The NYSPHSAA has established Protocols and Implementation Procedures for the 2020- 2021 Winter Sports and Fall II Sports seasons. The NYSPHSAA has not established these for the

Bulldogs Preparedness Plan

for High-Risk Sports
2021 Winter and Fall II Athletics

Released: February 8, 2021

Presented by:

Kelly M. Zimmerman Superintendent/Plan Coordinator

Carey Shultz Covid Coordinator/Plan Coordinator

Jeffrey Ferrara Athletic Director/Plan Administrator 

Dr. Chris Kjolhede Medical Director 

Todd Bruce Girls Basketball Coach

Cella Schnabel Student Athlete
Lucas Branigan Student Athlete

Dear Delaware Academy Community,

Governor Cuomo granted permission to engage in high-risk sports pending approval from county departments of health, effective February 1. In response, Delaware County DOH has determined that high-risk sports (basketball, wrestling, volleyball and football) cannot resume locally until Delaware County’s seven-day rolling positivity rate for Covid-19 is at or below 4.0 percent. Additionally, the Midstate Athletic Conference (MAC) has established the start of high-risk winter sports programs to be February 8, 2021.

Below you can find the requirements as determined by the Delaware County DOH and the comprehensive District Preparedness Plan. The District will continue to work in partnership with the Delaware County DOH to ensure compliance and transparency while assuring the continued health and safety of all participants. The District recognizes that current conditions are subject to change at any time. Our decision making will be informed by updates and guidance provided by various NYS and local agencies, including the NYSDOH, Delaware County Public Health, the New York State Public High School Athletics Association (NYSPHSAA), Section IV Athletics, and the MAC. We will promptly respond to any changes or updates that come from any of these authorities.

We understand the important role athletics and extra-curricular activities play in the social/emotional, physical, and mental health of our children. We will continue to advocate to increase opportunities for all of our students wherever it is determined safe to do so, in compliance with the requirements we are given.

For additional information, here are some helpful links to relevant resources:

• •New York State’s “Percentage Positive Results by County Dashboard,” which tracks Covid- 19 positivity rates by county:https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results- county-dashboard.

• •Delaware County DOH’s Higher Risk Sports Press Release: https://delawarecountypublichealth.com/higher-risk-sports-press-release/

• •NYSPHSAA Return to Interscholastic Athletics – January 2021 Update: http://nysphsaa.org/COVID-19-info

Sincerely,

Kelly M. Zimmerman
Kelly M. Zimmerman Superintendent of Schools

REQUIREMENTS & METRICS

Minimum Requirements (Delaware County):

• Board of Education must approve the District’s participation in each higher-risk sport.

• The Superintendent must oversee the creation of a sport-specific Preparedness Plan.

• The District Preparedness Plan must be approved by the District’s Medical Director.

• Each parent/guardian of a participating student-athlete must sign an informed consent (see Appendix A).

• Each student-athlete must have medical clearance from their healthcare provider.

• Each parent/guardian, student-athlete, and school official must agree to fully cooperate with case investigations (see Appendix A).

• The District must establish a phone number and email address to allow student- athletes, parent, or others to report concerns.

  Community Covid-19 metrics (Delaware County):

• The 7-day rolling average percent positivity in the county, as calculated by NYSDOH, must be at or below 4%.

• The region’s hospital capacity must be above 15%, as calculated by NYSDOH.

• The region’s rate of hospital admissions must not be unacceptably high or require additional interventions to control the rate of growth, as determined by NYSDOH.

• Other emerging epidemiological data, information or factors as determined or identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), NYSDOH, or Delaware County Public Health that impact Covid-19 control or mitigation.

• Delaware County may conduct unannounced audits regarding adherence to the requirements.

  Additional Student Specific Medical Requirements:

   

• Any student-athlete who has been previously diagnosed with Covid-19, must comply with the requirements set forth in the “Returning to Play After Covid-19 Infection” protocol (Attachment B). He/she is not permitted to play until cleared by his/her doctor following the steps as outlined.

   

  NYSDOH GUIDANCE: RISK DEFINITIONS

  Low, Moderate, High

   

  In accordance with New York State Department of Health guidance (Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Sports and Recreation), the ability to participate in sports and recreation activities is determined by a combination of the risk factors for COVID-19 transmission (1) inherent in the sport or recreation activity itself and (2) associated with the “type of play” (e.g. individual practice vs. game). Sports and recreational activities are categorized by NYSDOH as “low” risk, “moderate” risk, and “high” risk.

