Athletics Health & Safety Plan

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INDEX Introduction …………………………………………………………………….. 3 Points of Contact ……………………………………………………………….. 3 General Considerations ………………………………………………………… 3 Considerations for Coaches ……………………………………………………. 4 Considerations for Athletes ……………………………………………………. 5 Classification of Sports …………………………………………………………. 5 Pre-workout Procedures ………………………………………………………... 5 Screening Procedures …………………………………………………………… 6 Positive Cases of COVID-19 ……………………………………………………. 6 Cleaning Procedure ……………………………………………………………. 7 Gathering Sizes …………………………………………………………………. 8 Return to Play …………………………………………………………………... 8 Phase 1 Phase 2 A Phase 2 B Phase 3 Other Recommendations ……………………………………………………….. 11 Transportation Social Distancing during Contests/Events/Activities Overnight/Out of State Events/ Events in COVID-19 Hot Spots Athletic Training Education Fundraising Guidance Camps Task Force Committee …………………………………………………………… 14 Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………. 15 Waiver Symptom Check Cleaning Log Resources

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INTRODUCTION This document is intended to guide members of Bensalem Township School District (BTSD) Athletics on recommendations for the reopening of our athletic programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with Governor Wolf’s Guidance for All Sports to Operate during the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Document, which permits K-12 schools under the PIAA to resume athletics.

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 BTSD will take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal,

state, and local governments, CDC, PA DOH, Bucks County DOH, as well as the NFHS and PIAA. The BTSD 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. POINTS OF CONTACT Geoffrey Per Taylor Tomlinson Athletic Director Head Athletic Trainer & Assistant Athletic Director gper@bensalemsd.org ttomlinson@bensalemsd.org 215-750-2800 ext. 3040 215-750-2800 ext. 3676 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• All off-season workouts are open and voluntary. • While there is still an inherent risk of infection for those participating, everyone in

attendance should be actively working towards decreasing the risk of transmission to others.

• Events will be scheduled to ensure adequate time for all participants to leave the facility before the next group arrives. As a result, everyone should arrive and leave at the same scheduled time.

• Athletes, Coaches, and Staff should 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.

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• 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 • Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees, and

families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures • PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or

determined by local/state governments. • Identify Staff and students who may be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

due to underlying medical conditions such as: o Age 65 or older o Lung disease, moderate-severe asthma o Serious heart conditions o May be immunocompromised o Obesity o Diabetes o Kidney or liver disease

CONSIDERATIONS FOR COACHES

• Design actives that allow for risk mitigation strategies (social distancing, hand hygiene, etc.).

• Design activities to resume in a gradual fashion to avoid overuse injuries and exertional/heat-related illnesses.

o Consider that all athletes have some level of detraining and may not be returning at the same fitness level and activities may need to be adjusted accordingly.

• Break time may need to be increased and/or staggered to accommodate social distancing and hand washing.

• Follow all employee guidelines according to BTSD. • Coaches must stay until all members of their workout have left property. • Notification of any use of Bensalem High School facilities must be given to the athletics

department prior to use. • Coaches will wear masks when within 3 feet of another person (athlete or another coach) • Coaches will clean all equipment before, during and after practice. They will document

all cleaning and report it to the Athletic Department. • Coaches will provide an attendance list after each workout to the Athletics Department

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CONSIDERATIONS FOR ATHLETES

• Gradually work up intensity of activity. • Communicate all health and fitness-related concerns with coaches and athletic trainers. • Athletes should arrive prepared to participate and avoid congregation before the workout.

Athletes should leave immediately after the workout is over. • Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva will not be permitted including:

chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds. CLASSIFICATION OF SPORTS High Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants. Examples: football, wrestling, cheerleading (stunts) Moderate Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR intermittent close contact OR group sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between participants. Examples: basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, pole vault, high jump, long jump, 7 on 7 football Low Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between uses by competitors. Examples: running events, cross country, throwing events, swimming, golf, weightlifting, sideline cheer

*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.

