Texas State University



Approved Continuity of Athletics Work Group Recommendations for Resocialization of Student-Athletes Back to CampusThe following recommendations were approved by President’s Cabinet on June 18, 2020. The recommendations serve as important source material to inform the Roadmap to Return. ?As more information about COVID-19 becomes available, some of these recommendations will become obsolete or may no longer conform to best practice.? While the recommendations will not be updated as they serve as an indication of our collective efforts at the time they were produced, the Roadmap to Return will be continuously adjusted and mittee Charges and GoalsScenarios Based PlanningAthletic Department Recommended Plans Phases 1-3 Student-Athlete Health Monitoring Cleaning and Sanitation Athletic StaffAcademic Services Future EventsRemaining Action ItemsUpcoming Important Dates AppendixCommittee Charge: In coordination with NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, federal, state, and local guidelines, make recommendations that allow for a phased approach for resocialization of student-athletes (SA’s) at Texas State.Goals: Develop a plan that safely opens our facilities and welcomes the return of our SA’s to campus for practices and competitions. All plans must be grounded in student success and in preventing the spread of Covid 19. The keys to controlling the spread of infection in our SA’s and staff are to manage factors to decrease transmission, implement strict physical and social distancing and test, trace, and separate positive cases. The constant cleaning and disinfection of all athletic department facilities is paramount. Critical uncertainties identified include how to test and monitor our SA’s prior to allowing them to practice or compete, how to minimize the chance of a team “cluster” outbreak, how to properly sanitize our equipment and facilities, the addition of PPE to our daily activities, the challenges of hosting large fall events, and the ever changing landscape of Federal, State, NCAA and Sun Belt Conference Policy. Following the NCAA’s Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport recommendations, we have developed a plan that allows us to return a select group of SA’s to campus for voluntary workouts. The plan below follows the 3 phases recommended by the NCAA and was developed with input from all committee members, head coaches and student-athletes.Scenario Based Planning Best practices were developed relating to the following three potential scenarios.Scenario #1- (virus contained) Committee Recommendations- Implement phases 1-3 of resocialization plan. Temperature checks and weekly screenings of SA’s, Coaches and Team Operations. Implement social distancing protocol during all events. Potentially limit fan attendance at events. Continue daily sanitation of facilities per CDC guidelines. Scenario #2 - (virus recurrence) Our Committee Recommendations include continuing the precautions we are taking in scenario 1, but also limit out of season sport activities, consider closing locker rooms and consider additional attendance restrictions. Scenario #3- (pandemic escalation), Committee Recommendations-Suspend sport activities and events. Athletic Department PlansPhases 1-3Phase 1 - June 1stFootball returns for voluntary strength and conditioning activities- Groups of 10 or less only allowed. 53 total football student-athletes will participate. Limited Facilities Available- Bobcat Stadium Weight Room and Athletic Training Room, Jim Wacker Field, Football Practice Field, NEZ Weight Room Phase 2- June 15thMen’s and Women’s Basketball return for voluntary strength and conditioning workouts. Approximately 25 total athletes. Groups of 50 or less only allowed. Limited Facilities Available-UEC upper level weight room and training roomJune 28th- allows for student-athletes to participate in voluntary individual skill workouts. The cleaning of shared items like balls must be a priority. Times will be restricted in facilities, most likely 8-5 p.m. These times will continue to be restricted until the start of team camps or the beginning of fall classes. Contact activities can begin. Phase 3- July 6thAll other sports return for voluntary workoutsDuring Phase 3 most facilities will be open. Facilities not open- All locker rooms, Track and Field Training Room, Soccer Weight room and training room Expected Additional Student-Athletes (limited)- Baseball (8), Soccer (17), Women’s Golf (1), Men’s Golf Athletes (0), Softball (3), Tennis (2), Volleyball (16), Track and Field (25)All locker rooms will remain closed until the start of team camps or the start of the fall semester. During all phases, strength and conditioning coaches will be challenged to plan outdoor workouts If outside workouts are occurring, and proper social distancing is followed, it is possible to have several groups of ten workout on the same field. S&C coaches must coordinate with coaches to identify preferred voluntary workout hours.Student-Athletes with chronic medical conditions who are considered higher risk must be held out of workouts until Phase 3, other measures may also be considered. All Student-Athletes are required to self-isolate for 14 days before arriving on campusAnyone traveling Internationally must quarantine upon arrival to San Marcos. Student-Athlete Health Monitoring Masks All student-athletes will be issued masks upon arrival to campus Athletes will be required to wear masks inside when it is not possible to social distancing. It is recommended that athletes also consider wearing masks during inside workouts, if masks are not worn during inside workouts social distancing is required. Athletes will not be required to wear masks when training outside. Masks will be required until the end of the fall and should be worn while traveling Daily Temperature Tests Beginning with voluntary workouts on June 1st and continuing through the fall semester, daily temperature checks and a screening questionnaire will be done before entering