should be considered via pooled PCR (25 tests at once) or individual rapid antigen testing. Based on state laws, a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) license may be necessary to perform surveillance testing. This can be either through cooperation with a facility that already has a CLIA license or obtained through your state department of health. 5.4Added line, clarifying what the testing requirements are. “Indoor sports will be required for surveillance testing, and outdoor sports are recommended.“5.5Eliminated section 5.57.1Quarantine after personal travel reduced to 7 days with negative test result on day 7.7.4.1Fully vaccinated individuals (section 1.3) are exempt as outlined in section 4.7. If these individuals become symptomatic as a result of breakthrough infection, then this section applies. 7.25. If multiple teams are travellingAll individuals are required to be maskedAll individuals are to be tested (vaccinated and non-vaccinated)Test results must be received before travel. 7.2.1New Section, Hotel Recommendations. Pair hotel rooms with individuals of the same householdRecommend individuals who live on own to be in single room or paired with vaccinated individual or closest team contact (IE Subgroup or event). (no CDC guidance or best evidence available to assist with this)7.6Clarified permitted activity guidelines3. At this current time, recruits are permitted to participate in team activities such as.PracticesTeam ScrimmagesOther organized team eventsIt is STRONGLY recommended to perform a rapid COVID-19 test when a recruit arrives on campus or that recruiting be done virtually to reduce any possible chances of infection. 8.1.18.1.1 Tournaments, Crossovers and FriendliesTournaments are defined as multi-team events that take place at one location for a period of days. This does not include track and field, cross country, or golf events. Tournaments for all other sports are permitted under the following conditions ?All participants have been screened and clear of symptoms prior to travel as outlined in Section 7. ?All individuals provide proof of negative tests prior to the arrival of tournaments. ?NWAC sanctioned events such as Friendlies or Crossovers perform randomized testing of teams o Required for indoor and high-risk sports ?Teams randomly selected will test 100% of the team, regardless of vaccination status oRecommended for outdoor sports ?Teams randomly selected will test 100% of the team, regardless of vaccination statusTrack and Field, Cross Country, golf and other sports that compete against 4-year institutions must follow and abide by the policies of the host institution. AppendicesA, D, EEliminated AppendicesA Sporting Calendar. D & E Covid Addendums*EXCUTIVE SUMMARY OF COVID-19 UPDATESThe following document is the approved NWAC COVID-19 policies and procedures manual for the 2021-2022 athletic season. The manual has since been updated to reflect changes in public health policy, as well as provide more localized control on the collegiate level. Its primary intent is still to provide consistency across all NWAC institutions in their approach for safety of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. This manual is to be utilized in conjunction with local health authority, and athletic departments are to abide by these policies. The following are brief introductions and updates to the contents of the sections. Section 1: IntroductionNo significant updates are made here. Section 2: Sport Phasing (Eliminated)This section has primarily been eliminated with its remaining sections moved to more appropriate sections. Section 3: Safety and Risk MitigationThe section outlines requirements from the NWAC detailing safety and risk mitigation strategies, including, but not limited to, mask utilization, physical distancing, training location, and contact tracing. This section has received some updated information regarding vaccination status. Section 4: Quarantines and IsolationThe section outlines the management of an individual(s) that test positive on a team. Updates regarding how vaccination status and have also been updated to align with public health policy.Section 5: Testing RecommendationsThis section highlights the importance of continued testing throughout the NWAC. Institutions are urged to find adequate access to perform testing. Details the important differences between the types of testing. Updates to testing protocols for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals now reflect current CDC guidance. Additionally, all NWAC Institutions are under one protocol with requirements to test all indoor sports. Section 6: Return to Play After COVID-19 InfectionNo significant changes here. All athletes returning to sport from COVID-19 should be evaluated by a medical professional in order to ascertain their level of fitness and readiness to return to sport; in particular, cardiac and pulmonary function. Section 7: TravelThe section concerns details regarding travel for intercollegiate play. Details are also provided for institutions to restrict student personal travel. Section 8: Competition and Event ManagementFacility concerns and how to manage an athletic event with these restrictions are detailed. Concerns regarding spectators, essential personnel, and sport specific changes are detailed. As tournaments are now permitted, protocols have been added for tournaments. If there are concerns or clarifications needed, please contact,Aaron Kilfoyle, Ph.D.