Kutztown Area School District COVID-19
Athletic Re-Socialization Guidelines
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to serve as guidance for the re-socialization of athletics in the Kutztown Area School District.
Pre-K to 12 (PK-12) school sports under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PISAA) are permitted to resume in counties designated in the Yellow and Green phases, in alignment with the PDE Preliminary Guidance for Phased Reopening of Pre-K to 12 Schools and the CDC Considerations for Youth Sports.
The decision to resume sports-related activities, including conditioning, practices and games, is the discretion of a school entity’s governing body. Each school entity must develop and adopt an Athletics Health and Safety Plan aligning to the PDE Preliminary Guidance for Phased Reopening of Pre-K to 12 Schools prior to conducting sports-related activities with students. The plan must include the provisions of this guidance, be approved by the local governing body of the school entity, and be posted on the school entity’s publicly available website. The plan does not need to be submitted to DOH or PDE for approval.
Any sports-related activities in the Yellow or Green phased counties must adhere to the gathering limitations set forth by the Governor’s Plan for Phased Reopening (25 in yellow, 250 in green) and the facility as a whole may not exceed 50% of total occupancy otherwise permitted by law. During the Yellow and Green phases of reopening, sports-related activities at the PK-12 level are limited to student athletes, coaches, officials, and staff only. The addition of visitors and spectators will be contingent upon future health conditions within the state and local communities.
This guidance is preliminary; as more public health information is available, the administration may work with impacted entities to release further guidance which could impact fall, winter, or spring seasons.
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 Kutztown Area School District 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 Kutztown Area School District 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.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for ALL LEVELS for Middle School and High School Athletics:
- 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. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire to a temperature check. - 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 athletes while practicing or competing.) Hand Sanitizer will be available for team use as resources allow.
- Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities.
- Encourage social distancing through increased spacing, small groups, and limited mixing
between groups, if feasible. - Educate athletes, coaches, and staff on health and safety protocols.
- Anyone who is sick must stay home.
- Plan in place if a student or employee gets sick.
- Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees,
and families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures. - Athletes and Coaches MUST provide their own water bottle for hydration. Water bottles
must not be shared. - PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and as situations warrant, or
determined by local and state governments. - 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”)
Restaurant Industry.
CLASSIFICATION OF SPORTS
Higher 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: Wrestling, Football, Competitive Cheer, 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 OR sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between participants.
Examples: Basketball, Volleyball*, Baseball*, Softball*, Soccer, Field Hockey, Tennis*, Swimming Relays, Pole Vault*, High Jump*, Long Jump*, 7 on 7 Football
*Could potentially be considered “Lower Risk” with appropriate cleaning of equipment and use of masks by participants
Lower Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between use by competitors.
Examples: Individual Running Events, Throwing Events (Javelin, Shot Put, Discus), Individual Swimming, Golf, weightlifting, Sideline Cheer, Cross Country Running (with staggered starts)
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.
LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION
Level 1 (PA State 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 per PA State Guidelines.
- ● Athletes and staff should abide by guidelines set forth by local and state governments.
*Team Activities may include: Team Meetings, Open Gyms, Kick Around, Weight Training/Conditioning, Running Events, Cross Country, Throwing Events, Swimming, Golf, and Sideline Cheer, etc.
*as of July 1, 2020, this Re-socialization plan is applicable only to H igh School Fall Varsity athletic programs. Middle School Fall sports and Winter/Spring HS and MS sports will be re-evaluated at a later date TBD by administration.
Pre-Workout Screening:
- ● All coaches and students 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 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. - ● Team attendance will be recorded.
Limitations on Gatherings:
- ● No gathering of more than (25 Yellow - 250 Green) individuals per group including
coaches per practice area. - ● Controlled non-contact practices only, modified game rules
- ● Social Distancing should be applied during practices and in locker rooms, and gathering
areas.
Facilities Cleaning:
- ● Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic
facilities to mitigate any communicable disease. - ● 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 an individual’s use.
- ● Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize
sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces.
- ● Lower risk sports practices may begin.
- ● 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
- ● Recommend 14 athletes maximum in the weight room at one time.
- ● Recommend training pods of 15 athletes or less (athletes and coach will remain with
pod throughout level 2)
Hydration:
- ● Students MUST bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.