PRE-WORKOUT PROCEDURES

• All coaches in attendance must complete educational training on COVID-19 symptoms and risk mitigation strategies prior to the first workout.

• All athletes and coaches in attendance must complete screening prior to workout. o Anyone with positive findings on the screening will not be permitted to stay for

the workout, even as a spectator. o Anyone with positive findings must have documentation from a physician to

return to workouts. o Athletic Trainer will conduct screenings and report anyone with positive findings

to the athletic department. o Coaches must review screening document at the start of each workout and

confirm that everyone in attendance has completed the screening that day. • Coaches must maintain accurate attendance of each workout and submit an attendance

list to the athletics department immediately after practice. • Athletes and coaches must use hand sanitizer and/or wash hands before practice, and as

needed throughout practice (at breaks). • Each athlete must have their own water bottle. No coolers, shared water bottles, or

hydration stations will be used. Water fountains will not be available. SCREENING PROCEDURES

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• Any athletes, coaches or staff members who believe they may be sick should remain

home. o Coaches should work on a communication plan in the event that a workout needs

to be cancelled on short notice. • Screening Survey Questions:

o In the past 72 hours, have you experienced signs or symptoms of respiratory illness including fever of 100.4 F or greater, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath?

o In the past 72 hours, has anyone in your household experienced signs or symptoms of respiratory illness?

o In the past 14 days, have you had close contact (i.e. within 6 feet for more than a few minutes) with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, is in the process of being tested for COVID-19, is isolating as a result of suspected COVID-19 infection, or is experiencing acute symptoms of COVID-19?

• If “yes” to any of these questions or you are concerned that you may be ill, remain home. o The athletic trainer will contact parents of athletes who have answered ‘yes’ to

any question. o At a minimum, students will need to be withheld from workouts for 72 hours.

Additionally, students may need to be cleared by a physician to return depending on severity and length of symptoms.

• Athletes who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and have since recovered should receive clearance from the treating health care provider and notify coaches and athletic trainers when an appropriate return to play plan can be established.

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 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)

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• 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

• In the event a student or coach falls ill, the athletic trainer will notify the superintendent, principal, Athletic Director, and Director or Pupil services. The superintendent, or designee, will contact the Bucks County Department of Health and notify them of all positive COVID 19 tests.

• The Bucks County Department of Health will work with the superintendent or designee to determine the length of time an individual should be removed from the school/workouts. The Bucks Country Department of Healthy will issue guidance on temporary suspension of all activity if warranted based on a positive COVID 19 case.

What to do if a student or staff become ill with COVID-19 symptoms during practice, event, or during transportation to or from an event?

• Every effort will be made to isolate the ill individual from others, until the student or staff member can leave the school or event

• If student, 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

• Those in close contact of any known exposure to COVID-19 will be informed. Return of student or staff to athletics following a COVID-19 diagnosis?

• Student or staff should have medical clearance from their physician or appropriate healthcare professional, determined to be non-contagious, fever free (without fever-reducing medicine), improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath), no vomiting or diarrhea.

Cleaning of contaminated areas

• Closing off areas visited by the person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19 • Opening outside doors and windows and using ventilation fans to circulate are in the area • Cleaning and disinfecting all shared areas such as bathrooms and shared equipment.

