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PK-12 Athletics

Health and Safety Plan Template The decision to resume sports-related activities, including conditioning, practices and games, is within 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. School entities should also consider whether the implementation of the plan requires the adoption of a new policy or revision of an existing policy.

Each school entity should continue to monitor its Athletics Health and Safety Plan throughout the year and update as needed. All revisions should be reviewed and approved by the governing body prior to posting on the school entity’s public website.

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Table of Contents

Athletics Health and Safety Plan.................................................................................. 3

Resuming PK-12 Sports-Related Activities ............................................................................. 4

Primary Point of Contact ......................................................................................................... 5

Key Strategies, Policies, and Procedures ............................................................................... 5

Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting and Ventilation ................................................................ 6

Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols ....................................................................10

Monitoring Student Athletes and Staff Health .....................................................................16

Other Considerations for Student Athletes and Staff ..........................................................22

Athletic Health and Safety Plan Professional Development ...................................................24

Athletic Health and Safety Plan Communications ..................................................................26

Athletics Health and Safety Plan Summary .............................................................. 26

Facilities Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting and Ventilation ....................................................27

Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols ........................................................................29

Monitoring Student Athletes and Staff Health ........................................................................31

Other Considerations for Student Athletes and Staff..............................................................33

Athletics Health and Safety Plan Governing Body Affirmation Statement ............ 35

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Athletics Health and Safety Plan: Norwin School District

All decision-makers should be mindful that as long as there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, there are no strategies that completely eliminate transmission risk within a school population. The goal is to keep transmission as low as possible to safely continue school activities. All school activities must be informed by Governor Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania. The administration has categorized reopening into three broad phases: red, yellow, or green. These designations signal how counties and/or regions may begin easing some restrictions on school, work, congregate settings, and social interactions:

• Red Phase: Schools remain closed for in-person instruction and no sports are allowed in counties designated as being in the Red Phase.

• Yellow Phase and Green Phase: Schools may resume sports-related activities after developing a written Athletics Health and Safety Plan, to be approved by the local governing body (e.g. board of directors/trustees) and posted on the school entity’s publicly available website.

Use this template to document your LEA’s plan to bring back student athletes and coaching staff, how you will communicate the type with stakeholders in your community, and the process for continued monitoring of local health data to assess implications for school sports-related activity operations and potential adjustments throughout the school year.

Your school entity should account for changing conditions in your local Athletics Health and Safety Plan to ensure seamless transition from more to less restrictive conditions in each of the phase requirements as needed. Depending upon the public health conditions in any county within the Commonwealth, there could be additional actions, orders, or guidance provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) designating the county as being in the red, yellow, or green phase. Some counties may not experience a straight path from a red designation, to a yellow, and then a green designation. Instead, cycling back and forth between less restrictive to more restrictive designations may occur as public health indicators improve or worsen.

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Resuming PK-12 Sports-Related Activities

Key Questions

• How do you plan to bring student athletes and staff back to physical school buildings, particularly if social distancing is still required?

• How did you engage stakeholders in the decision to resume sports-related activities, including try-outs, conditioning, practices, and games?

• How will you communicate your plan to your local sports and school communities? • Once you resume sports-related activities, what will the decision-making process look like to prompt a school closure or other

significant modification to sports activities?

Summary of Norwin School District’s Responses to Key Questions:

Norwin School District is implementing the required precautions to bring student athletes and staff back to physical school buildings and practice spaces. These precautions and mitigation strategies are outlined here. The Norwin School District PK-12 Athletics Health and Safety Plan was developed by a task force including the interim Athletic Director, athletic trainers, high school principal, and Director of Facilities and Property Services. Providing any needed input or information is an ancillary team including the Pandemic Coordinator and two “Reopening of Schools” subcommittees: Athletics and Activities (38 parents, community members, and staff members) and Summer Programs (2 parents). The June 18, 2020 “Return to Play” plan, which enabled summer practices/work-outs and rehearsals to commence, greatly informed the development of this plan. Additionally, the District’s Health and Safety Plan served as a resource for universal disinfecting/sanitization processes and health monitoring protocols. In June, communication of the “Return to Play” plan was accomplished through web page posting, meetings, and pre-practice briefings. The Norwin School District PK-12 Athletic Health and Safety Plan will be communicated, likewise, to the various teams and local community through the following methods: task force review and feedback, School Board review and feedback, website, and meetings/communications among the interim Athletic Director, head coaches, athletic trainers, student athletes, and their parents/guardians. The Norwin School District athletic program will adhere to mandates provided by state and local health and safety organizations, including the Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education, PIAA and WPIAL, in order to modify sports activities. Decision-making will be led by the Athletic Director and coordinated with head coaches and athletic trainers.

Anticipated launch date for sports related activities: August 10, 2020

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Primary Point of Contact

Each school entity must designate a primary point of contact with defined roles and responsibilities for health and safety preparedness and response planning for sports-related activities. The point of contact will be responsible for responding to all questions related to COVID-19. All parents, student athletes, officials, and coaches must be provided the person’s contact information.

Point of Contact Name Position of Point of Contact Contact Information Tim McCabe

High School Assistant Principal, Interim AD Tmccabe@norwinsd.org. 724-861-3005

TBD NSD Athletic Director TBD. 724-861-3005 x1251

Key Strategies, Policies, and Procedures

Use the action plan templates on the following pages to create a thorough plan for each of the requirements outlined in the Pennsylvania Guidance for All Sports Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency.

