Horseshoe Volleyball Club Health and Safety Plan
PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT
For more information or questions related to the HVC Health and Safety Plan and/or athletics during COVID-19, please contact Ken Streilein at (814)935-1039 or k_streilein@yahoo.com.
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges. The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness, which 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. While many of the policies have changed since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, preventive measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 are also effective in helping to slow the spread of other communicable diseases such as the flu.
SPECTATORS AT PRACTICES
Spectators are not required to wear masks, but may do so if they feel the need.
PRACTICE PROTOCOLS
All athletes, coaches, and officials must bring their own water and drinks to team activities. Team water coolers for sharing through disposable cups are not allowed. Water bottles must not be shared.
Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva are not allowed including; spitting, licking fingers, etc.
Limit unnecessary physical contact with teammates, other athletes, coaches, officials, etc.
Hand Sanitizer should be used periodically, and are made available at various spots throughout the gym.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS
When entering the armory, use the main entrance on the ground floor. When leaving the armory, exit via the main floor exit.
If athletes show symptoms, have a fever, or are sick, they must stay home
If coaches show symptoms, have a fever, or are sick, they must stay home.
Coaches and athletic staff must monitor athletes for symptoms prior to and during games and practices. If individuals participating in sporting activities show symptoms, or are sick, they must be sent home. Every effort must be made to isolate the individual until they are able to leave.
RETURN OF ATHLETE OR COACH FOLLOWING A COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS OR EXPOSURE
Isolated athletes or coaches (those who have who have tested positive for COVID-19) should;
- Stay home for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
Quarantined athletes or coaches will not be permitted to practice or compete in competitions until they have been quarantined for five days following exposure and exhibit no symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, stay home and get a test. If test is positive, see instructions in #1 (above).
These guidelines may be adjusted if the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health revise their guidelines.
WHAT TO DO IF AN ATHLETE OR COACH BECOMES ILL WITH COVID-19 SYMPTOMS DURING PRACTICE OR COMPETITION
Every effort will be made to isolate the ill individual from others, until the athlete or coach can leave the event.
If not in attendance at the practice/competition, the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements will be made for the athlete to be picked up.
Ill individuals will be asked to contact their physician or appropriate healthcare professional for direction.
EDUCATION
Coaches, parents and athletes will be educated on the following (through posters, flyers, meetings, emails, texts):
- COVID-19 signs and symptoms
- Proper ways to limit exposure to COVID-19 (hand washing, cough in your elbow, disinfecting touched surfaces, social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose, face and mouth, no spitting, gum chewing, etc.)
- The content of this Health and Safety Plan
- Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, AAU, USAV
This document may be modified at any time due to the changing nature of the current pandemic that exists. When this plan is modified, parents and participants will be notified either via email or text.
Date created: 11/27/20
Revision # Date of Revision
1 11/11/21
2 1/1/22
3 11/25/22
4 11/20/23