   

  Low Risk (NYSDOH)

  Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field

  Low-risk sports and recreation activities are characterized by:

  • Greatest ability to maintain physical distance and/or be performed individually;

  • Greatest ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect any equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all.

     

    Moderate Risk (NYSDOH)

    Baseball, Softball, Soccer

    Moderate-risk sports and recreation activities are characterized by:

  • Limited ability to maintain physical distance and/or be done individually;

  • Limited ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all.

     

    High Risk (NYSDOH)

    Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Wrestling

    High-risk sports and recreation activities are characterized by:

  • Least ability to maintain physical distance and/or be done individually;

  • Least ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all.

     

    Note: Risk definitions are subject to change pending future COVID-19 pandemic guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the New York State Department of Health, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

       

    BASKETBALL PROTOCOLS

    The NYSDOH has determined that Basketball is a high-risk sport (least ability to maintain physical distance and/or be performed individually; least ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect any equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all). The following protocols apply to both practices and games.

     

    Considerations for Coaches

  • Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

  • Consider conducting workouts in “cohorts” of same students, always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

  • Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each activity in case contact tracing is required.

  • Social distancing is required at all times.

  • Wear face coverings at all times. Face coverings must cover nose and mouth.

     

    Coaches will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Follow directions on COVID questionnaire regarding their attendance that day.

  • Help other coaches identify student-athletes who should not be in the gymnasium (must leave immediately).

  • Communicate directly with the athletic director before starting activities for the day to assure that all procedures have been completed with student-athletes and coaches.

  • Enforce social distancing of athletes at all times when not in play.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Immediately stop any activity for the day if guidelines are not being followed.

     

    Considerations for Student-Athletes

  • Each student-athlete is responsible for their own supplies. Sharing of personal items is prohibited at all times.

  • Students must wear own appropriate clothing (no shared items); all clothing/towels must be washed/cleaned after every activity immediately upon returning home.

     

    Student-Athletes will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Wear face coverings unless they can’t tolerate them during physical activity.

  • Follow the directions of the screeners at ALL TIMES.

  • Refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

      

    Considerations for Parents

  • Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

  • Make sure their student-athletes complete the daily COVID screening.

  • Pick up their child immediately if contacted regarding possibility that child has COVID-19 symptoms regardless of location (home or away practices and games).

  • Get medical clearance for their child to participate in activities, if directed by the District.

  • At this time, spectators are not permitted. However, the District shall schedule a Senior Night in which each senior will be permitted two (2) guests.

    Parents will:

  • Follow the NYSDOH guidance if permitted to attend as spectator (two per participant).

  • Check in with assigned staff upon entry.

  • Abide by rules for social distancing and refrain from congregating with others at the facility.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Wash hands/use hand sanitizer frequently.

    Cleaning Procedures & Locker Rooms

  • All areas and equipment used by participants must be disinfected.

  • Rigorously clean and disinfect any shared equipment (e.g. basketballs) between uses.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

  • Remind players and coaches to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.

  • Use of locker rooms will be limited to 5 athletes at one time with social distancing, and are limited to 10 minutes of use. Separate locker rooms will be used for home and away teams. Athletes are encouraged to arrive to practices and contests dressed for play.

  • Proper social distancing must be practiced in all bathrooms.

  • Use of locker rooms to change after games is prohibited.

  • Everyone in attendance must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

    Screening Process

  • All student-athletes and coaches will be screened prior to practice or competition, regardless of their attendance at school that day or other pre-screening mechanisms.

  • Screening will include temperature checks, monitoring of symptoms, Covid Questionnaire

    Failed Screenings

  • The designated screener will send the student-athlete home immediately and will communicate with parents/guardians. Should an athlete become symptomatic during an event, the athlete will be immediately isolated with supervision until a parent/guardian can remove the student.

  • The designated screener will notify coaches of the athlete’s participation status.

  • Student-athletes will be required to obtain a medical clearance from a physician to return to activity.

     

     

    BASKETBALL IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES 

     

    Arrival Procedures

  • All student-athletes will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival. Each athlete will have his/her temperature scanning upon arrival.

  • Officials will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival.

  • Officials will use the coach’s office one at a time to maintain social distancing.

  • All visiting teams arriving on buses will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance) and will enter separately from DA’s team.