For each domain of the Athletics Health and Safety Plan, draft a detailed summary describing the key strategies, policies, and procedures your LEA will employ to satisfy the requirements of the domain. The domain summary will serve as the public-facing description of the efforts your LEA will take to ensure health and safety of every stakeholder in your local education community. Thus, the summary should be focused on the key information that staff, students, and families will require to clearly understand your local plan for the phased reopening of schools. Use the key questions to guide your domain summaries.

For each requirement within each domain, document the following:

• Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase: Identify the discrete action steps required to prepare for and implement the requirement under the guidelines outlined for counties in yellow or green. List the discrete action steps for each requirement in sequential order.

• Lead Individual(s) and Position(s): List each person responsible for ensuring the action steps are fully planned and the system is prepared for effective implementation.

• Materials, Resources, and/or Supports Needed: List any materials, resources, or supports required to implement the requirement.

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• Professional Development (PD) Required: Identify the training or professional development that will be provided to staff, students, families, and other stakeholders to implement each requirement effectively.

In the following tables, an asterisk (*) denotes a mandatory element of the plan. All other requirements are highly encouraged to the extent possible.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Ventilation

Key Questions

• How will you ensure the athletic facilities are cleaned and ready to safely welcome coaching staff and student athletes? • How often will you implement cleaning, sanitation, disinfecting, and ventilation protocols/procedures to maintain coaching staff

and student athlete safety? • What protocols will you put in place to clean and disinfect throughout the day? • Which stakeholders will be trained on cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ventilation protocols? When and how will the

training be provided? How will preparedness to implement as a result of the training be measured?

Summary of Norwin School District’s Responses to Key Questions:

Enhanced cleaning schedules have been implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate the spread of communicable disease. Athletic facilities will be cleaned after workouts and team gatherings; high touch areas will be cleaned more often. A complete description of protocols is available in the table below. Custodians, maintenance personnel, and coaches are trained on proper use of cleaning products and effective procedures. The training for coaches occurs prior to the start of the season and as needed to respond to individual circumstances related to each sport/activity. The training for custodians/maintenance occurs routinely, through building meetings, department meetings, formative walk-throughs, area inspections, and also in formal sessions prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Experts in the fields of sanitation and risk management will present information specific to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The Supervisor of Custodial Services will conduct routine reviews of daily cleaning and provide constructive/directed feedback regarding effectiveness.

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ventilating spaces, surfaces, and any other areas used by student athletes and sporting activities (i.e., restrooms, drinking fountains, locker rooms and transportation)

Cleaning, sanitization, disinfecting, and ventilation protocols/procedures have already been implemented since some staff members have returned to the buildings for daily work. To prepare for the beginning of the school year, a summertime “team clean” process that cohorted custodians enabled them to focus on specific cleaning tasks and complete them repetitively in many buildings in order to ensure consistency and thoroughness. In the summer months, scheduling for cleaning areas used by student athletes and staff has been re-prioritized and intensified.

Areas used by student athletes and sporting activities are cleaned daily following established protocols and procedures in accordance with mandatory annual training and CDC guidelines (i.e. Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility and Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces for COVID-19) using products named on the EPA’s list and referenced in the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance.

The Director of Facilities and Property Services has entered into service/product agreements for products that meet OSHA requirements and CDC requirements for COVID-19 and to ensure adequate supply chains.

Director of Facilities and Property Services Supervisor of Custodial Services and Energy Conservation

Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting products and materials Training on established protocols and procedures

Y

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ventilating spaces, surfaces, and any other areas used by student athletes and sporting activities (i.e., restrooms, drinking fountains, locker rooms and transportation)

Ordering of supplies will follow typical processes to ensure that products are delivered to schools on a routine basis. These products are safely and securely stored away from student athletes and staff. They will not be used near students, and – when in use – adequate ventilation will prevent students or staff from inhaling fumes.

The electrostatic sprayer will also be used in known spaces where symptomatic students/staff have been, per CDC recommendation (after 24 hours, increase in ventilation, and with approved methods, products, and PPE for custodial staff).

Ventilation systems are operating properly and the circulation of outside air (opening windows and doors) is increased as much as possible and as appropriate regarding safety practices. Scheduling of practices will prioritize the use of outdoor spaces as much as possible.

Reciprocal communication between the Facilities and Property Services department and practice facility personnel is maintained through the Athletic Director, principals, and Supervisor of Custodial Services. A system called “Knight Sweep” can be used by staff members at any time to alert the custodial crew of special needs, requests, and circumstances that require additional cleaning steps.

Director of Facilities and Property Services Supervisor of Custodial Services and Energy Conservation

Cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting products and materials Training on established protocols and procedures

Y

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Other cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ventilation practices

Use of drinking fountains in all buildings will be restricted. Students and staff will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Safe ways to ensure students and staff have water will be implemented, as needed. Currently, district spaces are available to student and staff use only. Community use of facilities has been temporarily restricted. In order to contribute to the goal of maintaining healthy, safe, sanitized facilities to the greatest extent possible, these additional expectations are in place for the student athletes and staff:

• Student athletes and staff use hand hygiene before and after play/activity.

• They follow physical distancing requirements as directed by state mandates.

• Face coverings are used as directed by state mandate.

• Each sport/activity maintains its own set of equipment and accessories.

• Practice times are staggered so one student group is using the facility at a time.

• The size of individual student groups will follow state mandates and restrictions.

Director of Facilities and Property Services Supervisor of Custodial Services and Energy Conservation (Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Y

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Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols

Key Questions

• How will conditioning, practice, and game spaces be organized and scheduled to mitigate spread? • How will you group student athletes with coaches to limit the number of individuals who come into contact with one another

throughout the conditioning, practices, meetings, team meals, games, etc.? • What policies and procedures will govern use of other communal spaces (locker rooms, restrooms)? • How will you utilize outdoor space to meet social distancing requirements? • What hygiene routines will be implemented? • How will you adjust student transportation to meet social distancing requirements? • How will social distancing and other safety protocols vary based on age ranges? • Which stakeholders will be trained on social distancing and other safety protocols? When and how will the training be

provided?

