Return-to-Play Protocols for Fall 2020 Lacrosse Clinics
Swax Lax Lacrosse (SLL) has prepared Return to Play recommendations for all Fall 2020 Clinic participants. The following recommendations and protocol are fluid and changing, based upon current guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Lacrosse (USL), and other Federal and/or local government agencies.
Participants must proceed with the understanding that there is no way to eliminate all risk of infection and, as a result, SLL strongly encourages all participants to follow these recommendations as safety precautions. The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
COVID-19 Protocols and Waiver
Swax Lax Lacrosse will share all COVID-19 Return to Play protocols with participating parties prior to the first clinic date via a Welcome Letter. Participating parties should adhere to all COVID-19 Return to Play protocols in good faith. Swax Lax Lacrosse will require a COVID-19 Waiver signed prior to the first clinic date (Sunday, September 27th, 2020), as well as a COVID-19 Check-In Form that will need to be electronically completed via a Google form prior to EACH and EVERY individual clinic date that certifies no signs and/or symptoms, no contact with anyone who has tested positive, as well as no travel to or from any of the states listed on the official travel advisory list for NJ for all coaches and players.
Vulnerable Public/Participants
There are certain segments of the population that have an increased risk of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Individuals who are 65 years of age or older, those with heart, lung, kidney or liver complications, and those with diabetes or any other pre-existing health conditions are highly encouraged not to attend. Parents and coaches should assess levels of risk based on individual players on the team who may be at higher risk for severe illness such as children who have asthma, diabetes, or other health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported — from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms that may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Cough/ shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Fever/chills/repeated shaking with chills.
- Headache/sore throat/new loss of taste or smell.
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get emergency medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- Bluish lips or face.
COVID-19 Screenings
Staff
- COVID-19 waiver will be sent out via email on the night of Saturday, September 26th, 2020, and must be completed prior to the morning of the first clinic, Sunday, September 27th, 2020, in order to attend ALL clinic sessions.
- COVID-19 check-in form will be sent out the Saturday night prior to each Sunday clinic via email and must be completed prior to the morning of each clinic date.
- Should participate in self daily health screenings prior to each clinic date (e.g., a temperature check and symptom reporting).
- Any staff experiencing symptoms will be directed to local health resources and will not work their scheduled shift.
Athletes
- COVID-19 waiver will be sent out via email on the night of Saturday, September 26th, 2020, and must be completed prior to the morning of the first clinic, Sunday, September 27th, 2020, in order to attend ALL clinic sessions.
- COVID-19 check-in form will be sent out the Saturday night prior to each Sunday clinic via email and must be completed prior to the morning of each clinic date for each participating player in order to attend the clinic.
- Any athlete reporting COVID-19 related symptoms in the screening process should be directed to local health care resources and not attend said clinic date.
Face Coverings
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice (e.g., while shouting, chanting, or singing). These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies show that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms (are “asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (are “pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
It will be recommended that every participant (staff/players/spectators) use a face covering when within close proximity (within 6 feet) of other people, especially when social distancing cannot be maintained, unless it jeopardizes their health.
- Athletes must wear a face mask upon check-in and remain wearing the face covering until they are in their designated groups practicing social distancing.
- It will be recommended that parents and spectators wear face coverings at all times at the facility that covers their nose and mouth.
- When interacting with other people in a public setting, off the field, all athletes should wear face covering. (US Lacrosse/CDC).
- It will be recommended that coaches wear face coverings throughout the entirety of the clinic.
Social Distancing
- Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. (cdc.gov) All individuals, on or off-field, must maintain a social/physical distance of at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible.
- Cones to maintain social distancing will be placed throughout each drill as well as where players should keep their belongings when in a communal space.
Staff Social Distancing
- It will be required that all Swax Lax Lacrosse staff members wear face coverings throughout the entirety of the clinic.
Player Social Distancing
- It will be required that all Swax Lax Lacrosse players must wear face coverings while checking in and during pick up, and remain wearing them until they are set in their designated groups.
- Players will remain in their designated groups throughout the entirety of the clinic as well as the remaining clinic dates.
- All drills and games will be conducted following social distancing guidelines.
- Cones will be placed in designated areas to establish where players will put their belongings for the entirety of the clinic.
Spectator Social Distancing
- The number of spectators will be capped at 1 per athlete.
- It is advised that all attendees wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance between non-family members at the clinic.
Equipment (Staff, Coach, Athlete, Spectator)
Because it is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, we will remove all communal equipment.
- No communal water jugs or benches.
- No indoor facilities available.
- No loaner equipment will be provided.
- It is advised that all athletes and coaches sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer before and after each clinic
- Mouthguards, for our older players, should be kept in athletes’ mouths at all times during the clinic. When removed, mouthguards should be kept in a protective case, and cleaned before future use. Hands used to touch a removed mouthguard should be sanitized before touching anything or anyone .
- Lacrosse Balls: All balls will be sanitized prior to each clinic and will be distributed on an open field. Players are to only touch the balls with their sticks.
- Lacrosse equipment: all lacrosse equipment that includes, but is not limited to goals, cones, shoot and scoops, hula hoops, ladders etc. will be sanitized after each clinic date.