  • All students must wear face coverings while disembarking the buses and entering the building.

  • Athletes will be verbally dismissed from the buses by the driver, one row at a time, to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • Each visiting coach must submit to the home coach a team roster for review before entering the building, including each athlete’s name, phone, emergency contact, and affirmation of COVID screening.

  • Daily attendance will be emailed to coaches notifying which students were absent and which cohort was present that day.

  • Guest schools will be screened by their home districts. No locker rooms will be used, with the exception of special accommodation requests. Access bags and clothes will be in a designated area behind their team bench.

  • Spectators are not allowed unless otherwise determined under special circumstances.

  • Athletes should avoid carpooling to and from contests and practices if possible.

  • Athletes are required to take district transportation to and from away contests.

     

    Activity Procedures

  • If spectators are allowed, restrict facility capacity to no more than two per player.

  • Gate list must be provided by both schools to ensure occupancy rules are enforced.

  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by coaches and spectators (if allowed).

  • Enforce social distancing of at least six feet by spectators (if allowed).

  • Spectators, if allowed, will have to sit in designated areas.

  • Coaches, staff, and officials must wear face coverings at all times.

  • Individual chairs will be available for bench players, who must be six feet apart and wear face coverings. Everyone must remain in their same chair for the duration of the game.

  • Coaches will have a designated area six feet from others by the sideline while play is live.

  • Support staff (scorekeepers, clock operators, trainers, etc.) will be seated six feet from others (utilize two score tables) and must remain in the same chair.

  • All participants must refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

  • No concession stand.

  • Overnight travel is prohibited.

     

    Departure Procedures

  • All spectators (if permitted) will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Visitor Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All walkers and those who self-transport will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All students departing on buses will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Sports Entrance).

  • All bused students must wear face coverings while exiting the building and boarding the buses. Dismissal will be staggered to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • All officials will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Locker Room Entrance).

  • Team dinners following away games are prohibited. Buses will not stop on the way to/from contests.

     

    Cleaning Procedures

  • Properly clean basketballs with disinfectant at conclusion of play.

  • Use of newly cleaned basketballs on a regular basis is encouraged.

  • Locker rooms will be disinfected to meet NYSDOH guidelines after every use.

  • Everyone in attendance – participants, coaches, game personnel, officials, spectators, trainers, etc. – must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure. Hand sanitizer will be available at the venue, if needed.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located near the scorer’s table, as well as both team benches, and readily accessible throughout practices and games.

     

     

             

    FOOTBALL PROTOCOLS

     

    The NYSDOH has determined that Football is a high-risk sport (least ability to maintain physical distance and/or be performed individually; least ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect any equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all). The following protocols apply to both practices and games.

     

    Considerations for Coaches

  • Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

  • Consider conducting workouts in “cohorts” of same students, always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

  • Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each activity in case contact tracing is required.

  • Social distancing is required at all times.

  • Wear face coverings at all times. Face coverings must cover nose and mouth.

     

    Coaches will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Follow directions on COVID questionnaire regarding their attendance that day.

  • Help other coaches identify student-athletes who should not be in the gymnasium (must leave immediately).

  • Communicate directly with the athletic director before starting activities for the day to assure that all procedures have been completed with student-athletes and coaches.

  • Enforce social distancing of athletes at all times when not in play.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Immediately stop any activity for the day if guidelines are not being followed.

     

    Considerations for Student-Athletes

  • Each student-athlete is responsible for their own supplies. Sharing of personal items is prohibited at all times, including any personal equipment provided by the District.

  • Students must wear own appropriate clothing (no shared items); all clothing/towels must be washed/cleaned after every activity immediately upon returning home.

     

    Student-Athletes will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Wear face coverings unless they can’t tolerate them during physical activity.

  • Follow the directions of the screeners at ALL TIMES.

  • Refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact out of play).

    Considerations for Parents

  • Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

  • Make sure their student-athletes complete the daily COVID screening.

  • Pick up their child immediately if contacted regarding possibility that child has COVID-19 symptoms regardless of location (home or away practices and games).

  • Get medical clearance for their child to participate in activities, if directed by the District.

  • At this time, spectators are not permitted. However, the District shall schedule a Senior Night in which each senior will be permitted two (2) guests.

    Parents will:

  • Follow the NYSDOH guidance if permitted to attend as spectator (two per participant).

  • Check in with assigned staff upon entry.