- ● Hydration stations (water coolers, water fountains, water cows, water troughs, etc.)
should not be utilized
Level 3 (PA State Green - Once Permitted By PIAA, minimum 14 days from end of level 2)
*Team activities may include: Level 2 activities may continue, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Tennis, Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, 7 on 7 Football, etc.
*as of July 1, 2020, this Re-socialization plan is applicable only to High School Fall Varsity athletic programs. Middle School Fall sports and Winter/Spring HS and MS sports will be re-evaluated at a later date TBD by administration.
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 will be recorded.
- ● As per State and Local Guidelines.
- ● 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 prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings, high touch areas should be cleaned more often. - ● Weight room equipment wiped down after an 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:
- ● Low, Moderate, and High Risk practices and Low and Moderate Risk competitions may
begin (As per 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.
- ● Recommend 25 athlete maximum in the weight room.
- ● Recommend training pods of 25 athletes or less (athletes and coach(es) will remain with
pod throughout level 3).
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.
Level 4 (PA State Green - Once Permitted by PIAA)
*Team Activities include: Level 2 and 3 activities may continue, Low/Moderate Sports may resume, High Risk Sports (Football, Wrestling, and Cheerleading Stunting) may begin full person to person contact and competition.
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 will 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 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 prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings, high touch areas should be cleaned more often. - ● Weight Room Equipment wiped down after an 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. - ● 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.
Transportation:
Modifications for student/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 Kutztown Area School District, bus companies, Department of Education, State and Local governments.
Inclement Weather:
In the event of inclement weather when shelter is necessary for students and staff participating outside, the HS gymnasium and stadium field house will be utilized with social distancing guidelines in place until the inclement weather has passed.
Social Distancing during Contests/Events/Activities:
Who should be allowed at events?
Group people into tiers from essential to non-essential and decide which will be allowed at an event:
- ● Tier 1 (Essential) – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security
- ● Tier 2 (Preferred) – Media
- ● 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 and will be determined as more recommendations are released by local and state governments.
- ○ Only Tier 1 and 2 personnel will be allowed to attend events until state/local governments lift restrictions on mass gatherings.
● The Kutztown Area School District will evaluate each event and follow all local and state government guidelines on a case by case basis. Every consideration will be taken as to not expose students or staff 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 (temperature greater than or equal to 100.4°F) 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 (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. See Information in Appendix.
What to do if a student or a staff member becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms during practice, an event, or while being transported to or from an event?
- ● If a student, a parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements will be made for the student to be picked up.
- ● Ill individuals 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?
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 Play Guidelines document.
- ● Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, NFHS, and
PIAA. - ● Students should come dressed and prepared for activity.
- ● Limit indoor activities and the areas used.
- ○ Locker room use is not permitted until approved by administration.
- ○ Facility showers cannot be used.
- ○ Locker room use is not permitted until approved by administration.
- ● 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 athletic training/sports medicine areas without the presence of an athletic trainer.
- ● Athletes and staff will enter the weight room through the back doors on the girls locker room side and exit through the back doors on the boys locker room side. Signage will be posted.
Kutztown Area School District Athletic Department Athlete and Staff COVID-19 Screening
Name: ________________________________________ Date: ________________ Grade: _________ Sports: _____________________________________________
Students/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”, the student will NOT be allowed to practice or compete, and will be asked to leave school grounds. Parent / Guardian will be notified.
Date
Temp
Fever /Chills
Cough
Sore Throat
Short of Breath
Loss Taste /Smell
Vomiting/ Diarrhea
Close Contact ******
BACKGROUND
WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING?
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?
- ● 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.
- ● 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.
- ● 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.
Hollidaysburg Area School District “Resocialization of Sport Plan”
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”, “Schools Decision Tree”
PA Department of Health
Website: health.pa.gov
“Coronavirus Symptoms”
“What is Contact Tracing”
“Phased Reopening 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
Guidance for All Sports Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees, Athletes and the Publichttps://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/sports-guidance/
Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry
https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/restaurant-industry-guidance/
St. Luke’s University Health Network
“COVID-19 Re-socialization of Sports from SLUHN Perspective - A Guide for Secondary Schools”