Maintaining Healthy Operations
Swax Lax Lacrosse staff is committed to maintaining healthy operations on-site. All staff will be advised and trained in proper protocols. In order to maintain healthy operations:
- Keep athletes, coaches, staff, and parents aware of state or local regulatory agency policies related to group gatherings.
- A back-up staffing plan will be in place and Swax Lax Lacrosse will monitor absenteeism of staff.
- Our staff will be trained on safety protocols.
Event Sanitation
- While participants are encouraged to bring their own sanitation supplies (disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.), Swax Lax Lacrosse will provide adequate sanitation options for all people in attendance, e.g. hand sanitizer stations will be made available throughout the clinic area.
Cooperation and Responsibility for All Participants
Each stakeholder as outlined below has a responsibility to cooperate within the framework of this plan. Swax Lax Lacrosse emphasizes the need for cooperation and an acceptance of responsibility from all members of our lacrosse community — we will be safer when we work together to minimize risks.
Coaches
- Follow all Return to Play protocols.
- Complete the COVID-19 Waiver prior to the first clinic date in order to attend ALL clinic dates.
- Complete the Check in Form prior to EACH and EVERY clinic date.
- Send players home if they are not feeling well.
- Ensure all players have their own individual equipment.
- Ensure activities provide adequate social distancing, as applicable.
- Respect players, parents, and families by accommodating those that may not yet be comfortable returning.
Parent
- Complete the COVID-19 Waiver for each participating player prior to the first clinic date in order to attend ALL clinic dates.
- Complete the Check in Form for each participating player prior to EACH and EVERY clinic date.
- If you are not comfortable having your child return to play, DON’T.
- Check child’s temperature prior to attending EACH clinic date.
- Ensure child’s clothing is washed after every activity.
- Ensure all equipment is sanitized prior to any clinic.
- Notify director/coach if your child becomes ill for any reason.
- Supply your child with individual sanitizer.
- Adhere to all social distancing expectations.
- Ensure your child has plenty of water.
Player
- If you are not comfortable with returning to play, DON’T.
- Adhere to all Return to Play protocols.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after all activities.
- Ensure all equipment is sanitized prior to any activity.
- Do not share water, food, or equipment.
- Respect and practice social distancing, as required in these guidelines.
- Place equipment, bags, etc. at least 6 feet apart, on designated cones provided.
- No High Five’s, handshakes, knuckles, or group celebrations.
General Safety Guidelines
In addition to the aforementioned safety guidelines, general safety guidelines recommended by the CDC should be followed by Swax Lax Lacrosse staff, spectators, and athletes:
- Stay at home if you (or a member of your immediate household) are feeling sick or experiencing the following COVID-19 symptoms: People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported — ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever of 100.3 degrees F/37.9 degrees C
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
(additional less common symptoms can be found at cdc.gov)
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and equipment (including balls, mouthguards, sticks, water bottles, helmets, eyewear, pads, uniform).
- No sharing of equipment, water bottles, towels.
- Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Have sanitizing options available, including, but not limited to hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- Arrive dressed and ready to play.
- No food is to be brought to the site.
- Bring your own water bottle.
- Any tasks that can be done at home, should be done at home.
- Cover your mouth and nose with elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Follow the public health guidance of the host location for the lacrosse activity when determining what necessary return to play and risk mitigation plan to follow.
- Establish a CAP (COVID-19 Action Plan), to determine what steps you need to take should an athlete, coach, or family member get sick or test positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Action Plan
Swax Lax Lacrosse will have an action plan to determine what steps will be taken should staff, coach, athlete, or spectator get sick or test positive for COVID 19.
Common COVID 19 symptoms include but are not limited to: cdc.gov
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Close contact with a COVID-19 positive
- Temperature
- Participant Screening Procedure for staff, coaches, spectators and athletes.
- An athlete waiver must be completed upon check in at each and every clinic date that provides the staff with the athletes name, their parent or guardian printed name, the clinic date and time, as well as parent or guardian signature that will conclude that the athlete has no signs and symptoms of COVID-19, they have not had a fever, and they have not traveled out of state in the last two weeks.
- Swax Lax Lacrosse staff, coaches, athletes, or spectators that show symptoms of illness during clinic date
- Parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the player immediately.
- Individuals will be advised to see a medical professional.
- Will be advised of home isolation criteria: Any persons that are sick or have been exposed to someone sick and have not been quarantined for 14 days, need to stay home and should not return until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation.
- If you are calling an ambulance or bringing someone to the hospital, try to first alert them that the person may have COVID-19.
- Individuals who have had close contact with a person who has symptoms will be separated and sent home as well.
- A medical professional will determine if COVID 19 test is necessary.
- Individuals will be advised to follow CDC guidelines for community related exposure.
- A medical professional will determine if COVID 19 test is necessary.
- Participants in direct contact with the individual will be notified by the Swax Lax Lacrosse Director.
Participating Event Staff, Athlete, Coach, Spectator has tested positive for COVID 19 (cdc.gov)
- Stay at home.
- Contact Swax Lax Lacrosse on site Director immediately with the date of positive test result.
- Swax Lax Lacrosse will contact the local and state health officials and follow all local and state protocols.
- Those most at risk will be advised to self-quarantine and monitor symptoms.