  • Abide by rules for social distancing and refrain from congregating with others at the facility.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Wash hands/use hand sanitizer frequently.

    Cleaning Procedures & Locker Rooms

  • All areas and equipment used by participants must be disinfected.

  • Rigorously clean and disinfect any shared equipment (e.g. footballs) between uses.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

  • Remind players and coaches to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.

  • Use of locker rooms will be limited to 5 athletes at one time with social distancing, and are limited to 10 minutes of use. Separate locker rooms will be used for home and away teams. Athletes are encouraged to arrive to practices and contests dressed for play.

  • Proper social distancing must be practiced in all bathrooms.

  • Use of locker rooms to change after games is prohibited.

  • Everyone in attendance must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure.

  • Disinfect chairs and tables (Press Box, sidelines, etc.) between uses.

     

    Screening Process

  • All student-athletes and coaches will be screened prior to practice or competition, regardless of their attendance at school that day or other pre-screening mechanisms.

  • Screening will include temperature checks, monitoring of symptoms, COVID Questionnaire

     

    Failed Screenings

  • The designated screener will send the student-athlete home immediately and will communicate with parents/guardians. Should an athlete become symptomatic during an event, the athlete will be immediately isolated with supervision until a parent/guardian can remove the student.

  • The designated screener will notify coaches of the athlete’s participation status.

  • Student-athletes will be required to obtain a medical clearance from a physician to return to activity.

     

    FOOTBALL IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

     

    Arrival Procedures

  • All student-athletes will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival. Each athlete will have his/her temperature scanning upon arrival.

  • Officials will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival.

  • Officials will use the coach’s office one at a time to maintain social distancing.

  • All visiting teams arriving on buses will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance) and will enter separately from DA’s team.

  • All students must wear face coverings while disembarking the buses and entering the building.

  • Athletes will be verbally dismissed from the buses by the driver, one row at a time, to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • Each visiting coach must submit to the home coach a team roster for review before entering the building, including each athlete’s name, phone, emergency contact, and affirmation of Covid screening.

  • Daily attendance will be emailed to coaches notifying which students were absent and which cohort was present that day.

  • Guest schools will be screened by their home districts. No locker rooms will be used, with the exception of special accommodation requests. Access bags and clothes will be in a designated area behind their team bench.

  • Spectators are not allowed unless otherwise determined under special circumstances.

  • Athletes should avoid carpooling to and from contests and practices if possible.

  • Athletes are required to take district transportation to and from away contests.

     

    Activity Procedures

  • If spectators are allowed, restrict facility capacity based on NYSDOH regulations for outdoor events and gatherings.

  • Gate list must be provided by both schools to ensure occupancy rules are enforced.

  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by coaches and spectators (if allowed).

  • Enforce social distancing of at least six feet by spectators (if allowed).

  • Spectators, if allowed, will have to sit in designated areas.

  • Coaches, staff, and officials must wear face coverings at all times.

  • Individual chairs will be available for bench players, who must be six feet apart and wear face coverings. Everyone must remain in their same chair for the duration of the game.

  • Coaches will have a designated area six feet from others by the sideline while play is live.

  • Support staff (scorekeepers, clock operators, trainers, etc.) will be seated six feet from others (home team only in Press Box) and must remain in the same chair.

  • All participants must refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

  • No concession stand.

  • Overnight travel is prohibited.

     

    Departure Procedures

  • All spectators (if permitted) will exit the field utilizing one designated point of exit. Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All visiting student-athletes will exit the field and return directly to their bus. Personal items should remain on the bus as return into the building will not be permitted.

  • All DA Athletes will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All bused students must wear face coverings while exiting the building and boarding the buses. Dismissal will be staggered to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • All officials will exit the field utilizing one designated location.

  • Team dinners following away games are prohibited. Buses will not stop on the way to/from contests.

     

    Cleaning Procedures

  • Properly clean footballs and other equipment with disinfectant at conclusion of play.

  • Use of newly cleaned footballs on a regular basis is encouraged.

  • Locker rooms will be disinfected to meet NYSDOH guidelines after every use.

  • Everyone in attendance – participants, coaches, game personnel, officials, spectators, trainers, etc. – must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure. Hand sanitizer will be available at the venue, if needed.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located near the entrance to the field, as well as both team benches, and readily accessible throughout practices and games.