Summary of Norwin School District Responses to Key Questions:

Norwin coaches schedule their practices through the District scheduling system. The athletic trainers assist the Facilities Department in coordinating practice times and locations when needed. Practices are limited to 2 hours and 30 minutes and are scheduled between practices of other sports for cleaning/disinfecting. Gathering size and location limitations are implemented in accordance with the current state gathering mandate. In the summer time, the Norwin School District Athletic Program is utilizing a “Phase” approach to respond to changing conditions in the state and community. Coaches schedule practices in accordance with mandated group restrictions. This may mean that several groups of athletes from the same sport practice in different places or at different times so that social distancing is ensured and interaction is limited appropriately. Hygiene routines are implemented that provide guidance for hydration, equipment, hand washing, and clothing. These are outlined in the table below. Student transportation plans will adhere to state mandated group size guidance, state mandated safety requirements (such as the use of face coverings and physical distancing), and the District Health and Safety Plan. Details on stakeholder training is included in the table following this plan.

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Protocols for social distancing student athletes and staff throughout all activities, to the maximum extent feasible

The Facilities Scheduling program (“Schedule FM”) will continue to be used in order to stagger/schedule practices and student athlete groups so that social distancing requirements can be met. Once at practice, student athletes and staff follow these protocols:

• Staff or volunteers will support social distancing practices by supervising arrival and dismissal as well as transitions between practice activities.

• Student athletes and staff will be spaced at least 6 feet apart while participating in warm-ups, skill building activities, simulation drills, fitness training, etc.

• Physical boundaries, guides, written/visual schedules, signs, and/or tape to designate areas can be used to direct movement of individuals and groups during practice.

• Close physical contact will only occur when necessary and with the student athletes/staff necessary to participate in the sport.

• Hand washing or sanitization breaks will occur regularly during practice by both student athletes and staff engaging in physical contact and those who are not.

• No unnecessary contact will be encouraged, such as handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, etc.

With PIAA and WPIAL guidance, sports participation may be limited to those who live in the local geographic area in order to reduce the risk of spread from areas with higher levels of COVID-19.

Facilities Department (Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Access to and management of Schedule FM scheduling program Materials needed to create boundaries, if necessary

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Procedures for serving food at events

An annual training (approved by Westmoreland County Health Department) is scheduled for all booster groups interested in providing food for sale at sporting events/activities. (August 13, 2020). CDC guidelines for Youth Sports will be encouraged, including serving pre-packaged boxes or bags, no sharing of food or utensils, and hand sanitizer or hand washing before and after meal service. It is the expectation that concession stands or other food must adhere to the PA Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry.

Director of Food Service Booster groups

Y

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Hygiene practices for student athletes and staff which include the manner and frequency of hand-washing and other best practices

Healthy hygiene measures are taught and reinforced such as handwashing, sanitizer use, covering coughs and sneezes, use of facial tissues, and appropriate face covering practices.

Hand soap and hand sanitizer will be provided as well as access to sinks, paper towels, no-touch trash cans in all bathrooms, classrooms, and frequently used spaces.

• All student athletes and staff members will clean their hands before and after the practice/activity.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be available and encouraged to be used periodically when student athletes and staff are outside or social distancing and away from soap and water.

• Hand hygiene will be implemented during activities that promote the touching of the face, eyes, and mouth.

• Student athletes and staff will be encouraged and reminded to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning home.

Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times to minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Hand sanitizer will be provided at all practices

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Posting signs, in highly visible locations, that promote everyday protective measures, and how to stop the spread of germs

Signage is updated and posted in and around practice facilities and field/school entrances:

• How to stop the spread • COVID-19 symptoms • Preventative measures (such as staying

home when sick) • Specific protocols for the space • Updated social distancing and face covering

expectations

Director of Facilities and Property Services

Signs N

* Identifying and restricting non-essential visitors and volunteers

Only essential athletic staff will work with students. No visitors or parents/guardians are permitted to be at practice in Green or Yellow Phase. No practices will occur in Red Phase. The addition and number of visitors and spectators will be contingent upon health conditions within the state and local communities.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Parents/Guardians

Communication to all stakeholders via email/meetings

N

Limiting the sharing of materials and equipment among student athletes

Student athletes bring their own clothes and equipment when possible (i.e. no exchange of practice jerseys). These items will be separated from others’ belongings through the use of a sports bag or assigned space. Athletes are expected to refrain from sharing objects or clothing. Towels and other fabrics are washed after each practice, including pinnies, practice jerseys, etc. All staff and student athletes provide their own hydration.

Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Athletic department washing machine

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Staggering the use of communal spaces (i.e., locker rooms, weight rooms, etc.)

Restrictions on Locker Rooms and other communal spaces will be made as necessary to respond to current community/state mandates. In the summer, locker rooms are closed to athletes (with the exception of Swimmers, see below) until August 11, 2020. At this time, additional information on safe use of locker room spaces will be presented to student athletes and supervised for compliance. The weight room will be scheduled to one team at a time and group size mandates will conform, as needed, to current mandates. The locker room is used by swimmers so they can follow proper hygiene steps after practice. The locker room is disinfected and sanitized after each use. The size of the group using the locker room at a time is consistent with the current mandate so that social distancing is possible. All practices are limited to 2 hours with a 30-minute window in between for cleaning and disinfecting.

Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Team meetings N

Adjusting transportation schedules and practices to create social distance

No school transportation and off-site training activities will be scheduled during summer practices. Student athletes wait in cars and enter facilities/fields as directed by staff to avoid groups from forming. If bus transportation is used during the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons, procedures to do so will follow current PDE guidelines (i.e. most current guidance. Maintaining physical distancing on busses may be achieved by reserving additional vehicles for transport, decreasing the number of student athletes and staff that must travel, or allowing student athletes to drive or be driven by others (parents, approved adults, approved carpools).

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Team meetings N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Limiting the number of individuals in athletic activity spaces, and interactions between groups of student athletes

All practices comply with state mandates and District-approved” Return to Play” guidelines. Teams will follow this guidance until otherwise directed by state mandates that specify occupancy limits for gatherings and the facility as a whole. During practices, players are cohorted into small groups with dedicated coaches/staff. Any rotation to different areas or with different staff will be scheduled and timed so that cohorts do not interact unnecessarily.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Team meetings N

Other social distancing and safety practices

All social distancing will comply with state mandates and District-approved Return to Play guidelines. The Athletic Director is the designated point of COVID-19 contact for the athletic program’s reporting of concerns. It is the responsibility of the Head Coaches and athletic trainers to communicate directly and immediately with the Athletic Director.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Team meetings N

Monitoring Student Athletes and Staff Health

Key Questions

• How will you monitor student athletes, coaches, and others who interact with each other to ensure they are healthy and not exhibiting signs of illness?

• Who will be responsible for monitoring? • Where will the monitoring take place? • When and how frequently will the monitoring take place? • What is the policy for quarantine or isolation if a coach, student athlete, or other member of the school community becomes ill

or has been exposed to an individual confirmed positive for COVID-19? What conditions will a coach or student athlete

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confirmed to have COVID-19 need to meet to safely return to sports activities? Which staff will be responsible for making decisions regarding quarantine or isolation requirements of coaches or student athletes?

• When and how will families be notified of confirmed coach or student athlete illness or exposure and resulting changes to the local Athletics Health and Safety Plan?

• Which stakeholders will be trained on protocols for monitoring student athlete and staff health? When and how will the training be provided?

Summary of Norwin School District Responses to Key Questions:

Student athletes will complete a screening health questionnaire online and submit it to the coaches prior to the start of practice. Temperature checks are necessary for all athletes and staff members prior to practice because of the increased potential of close contact given the nature of work-outs and active game play. These temperature checks will be conducted as uniformly as possible by the same athletic staff member/group. While an elevated temperature is not always a COVID-19 symptom, it is a sign of illness and will be used as a way of determining whether a person may stay for practice or should return home and watch for a worsening or addition of symptoms. Student athletes and staff will be removed from practice if they present as or become sick. They may not return until approved by athletic trainers and Athletic Director. Student athletes and staff members who test positive for COVID-19 will follow District guidelines in order to return to practice/play. Parents/guardians will receive communication via phone call and/or email to confirm actions being done and to explain the process for the student to return to practice. It will be strongly recommended that student athletes and staff self-quarantine after returning from a hot spot state. A student athlete and staff may return to practice sooner if they produce a negative Covid-19 test result. Training on screening, monitoring, and reporting for the purposes of maintaining healthy student athletes, staff, and operations will be conducted prior to the start of each sport and reinforced through team meetings, booster group meetings, Athletic Director communications, etc.

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and

or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Monitoring student athletes and staff for symptoms and history of exposure

Universal screening protocols have been established for student athletes and staff to check for signs and symptoms of sickness. Procedure for reporting signs, symptoms, and potential exposure is as follows:

• Symptom screening will be done by student athletes and staff prior to practice. This screening will follow the protocol established in the summer Return-to-Play plan and will include the following self-check items: Date, Temperature, Fever/Chills, Cough, Sore Throat, Shortness of Breath, Loss of Taste/Smell, Vomit/Diarrhea, Exposure, Travel outside of PA.

• Student athletes and staff who have symptoms will stay home.

• Student athletes and staff who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 should also stay home and monitor their health.

• Based on screening information and symptoms and in collaboration with the student athlete and his/her parent/guardian, the athletic trainers can coordinate COVID-19 testing through Excela Health.

• The length of this stay will follow current recommendations (such as stay at home for 10 days and return if no symptoms develop).

• Athletic trainers are available for consult, as needed.

• Families may use the Health Service webpage and the “Too Sick for School?” resources as guidance to monitor health and then contact their physician when/if needed.

• Also available to all users is the COVID-19 webpage along with additional resources here.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes Parents/ Guardians

Screening forms for home use Google classroom format for submission of screening information Thermometers

N

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* Monitoring student athletes and staff for symptoms and history of exposure

• If student athletes are experiencing symptoms of illness of any kind, they should go home and then report their symptoms remotely to the athletic trainers and head coach. Student athletes who feel sick prior to practice should not report to practice or the athletic training office.

• Student athletes and staff who develop symptoms during practice or may have been exposed to someone with symptoms or a confirmed case will immediately self-report to the coach or athletic trainer.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be used as needed when coaches or athletic trainers are responding to a student athlete’s or staff members’ medical needs.

• Parents/Guardians and staff members should have a discharge- to-home plan that enables pick-up/departure from school within 15 minutes of decision for dismissal. This pre-made plan is important to have so that exposure to others is minimized. Per CDC guidelines, “exposure” is defined as “Individual who has had close contact (< 6 feet) for ≥15 minutes.” Complete guidelines can be reviewed here.