CLEANING PROCEDURE The facilities & maintenance department will clean all touched surfaces after every workout. They will be available to clean during workouts if needed. Bathrooms will be cleaned on a regular basis. High touched areas will be cleaned multiple times throughout the day. Coaches are responsible for cleaning all sport equipment (basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, pads, etc.) The facilities & maintenance department will provide each team with the following:

• Container for all cleaning supplies

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• Gloves for coaches to clean • Sanitizing spray and wipes • Hand sanitizer • Trash cans at all facilities

GATHERING SIZES Red- No sports allowed Yellow- Groups of 25 or less (including coaches & staff) Green- Groups of 250 or 50% of capacity (whichever is less) (including coaches & staff) per field/location If the school is closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, sports will be suspended as well until school resumes. The school will work with BTSD and the Bucks County Department of Health to determine when this would be. RETURN TO PLAY PHASES PHASE 1 (Yellow)

• Pre-workout Screening o All coaches & students will be screened with questions and temperature checks

• Limitation of gatherings o Workouts should be in pods of students (5-10 per pod) working together at a time o Minimum of 6 feet distance between individuals at all times

• Cleaning o All equipment and facilities will be cleaned before, during and after use.

• Physical Activity and Equipment: o No shared equipment o Students must bring their own water bottles o No sharing of water bottles, clothing, towels. o Conditioning and individual non-contact drills with focus on individual skill

building versus competition o No group huddles o No indoor facilities (including locker rooms) o Face coverings required by all adults and athletes when they arrive and leave and

during downtime. o Team meetings should take place on a virtual platform

PHASE 2 (A & B during Green)

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Phase 2A (start of sports, focus on the new normal)

• Phase 2 will be required for all sports starting for a minimum of a 2-week period • Pre-workout Screening

o All coaches and athletes will be screened for signs & symptoms of COVID-19 including questionnaire and temperature checks

• Limitation on gatherings o Limit to 50 people outside o No indoor facilities used

• Cleaning o Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic

facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases. o Individuals should wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm

water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts. o Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available to individuals as they transfer

from place to place. o Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing

immediately upon returning to home. • Physical Activity and Equipment

o Conditioning, individual drills and small group drills focus on limiting contact in close contact sports (no scrimmages)

o No group huddles § Instruction must be given in a way that maintains social distancing § Stretching, warm up and warm down must be done in a way that maintains

social distancing § Drills should be done in groups of 10 or less

o No indoor facilities will be used during this time (locker rooms, weight room, gym)

§ Indoor sports should work outdoors on conditioning and drills o No spectators or parents allowed at workouts o Limit shared objects only to those required for sport (football, basketballs, soccer

balls, etc). o Athletes should bring their own water and avoid sharing clothing o All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned intermittently during

practices and contests. o Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices. o Face coverings required for coaches and staff within 3 feet of another person

Phase 2B (after minimum of two week 2A period, focus on training & return to sport)

• Pre-workout Screening o All coaches and athletes will be screened for signs & symptoms of COVID-19

including questionnaire and temperature checks o Any person who has had a fever or cold symptoms within 24 hours should not

take part in workouts o Record of all individuals resent must be kept

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• Size of gatherings o Limit to 50 people outside, 25 people inside. o When not directly participating in practices or contests, care should be taken to

maintain a minimum distance of 3 to 6 feet between each individual. • Cleaning

o Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases.

o Prior to an individual or groups of individuals entering a facility, hard surfaces within that facility should be wiped down and sanitized (chairs, furniture in meeting rooms, locker rooms, weight room equipment, bathrooms, athletic training room tables, etc.).

o Individuals should wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or participating in workouts.

o Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available to individuals as they transfer from place to place.

o Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.

o Weight room § Coaches and athletes will wipe down all equipment touched after each use

• Physical Activity and Equipment o Conditioning, individual drills and small group drills focus on limiting contact in

close contact sports (no scrimmages) o No group huddles

§ Instruction must be given in a way that maintains social distancing § Stretching, warm up and warm down must be done in a way that maintains

social distancing o Indoor facilities may begin being used, but at limited capacity

§ Limit inside facilities to 25 people o No spectators or parents allowed at workouts o Limit shared objects only to those required for sport (football, basketballs, soccer

balls, etc). o Athletes should bring their own water and avoid sharing clothing o All athletic equipment, including balls, should be cleaned intermittently during

practices and contests. o Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices. o Weight room will be open for use, pending custodial resources o Face coverings required for coaches and staff within 3 feet of another person

PHASE 3 (start of season, August 10th) All policies and procedures after August 10th will be amended to follow the most recent COVID-19 information, in conjunction with the PIAA, NFHS, NATA, CDC, PDE and Bucks County Department of Health.

• Pre-workout screening o Any person who has had a fever or cold symptoms in the past 24 hours should not

be allowed to participate o A record of all individuals should be present

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• Size of gatherings o Limit to 250 or 50% capacity, whichever is less o When not directly participating, care should be taken to maintain a minimum

distance of 3 to 6 feet between individuals. • Cleaning

o Prior to individuals entering a facility or using equipment, everything should be wiped down and sanitized.

o Weight room § Coaches and athletes will wipe down all equipment touched after each use

• Physical activity and equipment o No limitation on contact drills or inter-squad scrimmages o Limit group huddles when possible for instruction o Face coverings required for coaches and staff within 3 feet of another person o Spectators/parents may be limited or restricted based on gathering limitations for

scrimmages and competitions o Limit shared objects to those only required for sport (footballs, basketballs, etc)

§ Team equipment should be cleaned at the conclusion of each session by coaching staff

o Athletes should bring their own water supply • Return to Games

o The athletics department will await information from the PIAA with more information about the start of the season

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: 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 • Everyone on bus must wear a mask

These potential modifications will be determined by the school district, bus companies, Department of Education, State and Local governments.

Social Distancing during Contests/Events/Activities

• Sidelines/Bench – appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained on sidelines/bench during contests and events, as deemed necessary by the school, PIAA, state and local governments. Consider using tape or paint as a guide for students and coaches.

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Who should be allowed at events? Group people into tiers from essential to non-essential and decide which will be allowed at an event:

1. Tier 1 (Essential) – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security

2. Tier 2 (Preferred) – Media 3. 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 facility and will be determined as more recommendations are released by the local/state governments.

Overnight/Out of State Events/ Events in COVID-19 Hot Spots

• The BTSD will evaluate each event and follow all local/state government guidelines on a case by case basis. Every consideration will be taken as to not expose students to unnecessary or potential high-risk exposure.

Athletic Training

• Services o Athletic trainers in high schools are positioned to play a vital role as sports return

following this pandemic. As health-care professionals, they can take lead roles in developing and implementing infection control policy throughout the school. Whenever needed, state associations should promote the importance of athletic trainers in high schools and their role in injury evaluation, treatment and risk minimization as well as being a vital component of any return-to-school and athletics plan.

• Additional Duties o Temperature checks for all coaches & athletes o Health screening questionnaire for all coaches & athletes

• Daily Athletic Training Room Entry/Exit Procedures - o Required- Athletic Trainer will wear masks in the Athletic Training Room and in

areas where distancing is limited inside or outside per company directives. o Athletic Trainer must practice proper hand hygiene before and after each athlete

interaction. Additionally, each athlete shall be instructed in hand hygiene and demonstrate hand washing upon arrival to the training room and prior to departure. Suggestion to wear gloves during all evaluations and hands on treatment when applicable. Face Shields and gowns would be available where procedures that are likely to generate splashes of blood /body fluids could be present.

o Upon entry into athletic training room, athletes must maintain social distancing guidelines, (ex. waiting within 6 feet of each other) prior to entry permission.

o Athletic training room capacity would be determined per social distancing guidelines and room size.

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o All Student-Athletes must have been temperature screened either prior to the school day upon entry into the building or prior to entry into the athletic training room.

o Daily entry into the Athletic Training Room athletes would need to self-check symptoms: See Athlete Coronavirus Self Check Flier Example

o Any athlete that presents positive through the self-check would be isolated, athletic trainer would perform temperature check and inform parents, school nurse and administration. Athlete would need MD clearance prior to return to sport.

o All athletes must present with negative self-screen prior to entry, must use proper hand hygiene prior to entry and exit of athletic training room. (Hand sanitizer)- Posted in athletic training facility

o All athletes strongly urged to wear masks in indoor spaces. • Athletic Training Room/Disinfecting – Roles & Responsibilities

o After each athlete: Clean tables, clean shared devices (stethoscope, oximeter, glucometer, etc.), non-shared devices (rehabilitation devices).

o Daily cleaning at the end of each day: clean all tables and counters, all shared equipment that has been utilized or out in the open during the day.

o Custodial Staff: Cleaning sinks, tables, counters, and floors, door handles, empty all waste baskets per school/organization procedures

o Keep Daily Cleaning Log for sign off by athletic trainer and custodial staff. o Athlete towels and linen collected in closed hamper marked “Dirty Laundry”,

launder in hot water, dry thoroughly in a hot dryer. o Limited Accessibility to Ice Machine to avoid transmission. (Posted)

§ Ice should be used for injuries only. § Pre-made ice bags should be made prior to competition § Access to pre-made bags should be limited to designated coach and

athletic trainer to avoid transmission. § Ice Bags should be disregard immediately following one time use.

o Cooler and Water Bottle Use – (Posted) § No Shared Water Bottles § Individual Water Bottles should be cleaned daily by athlete § Community coolers use should be avoided, if necessary coolers should

be washed out and cleaned daily with approved disinfectant. § If available, a no-touch water source should be utilized for re-filling

individual water bottles. § Athletic Trainers will carry water for emergency distribution only

o Access to First Aid Kit should be limited to designated coach and athletic trainer only to avoid transmission. Cleaned upon delivery and return.

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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, etc.) • The content of this Return to Sport Guidelines Document • Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, NFHS, and

PIAA. • Coaches will complete COVID-19 training at

https://www.openlearning.com/courses/covid-safe-sport-coach-certification/ Fundraising Guidance At this time, teams should be limiting their fundraising and reevaluating all purchases and planned events. Large socials gatherings will not be permitted. Indoor activities are strongly discouraged at this time. Our teams should not burden our local business with fundraising request; but rather, find a way to support all those local business and long-time supporters of BTSD Athletics in our community. Teams should not plan regular gatherings outside practice/contest time given by the school. Camps Any sports camps approved from the BTDS must adhere to all policies and procedures detailed in this document. Camp coordinators must provide a detailed plan, following these guidelines, at minimum 2 weeks before the camp. ATHLETICS TASK FORCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Kathy Leon- BTSD COVID Coordinator • Taylor Tomlinson- Head Athletic Trainer/Assistant Athletic Director (COVID-19

Contract Tracing) • Geoffrey Per- Athletic Director • John Mathieu- Supervisor of Facilities • Tracey Edelman- School Nurse • Ronnie Walters- Director of Transportation

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APPENDIX

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Bensalem Township School District Athletic Department Participation Waiver for Communicable Diseases Including COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges concerning this

highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory system. Some severe outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable.

While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the BTSD will take necessary

precautions and comply with guidelines from the federal, state, and local governments, CDC, PA DOH, as well as the NFHS and PIAA, to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families. As knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing, BTSD reserves the right to adjust and implement precautionary methods as necessary to decrease the risk of exposure for our staff, students, and spectators. Some precautionary methods in the BTSD Resocialization of Sports Recommendations include but may not be limited to:

1. Health screenings prior to any practice, event, or team meeting with participation in the activities being limited and/or prohibited where an individual displays positive responses or symptoms.

2. Encourage social distancing and promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing, using hand sanitizer, etc. 3. Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities. 4. Educate Athletes, Coaches, and Staff on health and safety protocols. 5. Require Athletes and Coaches to provide their own water bottle for hydration.

By signing this form, the undersigned voluntarily agree to the following Waiver and release of liability. The

undersigned agree to release and discharge all claims for ourselves, our heirs, and as a parent or legal guardian for the Student named below, against the BTSD, its Board of Directors, successors, assigns, officers, agents, employees, and volunteers and will hold them harmless from any and all liability or demands for personal injury, psychological injury, sickness, death, or claims resulting from personal injury or property damage, of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the Student or the undersigned relating to or as a result of the Student’s participation in athletic programs, events, and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The undersigned acknowledge that participating in athletic programs, events, and activities may include a possible

exposure to a communicable disease including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. The undersigned further acknowledge that they are aware of the risks associated with COVID-19 and that certain vulnerable individuals may have greater health risks associated with exposure to COVID-19, including individuals with serious underlying health conditions such as, but not limited to: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, asthma, and those whose immune systems that are compromised by chemotherapy for cancer, and other conditions requiring such therapy. While particular recommendations and personal discipline may reduce the risks associated with participating in athletics during the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of serious illness, medical complications and possible death does exist.

We knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of

others, and assume full responsibility for Student’s participation in athletics during the COVID-19 pandemic. We willingly agree to comply with the stated recommendations put forth by the BTSD to limit the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. We certify that Student is in good physical condition or believe Student to be in good physical condition and allow participation in this sport at our own risk. Name of Athlete: _______________________________ Sport: _________________________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian:_________________________________________ Date:______________ Signature of Student Athlete:__________________________________________ Date:______________

*Parents/Guardians may request a full copy of the BTSD Athletics Health and Safety Plan. Contact Geoffrey Per, AD at gper@bensalemsd.org or Taylor Tomlinson, ATC ttomlinson@bensalemsd.org

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Athlete and Staff COVID-19 Screening

Name of person testing: ___________________________________________________

Date: ________________________________ Sport: __________________________________

Practice start time: ________________________ Practice end time: _____________________

Questions 1: Since last workout, have you experienced any signs or symptoms of COVID-19? Question 2: In the past 72 hours (3 days), have you experienced signs or symptoms of respiratory illness including fever of 100.4 F or greater, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath? Question 3: In the past 72 hours, has anyone in your household experienced signs or symptoms of respiratory illness? Question 4: In the past 14 days, have you had close contact (i.e. within 6 feet for more than a few minutes) with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, is in the process of being tested for COVID-19, is isolating as a result of suspected COVID-19 infection, or is experiencing acute symptoms of COVID-19?

Name Grade Time Question 1

Question 2

Question 3 Question 4 Temperature

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Athletic Facilities Cleaning Log

Sport/Team: ___________________________________________________________

Coaches are responsible for cleaning all equipment before, during and after workouts. Coaches will maintain a cleaning log and submit it to the Athletics Department daily. All touched items (ex. Equipment, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, pads) must be cleaned and cleaned equipment must be documented.

Date Time Item Cleaned: Cleaned with: Cleaned By:

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BACKGROUND 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.

WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING ?

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RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on wearing or making a mask, visit: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Stop-the-Spread.aspx

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Department of Health’s website, www.health.pa.gov, or Help is available, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741

RESOURCES: NFHS: Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities

(per update on May 2020) NATA COVID-19 Return to Sport Considerations for Secondary School Athletic Trainers- May 2020 Centers for Disease Control – “What You Should Know About COVID-19 to Protect Yourself and Others” CDC COVID-19 Considerations for Youth Sports- May 29, 2020 Centers for Disease Control – “Schools Decision Tree” KSI Return to Sports and Exercise during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance for High School and Collegiate Athletic Programs- June 2, 2020 PA Department of Health –“Coronavirus Symptoms” PA Department of Health – “What is Contact Tracing” PA Department of Health – “Phased Re-opening Plan by Governor Wolf” PIAA Press Release- June 10, 2020 A Guide to Re-Entry to Athletics in Texas Secondary Schools By Jamie Woodall, MPH, LAT, ATC, CPH and Josh Woodall Med, LAT, ATC