    

     

    VOLLEYBALL PROTOCOLS

     

    General Considerations

     

    The NYSDOH has determined that Volleyball is a high-risk sport (least ability to maintain physical distance and/or be performed individually; least ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect any equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all). The following protocols apply to both practices and games.

     

    Considerations for Coaches

  • Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

  • Consider conducting workouts in “cohorts” of same students, always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

  • Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each activity in case contact tracing is required.

  • Social distancing is required at all times.

  • Wear face coverings at all times. Face coverings must cover nose and mouth.

     

    Coaches will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Follow directions on COVID questionnaire regarding their attendance that day.

  • Help other coaches identify student-athletes who should not be in the gymnasium (must leave immediately).

  • Communicate directly with the athletic director before starting activities for the day to assure that all procedures have been completed with student-athletes and coaches.

  • Enforce social distancing of athletes at all times when not in play.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Immediately stop any activity for the day if guidelines are not being followed.

     

    Considerations for Student-Athletes

  • Each student-athlete is responsible for their own supplies. Sharing of personal items is prohibited at all times.

  • Students must wear own appropriate clothing (no shared items); all clothing/towels must be washed/cleaned after every activity immediately upon returning home.

     

    Student-Athletes will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Wear face coverings unless they can’t tolerate them during physical activity.

  • Follow the directions of the screeners at ALL TIMES.

  • Refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

    Considerations for Parents

  • Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

  • Make sure their student-athletes complete the daily COVID screening.

  • Pick up their child immediately if contacted regarding possibility that child has COVID-19 symptoms regardless of location (home or away practices and games).

  • Get medical clearance for their child to participate in activities, if directed by the District.

  • At this time, spectators are not permitted. However, the District shall schedule a Senior Night in which each senior will be permitted two (2) guests.

    Parents will:

  • Follow the NYSDOH guidance if permitted to attend as spectator (two per participant).

  • Check in with assigned staff upon entry.

  • Abide by rules for social distancing and refrain from congregating with others at the facility.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Wash hands/use hand sanitizer frequently.

     

    Cleaning Procedures & Locker Rooms

  • All areas and equipment used by participants must be disinfected.

  • Rigorously clean and disinfect any shared equipment (e.g. volleyballs) between uses.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

  • Remind players and coaches to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.

  • Use of locker rooms will be limited to 5 athletes at one time with social distancing, and are limited to 10 minutes of use. Separate locker rooms will be used for home and away teams. Athletes are encouraged to arrive to practices and contests dressed for play.

  • Proper social distancing must be practiced in all bathrooms.

  • Use of locker rooms to change after games is prohibited.

  • Everyone in attendance must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

     

    Screening Process

  • All student-athletes and coaches will be screened prior to practice or competition, regardless of their attendance at school that day or other pre-screening mechanisms.

  • Screening will include temperature checks, monitoring of symptoms, COVID Questionnaire

     

    Failed Screenings

  • The designated screener will send the student-athlete home immediately and will communicate with parents/guardians. Should an athlete become symptomatic during an event, the athlete will be immediately isolated with supervision until a parent/guardian can remove the student.

  • The designated screener will notify coaches of the athlete’s participation status.

  • Student-athletes will be required to obtain a medical clearance from a physician to return to activity.

     

    VOLLEYBALL IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

     

    Arrival Procedures

  • All student-athletes will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival. Each athlete will have his/her temperature scanning upon arrival.

  • Officials will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival.

  • Officials will use the coach’s office one at a time to maintain social distancing.

  • All visiting teams arriving on buses will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance) and will enter separately from DA’s team.

  • All students must wear face coverings while disembarking the buses and entering the building.

  • Athletes will be verbally dismissed from the buses by the driver, one row at a time, to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • Each visiting coach must submit to the home coach a team roster for review before entering the building, including each athlete’s name, phone, emergency contact, and affirmation of COVID screening.

  • Daily attendance will be emailed to coaches notifying which students were absent and which cohort was present that day.

  • Guest schools will be screened by their home districts. No locker rooms will be used, with the exception of special accommodation requests. Access bags and clothes will be in a designated area behind their team bench.

  • Spectators are not allowed unless otherwise determined under special circumstances.

  • Athletes should avoid carpooling to and from contests and practices if possible.

  • Athletes are required to take district transportation to and from away contests.

     

    Activity Procedures

  • If spectators are allowed, restrict facility capacity to no more than two per player.

  • Gate list must be provided by both schools to ensure occupancy rules are enforced.