• Parents are asked to report any absences due to COVID-19 related symptoms or exposure to the coach, Athletic Director, or athletic staff prior to the start of practice.

• Students and staff are strongly encouraged to self-report a positive or negative diagnosis after having undergone testing.

• Cases of possible exposure or positive COVID-19 results will be managed in coordination with PA Department of Health.

• Proper notification procedures will use existing platforms for communication such as email, website, phone calls, etc.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes Parents/ Guardians

Screening forms for home use Google classroom format for submission of screening information Thermometers

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and

or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Isolating or quarantining student athletes, coaching staff, or visitors if they become sick or demonstrate a history of exposure

Student athletes, staff, athletic trainers, sporting officials, and families of student athletes should self-report to the Athletic Director (via Head Coach, if student) if they have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days. It is strongly recommended that student athletes and staff self-quarantine after returning from a hot spot state. A student athlete and staff may return to practice sooner if they produce a negative Covid-19 test result. Coaches are told to provide appropriate flexibility and time accommodations so that student athletes and athletic staff feel able and encouraged to self-quarantine. Student athletes and staff that present with symptoms or report presumed or confirmed exposure will be separated, supervised for symptoms, cared for appropriately, and directed to leave practice at any time. Athletic trainers or staff will call parent/guardian to confirm dismissal procedures.

Parents/Guardians and all staff members should have a dismissal to home plan that enables pick-up/departure from school within 15 minutes of the phone call or decision to do so. This pre-made plan is important to have so that exposure to others is minimized. Areas used by any one presenting with symptoms or reporting exposure will be closed off for 24 hours, or as long as possible, and then cleaned and disinfected properly.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes Parents/ Guardians

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and

or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Returning isolated or quarantined coaches, staff or student athletes, to school and/or athletics

The Department of Health, staff, and student athletes must be notified of exposure or confirmed case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality. For student athletes: The athletic trainers will provide clear follow-up expectations, frequent communication, and return-to-school guidance. Currently, return to sport guidance after infection or exposure follows a 10-day quarantine and no fever for 3 days. For athletic staff: The Norwin School District Human Resources department or Athletic Director will provide clear follow-up expectations, frequent communication, and return-to-school guidance. Currently, return to sport guidance after infection or exposure follows a 10-day quarantine and no fever for 3 days without the use of fever reducing medications.

(Interim) Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes Parents/ Guardians

N

Notifying coaching staff, families, and the public of cancellation of sports-related activities, school closures and other changes in safety protocols

Notification will follow District’s current Communication Plan which includes the use of District email to community members and electronic communication to coaching staff, families, and student athletes.

School District Superintendent Athletic Director Communications Director

N

Other monitoring and screening practices

The Athletic Directors responsible for programs who compete from different schools are expected to communicate openly about safety and health measures that are in place so that proper precautions are put into place in order to mitigate the spread of disease from team to team.

Athletic Director N

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Other Considerations for Student Athletes and Staff

Key Questions

• How will you determine which coaches and other athletic staff are willing/able to return? How will you accommodate staff who are unable or unwilling to return?

• How will you determine which student athletes are willing/able to return? How will you accommodate student athletes who are unable or unwilling return?

• What is the local policy/procedure regarding face coverings for all coaches and athletic staff? What is the policy/procedure for student athletes?

• What special protocols will you implement to protect student athletes and staff at higher risk for severe illness? • How will you address coaches and other athletic staff who are ill, or who have family members who have become ill? • How will you manage teams in the event of coaching staff illness? Do you have substitute coaches available? • Which stakeholders will be trained on these protocols? When and how will the training be provided?

Summary of Norwin School District Responses to Key Questions:

The Norwin School District Human Resources department will prepare and communicate information designed to outline the rights for employees at higher risk for severe illness during the green, yellow, and red phases of school reopening. Employees should discuss their individual health concerns and possible leave options with the Human Resources department. School administrators, Athletic Director, athletic staff, and school nurses will maintain communication with local and state authorities to determine current mitigation levels in the Norwin community. Guidance by the PA Department of Health will be followed at all times. The Norwin School District utilizes a process using its Information Management System that collects important health information about student athletes. All users are encouraged to complete this information accurately so that special protocols may be implemented to protect student athletes who may be at a higher risk for severe illness. All health and safety measures will follow state and local mandates and application of these mandates will flexibly adjust according to the changes in directives. As with all unique cases and situations, individual plans can and will be made to protect student athletes and staff who are at higher risk for severe illness.

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

* Protecting student athletes and coaching staff at higher risk for severe illness

Identify staff and students who may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 through a review of information provided during the existing digital registration process. All high risk staff members and athletes will be treated as per medical guidelines. As needed and decided by team, individuals may have options to limit exposure risks by participating in virtual coaching and in-home drills.

Athletic Director Athletic trainers Coaches

Family Access IMS N

* Use of face coverings by all coaches and athletic staff

Current state guidelines will dictate the use of face covering by all coaches, athletic staff, officials, and judges. Coaches should wear face coverings at all times when in contact with student athletes and staff.

Athletic Director N

* Use of face coverings by student athletes as appropriate

Current state guidelines will dictate the use of face covering by all coaches, athletic staff. Any athlete who prefers to wear a cloth face covering during a contest or practice should be allowed to do so.

Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff Student Athletes

Face coverings N

Unique safety protocols for student athletes with complex needs or other vulnerable individuals

Athletic trainers and school nurse, in consultation with coaches and parents, will develop unique safety protocols for student athletes as needed.

Athletic Director Coaches Athletic Staff School Nurse Student Athletes

Individualized Health Planning documents

N

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Requirements Action Steps under Yellow and Green Phase

Lead Individual and Position

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

PD Required (Y/N)

Management of Coaches and Athletic Staff

Once the new Athletic Director is hired and oriented, any required or suggested changes in management or these Action Steps will be reviewed by the group who collaborated on this Athletics Health and Safety Plan and revisions may be made.

Athletic Director

N

Athletics Health and Safety Plan Professional Development

The success of your plan for resuming sports-related activities safely requires all stakeholders to be prepared with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement the plan as intended. For each item that requires staff training, document the following components of your professional learning plan.

• Topic: List the content on which the professional development will focus. • Audience: List the stakeholder group(s) who will participate in the learning activity. • Lead Person and Position: List the person or organization that will provide the professional learning. • Session Format: List the strategy/format that will be utilized to facilitate professional learning. • Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed: List any materials, resources, or support required to implement the

requirement. • Start Date: Enter the date on which the first professional learning activity for the topic will be offered. • Completion Date: Enter the date on which the last professional learning activity for the topic will be offered.

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Topic Audience Lead Person and Position

Session Format

Materials, Resources, and or Supports Needed

Start Date

Completion Date

Cleaning and disinfecting, following CDC guidelines

Custodians

Facilities and Property Services

Supervisor of Custodial Services and Energy Conservation

P.D. session, whole group meeting

Experts in the fields of sanitation and risk management

August 15, 2020

ongoing, as needed

Food service at events Booster groups Food Service

Director

P.D. session, whole group meeting

Westmoreland County Health Dept. Guidelines, guidance provided by https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/restaurant-industry-guidance/

approx. August 13, 2020

approx. August 13, 2020

Coaches met with acting A.D. and trainers

Coaches

(Interim) Athletic Director

P.D. session, whole group meeting

State and CDC guidelines

Prior to start of each season

ongoing

Coaches relayed info to their staff, shared with parents and players, sign waiver and complete pre-registration process

Assistant Coaches, players, parents/guardians

Head Coaches

P.D. session, whole group meeting (in-person or virtual)

State and CDC guidelines

Prior to start of each season

ongoing

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Athletics Health and Safety Plan Communications

Timely and effective family and caregiver communication about sports-related health and safety protocols and schedules will be critical. Schools should be particularly mindful that frequent communications are accessible in non-English languages and to all caregivers (this is particularly important for children residing with grandparents or other kin or foster caregivers). Additionally, school entities should establish and maintain ongoing communication with local and state authorities to determine current mitigation levels in your community.

Topic Audience Lead Person and Position Mode of Communication Start

Date Completion

Date

COVID-19 Guidelines for participation in sports

Parents/Guardians (Foster Caregivers) and students

Head Coach and Activities & Athletics subcommittee for the Reopening of Schools Plan

Whole group meeting (in-person or virtual), email, for any ESL student or family who may need it

June 26, 2020 Seasonal

Health and Safety Athletic Plan All stakeholders Pandemic Coordinator Website, presentation to

School Board July 30, 2020

Revisions as needed, per state mandates

WPIAL, PIAA, and Athletic Director working group participation

Athletic Staff Athletic Director Zoom meeting, working documents, written directives ongoing Ongoing

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Athletics Health and Safety Plan Summary: Norwin School District

Anticipated Launch Date:

Summer “Return to Play Plan,” July 1, 2020, Revised with additional content July 8, 2020

Start of School Year with “Athletics Health and Safety Plan,” August 10, 2020

Use these summary tables to provide your local education community with a detailed overview of your Athletics Health and Safety Plan. School entities are required to post this summary on their website. To complete the summary, copy and paste the domain summaries from the Athletics Health and Safety Plan tables above.

Facilities Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Ventilation

Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures * Cleaning, sanitizing,

disinfecting, and ventilating learning spaces, surfaces, and any other areas used by students (i.e., restrooms, drinking fountains, locker rooms, and transportation)

Cleaning, sanitization, disinfecting, and ventilation protocols/procedures have already been implemented since some staff members have returned to the buildings for daily work. To prepare for the beginning of the school year, a summertime “team clean” process that cohorted custodians enabled them to focus on specific cleaning tasks and complete them repetitively in many buildings in order to ensure consistency and thoroughness. In the summer months, scheduling for cleaning areas used by student athletes and staff has been re-prioritized and intensified.

Areas used by student athletes and sporting activities are cleaned daily following established protocols and procedures in accordance with mandatory annual training and CDC guidelines (i.e. Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility and Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces for COVID-19) using products named on the EPA’s list and referenced in the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance.

The Director of Facilities and Property Services has entered into service/product agreements for products that meet OSHA requirements and CDC requirements for COVID-19 and to ensure adequate supply chains. Ordering of supplies will follow typical processes to ensure that products are delivered to schools on a routine basis. These products are safely and securely stored away from student athletes and staff. They will not be used near students, and – when in use – adequate ventilation will prevent students or staff from inhaling fumes.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures

The electrostatic sprayer will also be used in known spaces where symptomatic students/staff have been, per CDC recommendation (after 24 hours, increase in ventilation, and with approved methods, products, and PPE for custodial staff).

Ventilation systems are operating properly and the circulation of outside air (opening windows and doors) is increased as much as possible and as appropriate regarding safety practices. Scheduling of practices will prioritize the use of outdoor spaces as much as possible.

Reciprocal communication between the Facilities and Property Services department and practice facility personnel is maintained through the Athletic Director, principals, and Supervisor of Custodial Services. A system called “Knight Sweep” can be used by staff members at any time to alert the custodial crew of special needs, requests, and circumstances that require additional cleaning steps.

Use of drinking fountains in all buildings will be restricted. Students and staff will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Safe ways to ensure students and staff have water will be implemented, as needed. Currently, district spaces are available to student and staff use only. Community use of facilities has been temporarily restricted. In order to contribute to the goal of maintaining healthy, safe, sanitized facilities to the greatest extent possible, these additional expectations are in place for the student athletes and staff:

• Student athletes and staff use hand hygiene before and after play/activity. • They follow physical distancing requirements as directed by state mandates. • Face coverings are used as directed by state mandate. • Each sport/activity maintains its own set of equipment and accessories. • Practice times are staggered so one student group is using the facility at a time.

The size of individual student groups will follow state mandates and restrictions.

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Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols

Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures * Protocols for social

distancing student athletes and staff throughout all activities, to the maximum extent feasible

* Procedures for serving

food at events including team meetings and meals

* Hygiene practices for

student athletes and staff including the manner and frequency of hand-washing and other best practices

* Posting signs, in highly

visible locations, that promote everyday protective measures, and how to stop the spread of germs

Identifying and restricting

non-essential visitors and volunteers

Limiting the sharing of materials and equipment among student athletes Staggering the use of communal spaces (i.e.,

The Facilities Scheduling program (“ScheduleFM”) will continue to be used in order to stagger/schedule practices and student athlete groups so that social distancing requirements can be met. Once at practice, student athletes and staff follow these protocols:

• Staff or volunteers will support social distancing practices by supervising arrival and dismissal as well as transitions between practice activities.

• Student athletes and staff will be spaced at least 6 feet apart while participating in warm-ups, skill building activities, simulation drills, fitness training, etc.

• Physical boundaries, guides, written/visual schedules, signs, and/or tape to designate areas can be used to direct movement of individuals and groups during practice.

• Close physical contact will only occur when necessary during games and athletic contests and when teams are scrimmaging at practices. Mask and social distancing protocols are to be used when teams are on break.

• Hand washing or sanitization breaks will occur regularly during practice by both student athletes and staff engaging in physical contact and those who are not.

• No unnecessary contact will be encouraged, such as handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, etc. With PIAA and WPIAL guidance, sports participation may be limited to those who live in the local geographic area in order to reduce the risk of spread from areas with higher levels of COVID-19. Signage is updated and posted in and around practice facilities and field/school entrances:

• How to stop the spread • COVID-19 symptoms • Preventative measures (such as staying home when sick) • Specific protocols for the space • Updated social distancing and face covering expectations

Only essential athletic staff will work with students. No visitors or parents/guardians are permitted to be at practice in Green or Yellow Phase. No practices will occur in Red Phase. The addition and number of visitors and spectators will be contingent upon health conditions within the state and local communities.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures locker rooms, weight rooms, etc.) Adjusting transportation schedules and practices to create social distance between students Limiting the number of individuals in athletic activity spaces and interactions between groups of student athletes Other social distancing and safety practices

Student athletes bring their own clothes and equipment when possible (i.e. no exchange of practice jerseys). These items will be separated from others’ belongings through the use of a sports bag or assigned space. Athletes are expected to refrain from sharing objects or clothing. Towels and other fabrics are washed after each practice, including pinnies, practice jerseys, etc. All staff and student athletes provide their own hydration. Restrictions on Locker Rooms and other communal spaces will be made as necessary to respond to current community/state mandates. In the summer, locker rooms are closed to athletes (with the exception of Swimmers, see below) until August 11, 2020. At this time, additional information on safe use of locker room spaces will be presented to student athletes and supervised for compliance. The weight room will be scheduled to one team at a time and group size mandates will conform, as needed, to current mandates. The locker room is used by swimmers so they can follow proper hygiene steps after practice. The locker room is disinfected and sanitized after each use. The size of the group using the locker room at a time is consistent with the current mandate so that social distancing is possible. All practices are limited to 2 hours with a 30-minute window in between for cleaning and disinfecting. No school transportation and off-site training activities will be scheduled during summer practices. Student athletes wait in cars and enter facilities/fields as directed by staff to avoid groups from forming. If bus transportation is used during the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons, procedures to do so will follow current PDE guidelines (i.e. most current guidance. Maintaining physical distancing on busses may be achieved by reserving additional vehicles for transport, decreasing the number of student athletes and staff that must travel, or allowing student athletes to drive or be driven by others (parents, approved adults, approved carpools). All practices comply with state mandates and District-approved” Return to Play” guidelines. Teams will follow this guidance until otherwise directed by state mandates that specify occupancy limits for gatherings and the facility as a whole.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures During practices, players are cohorted into small groups with dedicated coaches/staff. Any rotation to different areas or with different staff will be scheduled and timed so that cohorts do not interact unnecessarily. All social distancing will comply with state mandates and District-approved Return to Play guidelines. The Athletic Director is the designated point of COVID-19 contact for the athletic program’s reporting of concerns. It is the responsibility of the Head Coaches and athletic trainers to communicate directly and immediately with the Athletic Director. All games and scheduled contests between schools will fall under current State guidelines for number of people in attendance.

Monitoring Student Athletes and Staff Health

Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures * Monitoring student

athletes and staff for symptoms and history of exposure

* Isolating or quarantining

student athletes, coaching staff, or visitors if they become sick or demonstrate a history of exposure

* Returning isolated or

quarantined coaching staff, student athletes, or visitors to school

Notifying coaching staff, families, and the public of cancellation of sports-related activities, school

Universal screening protocols have been established for student athletes and staff to check for signs and symptoms of sickness. Procedure for reporting signs, symptoms, and potential exposure is as follows:

• Symptom screening will be done by student athletes and staff prior to practice. This screening will follow the protocol established in the summer Return-to-Play plan and will include the following self-check items: Date, Temperature, Fever/Chills, Cough, Sore Throat, Shortness of Breath, Loss of Taste/Smell, Vomit/Diarrhea, Exposure, Travel outside of PA.

• Student athletes and staff who have symptoms will stay home. • Student athletes and staff who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19

should also stay home and monitor their health. • Based on screening information and symptoms and in collaboration with the student athlete and

his/her parent/guardian, the athletic trainers can coordinate COVID-19 testing through Excela Health.

• The length of this stay will follow current recommendations (such as stay at home for 10 days and return if no symptoms develop).

• Athletic trainers are available for consult, as needed. • Families may use the Health Service webpage and the “Too Sick for School?” resources as

guidance to monitor health and then contact their physician when/if needed. • Also available to all users is the COVID-19 webpage along with additional resources here. • If student athletes are experiencing symptoms of illness of any kind, they should go home and then

report their symptoms remotely to the athletic trainers and head coach. Student athletes who feel sick prior to practice should not report to practice or the athletic training office.

• Student athletes and staff who have symptoms or may have been exposed to someone with symptoms or a confirmed case will immediately self-report to the coach or athletic trainer.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures closures and other changes in safety protocols

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be used as needed when coaches or athletic trainers are responding to a student athlete’s or staff members’ medical needs.

• Parents/Guardians and staff members should have a discharge- to-home plan that enables pick-up/departure from school within 15 minutes of decision for dismissal. This pre-made plan is important to have so that exposure to others is minimized. Per CDC guidelines, “exposure” is defined as “Individual who has had close contact (< 6 feet) for ≥15 minutes.” Complete guidelines can be reviewed here.

• Parents are asked to report any absences due to COVID-19 related symptoms or exposure to the coach, Athletic Director, or athletic staff prior to the start of practice.

• Students and staff are strongly encouraged to self-report a positive or negative diagnosis after having undergone testing.

• Cases of possible exposure or positive COVID-19 results will be managed in coordination with PA Department of Health.

Proper notification procedures will use existing platforms for communication such as email, website, phone calls, etc. Student athletes, staff, athletic trainers, sporting officials, and families of student athletes should self-report to the Athletic Director (via Head Coach, if student) if they have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test for COVID-19, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days. It is strongly recommended that student athletes and staff self-quarantine after returning from a hot spot state for 14 days as per CDC and state guidelines. A student athlete and staff may return to practice sooner if they produce a negative Covid-19 test result. Coaches are told to provide appropriate flexibility and time accommodations so that student athletes and athletic staff feel able and encouraged to self-quarantine. No student/athlete will be punished in any way for following guidelines. Student athletes and staff that present with symptoms or report presumed or confirmed exposure will be separated, supervised for symptoms, cared for appropriately, and directed to leave practice at any time. Athletic trainers or staff will call parent/guardian to confirm dismissal procedures.

Parents/Guardians and all staff members should have a dismissal to home plan that enables pick-up/departure from school within 15 minutes of the phone call or decision to do so. This pre-made plan is important to have so that exposure to others is minimized. They will be placed in a quarantine area until pickup can be arranged. Areas used by any one presenting with symptoms or reporting exposure will be closed off for 24 hours, or as long as possible, and then cleaned and disinfected properly.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures The Department of Health, staff, and student athletes must be notified of exposure or confirmed case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality. For student athletes: The athletic trainers will provide clear follow-up expectations, frequent communication, and return-to-school guidance. Currently, return to sport guidance after infection or exposure follows a 10-day quarantine and no fever for 3 days without the use of fever reducing medications. For athletic staff: The Norwin School District Human Resources department or Athletic Director will provide clear follow-up expectations, frequent communication, and return-to-school guidance. Currently, return to sport guidance after infection or exposure follows a 10-day quarantine and no fever for 3 days. Notification will follow District’s current Communication Plan which includes the use of District email to community members and electronic communication to coaching staff, families, and student athletes. The Athletic Directors responsible for programs who compete from different schools are expected to communicate openly about safety and health measures that are in place so that proper precautions are put into place in order to mitigate the spread of disease from team to team.

Other Considerations for Student Athletes and Staff

Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures * Protecting student athletes

and coaching staff at higher risk for severe illness

* Use of face coverings by

all coaches and athletic staff

* Use of face coverings by

student athletes as appropriate

Unique safety protocols for student athletes with

Identify staff and students who may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 through a review of information provided during the existing digital registration process. All high risk staff members and athletes will be treated as per medical guidelines. As needed and decided by team, individuals may have options to limit exposure risks by participating in virtual coaching and in-home drills. Current state guidelines will dictate the use of face covering by all coaches, athletic staff, officials, and judges. Coaches should wear face coverings at all times when in contact with student athletes and staff. Any athlete who prefers to wear a cloth face covering during a contest or practice should be allowed to do so.

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Requirement(s) Strategies, Policies and Procedures complex needs or other vulnerable individuals Management of Coaches and Athletic Staff

Once the new Athletic Director is hired and oriented, any required or suggested changes in management or these Action Steps will be reviewed by the group who collaborated on this Athletics Health and Safety Plan and revisions may be made.

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Athletics Health and Safety Plan Governing Body Affirmation Statement

The Board of Directors/Trustees for (Norwin School District) reviewed and approved the Athletics Health and Safety Plan on (July 30, 2020).

The plan was approved by a vote of:

Yes

No

Affirmed on: (July 30, 2020)

By:

(Signature of Board President)

(Print Name of Board President)