facilities/practice/competition for all student-athletes and athletic staff. Infrared thermometers will be used. Two Athletic Trainers at a minimum will be onsite. This process will be documented daily for each individual-document complete. Access to facilities will be restricted with controlled entry and exit points A cooling off zone will be available to offset ambient heat if necessary Student-Athletes with temperature of over 100.4 will immediately be sent home, and our Athletic Trainers will initiate a telehealth call with the Student Health Center for evaluation through Dr. Frazier. Student-Athletes exhibiting two Covid 19 symptoms and no fever will also be sent to home to schedule a telehealth session. This will be determined during the symptom screening process. The Student Health Center will then determine next steps, including setting an appointment for Covid 19 testing. Test results take approximately 2 days, during that period the Student-Athlete must self-isolate.If a Student-Athlete Tests Positive Quarantine for student-athletes who live on campus will occur at Bobcat VillageStudent Health Center will arrange with Res LifeRes Life will coordinate move out and move in process, including transporting students from current housing to Bobcat Village. Chartwells will deliver meals to rooms, care package provided by Student Health CenterDaily check in from Student Health Center and Athletic Training Staff Quarantine for student-athletes off campus will take place at their residence. Athletics will help coordinate meal assistance if necessary. Protocol for exposed teammates or staffAll contact tracing will be done by the Student Health Center. This could require quarantine for teammates or coaches.If the positive individual is showing symptoms, tracing contact 48 hours prior is recommended. If the positive individual has no symptoms, tracing may go as far back as five days. We should expect a 14-day quarantine of roommates.The University will utilize the time and symptom method to determine when a Student-Athlete is able to come out of quarantine. The student-athlete must be fever free for the final 3 days of self-quarantine.When a student athlete that has tested positive for COVID-19 has met criteria to begin resocialization, the return to play timelines will be created on a case-by-case basis. The timelines will be?managed by the sport's athletic trainer, with recommendations from Dr. Bryant Frazier, and the Director of Sports Medicine Jason Karlik.Testing of Student-AthletesTesting method and frequency for teams will be determined as we approach the fall term, based on recommendations from medical authorities and the Sun Belt Conference.TXST Athletics will be prepared to test all sports during their preseason camps or 21 days prior to their first official practice, as well as during weeks they are participating in competition if necessary. Testing would occur approximately 48 hours before athletic contests. Strict self-quarantine must be applied after testing, players “stay in a bubble”. The University currently utilizes CPL labs in Austin for testing purposes. Testing will take place at the Athletics Thorpe Lane Medical Building. The Athletics Business office is currently working with the Student Health Center to determine test pricing and purchase process. All athletic trainers will have access to Dr. Frazier for updates on testing timing and resultsEducation Marketing materials were developed and distributed to all student-athletes. Orientation zoom calls with all teams have been scheduled to review policy and procedures. Our Athletic Training Staff will have hands on training with each team on proper use of PPA, especially face masks.Covid-19 Guidelines will be included in team handbooks and team policy. Not following protocol can result in reprimand or scholarship reduction. All Student-Athletes were surveyed to gather information on their thoughts and concerns. Strutters and Cheerleaders will follow the same protocol as Student-Athletes regarding self-isolation before participating in activities and daily symptom screening and temperature checks.Student-Athlete snack program will be adjusted to pre-packed food only distributed in weight rooms Cleaning and Sanitation Weight roomsAfter each session, all equipment, benches, and flooring will be disinfected and sanitized. Responsible cleaning party: Strength and Conditioning staff Sanitizing of the equipment in the weight room will be done under the supervision of our strength and conditioning coaches, with daily support from custodial services. Each athlete will be given a towel upon arrival to wipe down equipment after usage. Cleaning procedures and a daily cleaning schedule will be posted clearly inside all weight rooms. Training RoomAll rehab equipment, tables and modalities will be wiped down after every use as well as at the end of each group and at night. Responsible cleaning party: Athletic Trainers Sanitizing of the training rooms will be done under the supervision of our athletic trainers, with daily support from custodial services. Cleaning procedures and a daily cleaning schedule will be posted clearly inside all weight rooms. Facilities and OperationsAthletic Facility and Operations, in conjunction with SSC, is coordinating the cleaning efforts of all other facilities in use and the ordering of cleaning supplies. Will work directly with campus recreation on soccer and tennis needs. SSC has been asked to track and record their cleaning schedule. We will follow CDC guidelines for facility cleaning, using their list of approved disinfectants-Alpha and Virex Disinfectant, Disinfecting Wipes, Electrostatic DisinfectingCoaches and Student-Athletes will be responsible for sanitizing common shared equipment like balls. Our Athletic Training Staff will be responsible for training. Proper cleaning protocol has been posted in our facilities Facility adjustments have been made to improve social distancing, including limiting occupancy in several areas. Hand Washing Stations and Sanitizer Hand washing will be mandatory for all student-athletes upon entering and exiting all facilities. Sanitation stations and spray bottles will be used if available, if not, restrooms are available. Athletic StaffAthletic Staff will be required to enter from same controlled points as student-athletes for daily symptom screening and temperature checks or check in directly with Athletic Training for checks. Staff will be required to wear masks while inside unless in their own personal workspaces.Staff will follow all University recommended guidelines if testing positive for Covid-19. Athletic Trainers Our Athletic Training Staff, under the supervision of Jason Karlik, are responsible for coordinating all PPE orders relating to our student-athletes. A PPE working group has also been established to assist Mr. Karlik with department needs. This group is made up of staff and coaches (Jason Karlik, Jeremy Cobb, Andrew Johnson, Abby Whitling, Joseph Hill, Alex Hausladen, Joey Ashley, Kari Bellvillle, Link Scoggins, Paige McDuffie, Keith Anderson).As recommended by the Sun Belt Conference Health Advisors, we are forming an ongoing action team to address issues throughout the year. Travis Comer is coordinating. The Athletic Training staff will clearly identify locations and times for temperature checks and symptom screening for all student-athletes. Need to teach coaches proper usage of thermometer and tracking for travel and off campus facilitiesMen’s and Women’s golf are a priority Surgical masks must also be incorporated in all trips for emergencies. If a SA is symptomatic on the road, require other teammates to wear masks and require the potentially infected SA to wear a surgical mask while returning home. Separate the athlete as much as possible while traveling and social distance. Academic ServicesStudy Hall will be staggered with set times to allow for proper social distancingMultiple areas can be used besides the AAC for study hall. These include the Bill Miller Room, Warren Room, Maroon and Gold Room, AAC Teaching Theater and UEC study hallCoaches will look to reduce required study hall hours, considering high academic risk students and freshman/newcomers.Tutoring will be face to face for most part, working with SLAC on best way to deal with social distancing.Weekly mentor meetings will be conducted for the most part via phone, zoom and teamsAt risk students who require more hands-on attention will be allowed to meet with advisor in personSanitation of computers and tables will need to be done regularly by AAC Future Events Football Recommendations Plan for 50 percent capacity at Bobcat Stadium- 15,000 (5000 students’ east side, 3500 west side, 5500 north end zone, 1000 suite and club level, players, staff, etc…)Increase reserved seating options to improve social distancing- eliminate NEZ GAStudent Seating- Reserved Seating, we eliminate every other seat (18- inch separation) Online form to claim tickets, students can request to sit with specific individuals Separate the facility into three quadrants for contract tracing and limited interaction Fans can only access their seating locations from certain gates Implement several social distancing measures including:Add sneeze guards to all interactive operation elements Concessions- utilize Mobile purchasing App for contactless and cashless transactions- deliveries and pickup (Grub Hub, Samsung and Apple Pay, more wireless terminals, bottles only, remove condiments)Reduce restroom capacity- attempt to social distance lines, will consider adding port-a-potties Re-configure hospitality space (Pavilion, Suite and Club Level) Volleyball RecommendationsPlan for 50 percent capacity at the UEC- 4,300 peopleImplement reserved seating, separate students from ticketed customers. Add sneeze guards to all interactive operation elements Concessions- utilize Mobile purchasing App for contactless and cashless transactions Follow football ticketing plan Soccer RecommendationsPlan for 50 percent capacity at the Bobcat Soccer Complex-300 peopleAdd sneeze guards to all interactive operation elements Concessions- utilize Mobile purchasing App for contactless and cashless transactions No tickets issued, eliminate every other seat State and City Requirements Event Plan needs to be sent to the Governor’s office through Lewis Saenz (Chief of Staff) and John Zerwas (Vice Chancellor of Public Health for the UT Systems) for approval. Process will be initiated by Dr. Teis and Dr. Carranco. Format and Timeline is TBD. Will consult locally with Eric Schneider, SM Public health officials, on event planning. This will be arraigned by Dr. Carranco. Marketing- Website Hub on safety precautions, video explanation of new policies, facility posting High Risk Category Fans will be encouraged not to attend events. Waiver of risk also being developed. Remaining Action ItemsSun Belt Conference Visiting Team Protocols (including travel to hot spots)Visitor Policy- Developing game week protocol for workers (vendors, delivery, etc.)Determine sideline and halftime policy for Cheerleaders, Strutters and Band. Determine Tailgating next steps Mask policy-Recommending all fans are required to wear a mask for entry into events and when moving throughout events in high traffic areas where social distancing is not observed.For Indoor sports masks will be required when social distancing is not observed. University Bookstore will sell masks at football games Final recommendations can be made at a later date. Upcoming Important Dates August-August 4th- Soccer Pre-Season Camp StartsAugust 7th- Football Pre-Season Camp Starts August 8th- Strutters Pre-Season Camp Starts August 10th- Volleyball Pre-Season Camp Starts August 11th- Cheer Pre-Season Camp Starts August 14th- Soccer vs. Lamar September- September 1st- Cross Country at UIWSeptember 5th- Football vs. SMU September 8th- Volleyball vs. Baylor Appendix NCAA’s Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport of Texas Minimum Standard Health Protocols ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download