  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by coaches and spectators (if allowed).

  • Enforce social distancing of at least six feet by spectators (if allowed).

  • Spectators, if allowed, will have to sit in designated areas.

  • Coaches, staff, and officials must wear face coverings at all times.

  • Individual chairs will be available for bench players, who must be six feet apart and wear face coverings. Everyone must remain in their same chair for the duration of the game.

  • Coaches will have a designated area six feet from others by the sideline while play is live.

  • Support staff (scorekeepers, clock operators, trainers, etc.) will be seated six feet from others (utilize two score tables) and must remain in the same chair.

  • All participants must refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

  • No concession stand.

  • Overnight travel is prohibited.

     

    Departure Procedures

  • All spectators (if permitted) will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Visitor Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All walkers and those who self-transport will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All students departing on buses will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Sports Entrance).

  • All bused students must wear face coverings while exiting the building and boarding the buses. Dismissal will be staggered to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • All officials will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Locker Room Entrance).

  • Team dinners following away games are prohibited. Buses will not stop on the way to/from contests.

     

    Cleaning Procedures

  • Properly clean volleyballs with disinfectant at conclusion of play.

  • Use of newly cleaned volleyballs on a regular basis is encouraged.

  • Locker rooms will be disinfected to meet NYSDOH guidelines after every use.

  • Everyone in attendance – participants, coaches, game personnel, officials, spectators, trainers, etc. – must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure. Hand sanitizer will be available at the venue, if needed.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located near the scorer’s table, as well as both team benches, and readily accessible throughout practices and games.

     

     

     

  • WRESTLING PROTOCOLS

  •  

    General Considerations

     

    The NYSDOH has determined that Wrestling is a high-risk sport (least ability to maintain physical distance and/or be performed individually; least ability to (1) avoid touching of shared equipment, (2) clean and disinfect any equipment between uses by different individuals, or (3) not use shared equipment at all). The following protocols apply to both practices and games.

     

    Considerations for Coaches

  • Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

  • Consider conducting workouts in “cohorts” of same students, same partners in similar weight class, always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure.

  • Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each activity in case contact tracing is required.

  • Social distancing is required at all times when not wrestling.

  • Wear face coverings at all times, except when actively wrestling. Face coverings must cover nose and mouth.

     

    Coaches will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Follow directions on COVID questionnaire regarding their attendance that day.

  • Help other coaches identify student-athletes who should not be in the gymnasium (must leave immediately).

  • Communicate directly with the athletic director before starting activities for the day to assure that all procedures have been completed with student-athletes and coaches.

  • Enforce social distancing of athletes at all times when not in play.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Immediately stop any activity for the day if guidelines are not being followed.

     

    Considerations for Student-Athletes

  • Each student-athlete is responsible for their own supplies. Sharing of personal items is prohibited at all times.

  • Students must wear own appropriate clothing (no shared items); all clothing/towels must be washed/cleaned after every activity immediately upon returning home.

     

    Student-Athletes will:

  • Complete the daily COVID questionnaire before their arrival to the facility.

  • Wear face coverings unless they can’t tolerate them during physical activity.

  • Follow the directions of the screeners at ALL TIMES.

  • Refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

    Considerations for Parents

  • Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

  • Make sure their student-athletes complete the daily COVID screening.

  • Pick up their child immediately if contacted regarding possibility that child has COVID-19 symptoms regardless of location (home or away practices and games).

  • Get medical clearance for their child to participate in activities, if directed by the District.

  • At this time, spectators are not permitted. However, the District shall schedule a Senior Night in which each senior will be permitted two (2) guests.

    Parents will:

  • Follow the NYSDOH guidance if permitted to attend as spectator (two per participant).

  • Check in with assigned staff upon entry.

  • Abide by rules for social distancing and refrain from congregating with others at the facility.

  • Wear a face covering at all times.

  • Wash hands/use hand sanitizer frequently.

    Cleaning Procedures & Locker Rooms

  • All areas, mats, and equipment used by participants must be disinfected frequently and between matches. Mats should be rotated between matches to facilitate disinfection of opposite mat.

  • Disinfect shared chairs and tables (scorer’s table and bench chairs) between uses.

  • Remind players and coaches to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.

  • Use of locker rooms will be limited to 5 athletes at one time with social distancing, and are limited to 10 minutes of use. Separate locker rooms will be used for home and away teams. Athletes are encouraged to arrive to practices and contests dressed for play.