(c), MSc, LAT, ATC aaron.kilfoyle@ccs.spokane.eduNWAC Sports Medicine Advisory Council PresidentIntercollegiate Council of Sports Medicine Representative for the National Athletic Trainers Association.*This document will be shared with member college presidents next week.NWAC 2021-2022 TRAVEL INFORMATION (Update 9/1/21)Prior to TravelIndividuals must not have a known exposure within 7 days of all travel. Individuals must be screened prior to travel by the host institution. Negative test results must be received prior to travel. No one is to travel with incomplete test results.If travelling with mixed teams, all individuals must be tested prior to travel.NWAC Travel Form completed by visiting team.During TravelMasks must be worn by all individuals on the bus during travel. Post TravelMonitor all individuals for signs and symptoms of COVID-19Non-vaccinated individuals must be tested on day 5 after travel if it has not previously occurred as part of surveillance screening or as prior to another travel event. Day TripsNo changes from previous year. See above protocols.Overnight or Tournament TravelMasks must be worn by all individuals on site, while not participating (indoors) Masks must be worn by non-vaccinated individuals while not participating (Outdoors) Roommates for travel should be based on who the athlete currently lives with. IE individuals who live together should be paired in the hotel.Host School ResponsibilityInform Visiting School of institution-based policies in advance.Mask requirementsFacility utilization changes (lockers/showers/etc.)If Hosting Tournaments or multi-day eventsBegin to implement a randomized testing protocol of teams participating at events. (No more than 50% of teams).Visiting School ResponsibilitySubmit NWAC Travel Form to Host AD prior to trip indicating most recent COVID-19 Screening and test results. Bring enough COVID-19 rapid antigen tests if testing is needed. Particularly if travelling to multiple schools. Test prior to leaving to new institution. NWAC 2021-2022 COVID POLICIES FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENTSSportSA-Coach Protocols*Officials ProtocolsGame Mgmt. ProtocolsSpectator ProtocolsCross CountryIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or running in a sanctioned meet.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a meet.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.SoccerIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or not playing in the match.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a match.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.VolleyballMasking is required of all team members, game management, officials, and spectators regardless of vaccination status. Exception: pre-game warm up, 12 players and 4 officials on the court competing in the match.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a match.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.BasketballMasking is required of all team members, game management, officials, and spectators regardless of vaccination status. Exception: pre-game warm up and the 10 players and 3 officials on the court currently in the game.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a game.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.BaseballIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or playing in the game. While in dugout mask is worn.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when umpiring a game.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.GolfIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or not competing in match.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a match.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.SoftballIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or playing in the game. While in dugout mask is worn.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when umpiring a game.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.TennisIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or playing in a match.Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a match.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.Track & FieldIf vaccinated no need to wear a mask. If non-vaccinated must wear a mask when not practicing or competing. Masking required of unvaccinated officials except when officiating a meet.Follow host school and state protocols for masking. NWAC standards for services stay in place.Follow host school and state protocols for masking.General Information:Per recommendation from state epidemiologist, NWAC Covid-19 Travel Rosters must be shared with host schools at least 24 hours prior to contest.Individual member colleges may require stricter protocols for visiting teams, officials, and spectators.*Non-vaccinated officials may work with the host institution to take a rapid antigen test when arriving on campus for the game.? This should be worked out in advance of the game and remember it is solely up to the host institution to provide the official a test.? ?If this does not transpire, officials could provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours of the game for antigen testing, OR, within 72 hours prior to the game for a PCR test and officiate without a mask. If officials are unable to do either of the above options, officials will need to wear masks during competition. Officials should have a mask with them at all times. We are seeking clarification on whether officials are considered a third party vendor and fall under the state mandates for higher education. ................
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