  • Proper social distancing must be practiced in all bathrooms.

  • Use of locker rooms to change after games is prohibited.

  • Everyone in attendance must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure.

     

    Screening Process

  • All student-athletes and coaches will be screened prior to practice or competition, regardless of their attendance at school that day or other pre-screening mechanisms.

  • Screening will include temperature checks, monitoring of symptoms, COVID Questionnaire

     

    Failed Screenings

  • The designated screener will send the student-athlete home immediately and will communicate with parents/guardians. Should an athlete become symptomatic during an event, the athlete will be immediately isolated with supervision until a parent/guardian can remove the student.

  • The designated screener will notify coaches of the athlete’s participation status.

  • Student-athletes will be required to obtain a medical clearance from a physician to return to activity.

     

    Arrival Procedures

  • All student-athletes will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival. Each athlete will have his/her temperature scanning upon arrival.

  • Officials will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required upon arrival.

  • Officials will use the coach’s office one at a time to maintain social distancing.

  • All visiting teams arriving on buses will enter the building utilizing one designated point of entry (Sports Entrance) and will enter separately from DA’s team.

  • All students must wear face coverings while disembarking the buses and entering the building.

  • Athletes will be verbally dismissed from the buses by the driver, one row at a time, to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • Each visiting coach must submit to the home coach a team roster for review before entering the building, including each athlete’s name, phone, emergency contact, and affirmation of COVID screening.

  • Daily attendance will be emailed to coaches notifying which students were absent and which cohort was present that day.

  • Guest schools will be screened by their home districts. No locker rooms will be used, with the exception of special accommodation requests. Access bags and clothes will be in a designated area behind their team bench.

  • Spectators are not allowed unless otherwise determined under special circumstances.

  • Athletes should avoid carpooling to and from contests and practices if possible.

  • Athletes are required to take district transportation to and from away contests.

     

    Activity Procedures

  • If spectators are allowed, restrict facility capacity to no more than two per player.

  • Gate list must be provided by both schools to ensure occupancy rules are enforced.

  • Face coverings must be worn at all times by coaches and spectators (if allowed).

  • Enforce social distancing of at least six feet by spectators (if allowed).

  • Spectators, if allowed, will have to sit in designated areas.

  • Coaches, staff, and officials must wear face coverings at all times.

  • Individual chairs will be available for bench players, who must be six feet apart and wear face coverings. Everyone must remain in their same chair for the duration of the game.

  • Coaches will have a designated area six feet from others by the sideline while play is live.

  • Support staff (scorekeepers, clock operators, trainers, etc.) will be seated six feet from others (utilize two score tables) and must remain in the same chair.

  • All participants must refrain from hugging, hand-shaking, fist-bumping, etc. (i.e. no contact).

  • No concession stand.

  • Overnight travel is prohibited.

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    Activity Procedures (continued)

  • Athletes must wash hands or sanitize before and after every match. (Only contact should be the opponent of the opposing school).

     

    Departure Procedures

  • All spectators (if permitted) will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Visitor Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All walkers and those who self-transport will exit the building utilizing one designated point of exit (Sports Entrance). Face coverings and proper social distancing are required when departing grounds.

  • All students departing on buses will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Sports Entrance).

  • All bused students must wear face coverings while exiting the building and boarding the buses. Dismissal will be staggered to maintain proper social distancing (front-back).

  • All officials will exit the building utilizing one designated location (Locker Room Entrance).

  • Team dinners following away games are prohibited. Buses will not stop on the way to/from contests.

     

    Cleaning Procedures

  • Locker rooms will be disinfected to meet NYSDOH guidelines after every use.

  • Everyone in attendance – participants, coaches, game personnel, officials, spectators, trainers, etc. – must wash their hands for minimum 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure. Hand sanitizer will be available at the venue, if needed.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located near the scorer’s table, as well as both team benches, and readily accessible throughout practices and games.

  • Disinfect head gear and mats before and after each match.

PROCESS FOR REPORTING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Delaware Academy understands that you may have additional questions or feel the need to express concerns related to the implementation of this plan. It is our expectation that this plan is implemented with fidelity. This means that all stakeholders – student-athletes, coaches, parents, officials, spectators, and all district personnel – are responsible for adhering to this set of regulations and protocols. Should you feel that we are falling short of this expectation, you may confidentially report your concerns to: