Home

14

Aug, 2020

TN Sports Pledge

As of August 6, 2020
These guidelines are intended for youth and adult sports. Athletics play an important role in
the community, and these guidelines provide recommendations for facilities, teams, and
spectators to protect student-athletes and amateur sports participants.
The risk of COVID-19 transmission varies by sport/activity, and these guidelines are intended as
a supplement to assist with safely engaging in practice and competition. Additional
regulations from a sport’s governing body (e.g., TSSAA) may be applicable.
The decision to resume or engage in sporting activities and competition is best made at the
local and individual levels. Non-school-sponsored athletics, including practices and games or
competition, must be conducted in a manner consistent with this guidance. For K-12 athletics,
the decision to permit sports-related activities is the discretion of a school and its governing
body for athletics. Collegiate and professional athletics must be conducted pursuant to the
rules of their respective governing bodies and institutions.
Safeguarding Guidance
Venue operators and coaches should evaluate relevant activities to make appropriate
adaptations as necessary, even if not specifically described below. These guidelines are subject
to change.
Athlete, Personnel, and Spectator Protection
• Screen coaches, athletes, team personnel, volunteers/staff, officials, and spectators
for illness upon arrival to every practice and competition (or reporting to work at the
venue) with the following questions:
o Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
(Note: This does not apply to medical personnel, first responders, or other individuals
who encounter COVID-19 as part of their professional or caregiving duties while
wearing appropriate PPE.)
o Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
o Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
o Have you had new loss of taste or smell?
o Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
• Teams/venues should assure adequate space, staffing, and timing of entrances so as to
not promote crowding for any period of time during ingress/egress and screening.
• Direct persons who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., answers “yes” to any of the
screening questions or, if temperature checks are conducted, who has a temperature of
100.4 degrees or greater) to leave the premises immediately and seek medical care
and/or COVID-19 testing. Take appropriate precautions to maintain the confidentiality of
health information.
o Any person who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who has been diagnosed
with COVID-19 must isolate at home for a period of 10 days from the onset of their
symptoms (or the date they were tested, if asymptomatic) AND must be fever-free
(without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND have improvement in symptoms
for at least 24 hours.
o Any person who has been a close contact (within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer) of a
person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 must quarantine at home for a period
of 14 days from their last exposure to that individual. A negative COVID test does not
affect the quarantine requirement.
• All persons should stay home if feeling ill. Any symptoms of illness should be reported
to a coach or supervisor, and teams/supervisors should require notice of any COVID-19
positive case in a person’s household. Persons who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-
19 according to the CDC (e.g., due to age or severe underlying medical conditions) should
consider whether to refrain from participating.
• Practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible
o Implement social distancing on the bench/sideline, and otherwise encourage
maintaining at least 6 feet from others to the greatest extent possible. Eliminate or
relocate non-essential persons from team areas.
o Limit congregating in common areas and other confined indoor spaces.
o Use smaller cohorts for practices and, to the extent possible, avoid mixing between
cohorts. Limit or spread out team huddles. Use larger areas for practice, warm-ups, or
other staging to allow for greater physical separation of athletes.
o Spectators should maintain at least 6 feet of separation from others not from the same
household, including in seating areas or bleachers. In localities where fan attendance is
permitted, venues are encouraged to limit fan attendance to a number that will
allow social distancing and should mark/designate bleachers or seats in order to
promote social distancing among spectators. In consultation with local health
providers, in areas experiencing high virus transmission consider further limitations on
attendance (e.g., family members only, or no spectators). Offer virtual/remote
observation where possible.
o Umpires and officials should increase physical distance when using a projected voice or
blowing a whistle in close proximity to other persons.
o Avoid exchanging documents between teams or officials as much as possible
o Limit use of, or congregation within, confined indoor areas such as locker rooms
o Venues, teams and leagues should be mindful of applicable state and/or local orders
that limit gathering sizes and facilitate compliance with such orders.
• Consider requiring cloth face coverings
o Wearing a cloth face covering may not be possible while actively participating in a
certain athletic activity (e.g., swimming, distance running, high-intensity aerobic
activity), but participants should wear a face covering when not actively engaged in
physical activity (e.g., on the bench or in the dug-out or team room)
o Coaches, team personnel, and officials should wear face coverings if within 6 feet of
others and if using a projected voice within 15 feet of others
o Spectators and staff/volunteers should wear cloth face coverings if maintaining
appropriate distance of 6 feet from other spectators is not possible and if using a
projected voice within 15 feet of others
o Venues/teams must comply with any local order requiring face coverings
o Include appropriate exemptions for young children and those with medical or health
reasons for not wearing a face covering
• Increase hygiene practices
o Require all athletes, coaches, team personnel and staff/volunteers to wash or sanitize
their hands upon arriving and leaving each day, and encourage spectators to do the
same. Athletes, coaches, and staff/volunteers should regularly wash their hands or use
hand sanitizer between activity while on-site.
o Athletes and coaches should refrain from high fives, handshake lines, and other
avoidable contact with teammates, opposing teams, coaches, umpires, and fans.
o Practice good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Limit spitting, and
wash/sanitize hands after blowing one’s nose.
• Use personal drinks and snacks
o Athletes, coaches, and others are encouraged to bring personal beverages to athletic
activities. If a volunteer or coach provides beverages for the team, utilize single-serving
containers and label for each athlete.
o If the organizer provides hydration stations or coolers (e.g., water table for team or
group run participants), limit persons in prep areas other than essential staff and
minimize congregation by participants
o Avoid shared beverages and unpackaged, shared food
• Plan for potential COVID-19 cases. This will include no participation for a minimum of 10 days for
positive cases and no participation for any close contacts of cases during a 14-day quarantine
period. Teams/venues should plan to provide the local health department with information on close
contacts to assist with case investigation and contact tracing.
• Coaches should set expectations with athletes regarding potential changes to the season, and consider
stress or mental distress experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Sport-Related Modifications
• Assess the risk of the particular activity or sport. Noncontact sporting events and activities
generally present lower risk in terms of COVID-19, while contact sporting events and activities can
present moderate to high risk. Appropriate modifications and precautions can further the safe
resumption of such activity.
o “Noncontact sporting events and activities” mean sports that can be conducted while
substantially maintaining appropriate social distancing, and that involve at most only close
contact or proximity between participants that is incidental to the activity. Such sports include,
but are not limited to, baseball, softball, golf, disc golf, tennis, cycling, track and field and cross
county or running events, swimming, skiing, archery, cricket, and equestrian
o “Contact sporting events and activities" are sports for which there is a requirement or substantial
likelihood of routine, sustained close proximity or physical contact between participants. For
example, some sports, such as wrestling are scored by impacting an opponent, while others,
including football or rugby, require tackling of players. Others like basketball, soccer, lacrosse,
competitive cheer, rugby, ice and field hockey, rowing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, boxing,
volleyball, water polo, and other combat sports involve participants being in close, sustained
proximity and likelihood of physical contact
• Certain components of training or competition are appropriate to limit or modify for the time
being. For aspects of sports that are higher risk or involve greater physical contact, consider
focusing on skill development and play that limits or reduces contact, unless necessary during
competition.
• Recommend limiting competition to teams in your region or league/conference. Expand
beyond regional play as appropriate in light of COVID-19 case prevalence existing at the time.
Consider whether a shorter or abbreviated season might be a feasible and appropriate precaution.
Avoid scrimmages with other teams outside official competition.
• Limit long-distance team travel where possible and minimize transporting teams/athletes in
large groups where possible. When group transport is required, everyone in the vehicle should be
encouraged to wear a cloth face covering and practice social distancing in the vehicle as much as
possible. Give special consideration to appropriate precautions where overnight travel is involved.
• Virtual team meetings are preferred where possible
• Handling of sporting equipment:
o Whenever possible, equipment and personal items should not be shared. If equipment must be
shared, disinfect between each use or as regularly as possible, according to CDC/EPA guidelines
for sanitization (e.g., track and field relay batons and field implements, ball racks, tackling
dummies)
o To the extent possible, avoid sharing equipment or balls between teams. For applicable sports,
balls and other equipment should be rotated on a regular basis to limit contact by multiple
users, unless sanitized.
• Identify alternate rules of play due to COVID-19
o Refer to Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s modified regulations, as applicable,
or other rules from a league or sport governing body or association
o Running or similar events with larger groups of participants should consider utilizing smaller
heats/waves or interval starts. Use electronic timing if possible to minimize congestion at the
start/finish, and have finish line officials wear face coverings. Use venues or courses that allow
for greater physical separation of athletes.
o Tournaments could utilize single elimination to decrease interaction between teams and reduce
the number of persons that remain on-site
o Expand the sidelines area for social distancing, and limit pre-game meeting attendees
o Suspend switching team benches in volleyball
o Refer to COVID-19 rules or resources from a sport’s governing body (e.g., USA Gymnastics, USA
Track and Field, USA Softball, USA Football, USA Hockey, US Golf Association, etc.)
• Use caution with indoor practices/training and competition. Use social distancing and face
coverings. Evaluate options to improve ventilation, as permitted by building regulations.
• Consider appropriate modifications for a return to training or conditioning work after athletes may
have had a period of inactivity.
Facility- or Administrative-Related Modifications
• Arrange or mark any seating areas, tables, chairs, etc. (indoor and outdoor) to
facilitate social distancing. If safe distances are not achievable, remove or barricade
seating areas as needed. Install barriers and protective shields where needed to safely
distance staff (e.g., at ticket booths, concessions, etc.)
• Post signage encouraging social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. Use
signs or ground markings to indicate proper social distancing at ticket booths, concession
areas, bathrooms, or anywhere else a line/congregation is anticipated to form. If larger
crowds are anticipated, consider establishing a “guest flow” plan, including managing
queues and making walkways or stairways one-way or clearly divided for bi-directional
travel, with appropriate directional signs/markers.
• Consider staggered activities/scheduling to improve social distancing. For example, if
multiple practices or games are to be held at the same facility, schedule adequate time
between groups to allow for facilities to be disinfected and minimize interaction. Make
efforts to maintain physical distancing at sports complexes with multiple fields that
operate simultaneous games or practices, or limit the number of fields in use at any one
time if necessary.
• Cap the number of teams or athletes (and/or spectators) as appropriate to achieve
appropriate physical distancing during the competition/event
• Staff or volunteers should regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces, equipment and
common areas using disinfectant cleaning supplies per CDC guidelines
• Hand sanitizer and/or hand washing stations with soap and running water should be
readily accessible for all persons on-site
• Eliminate concession operations for the time being, or, if offered, implement relevant
provisions of the Tennessee Pledge restaurant guidelines. Encourage athletes and
spectators to bring their own water rather than using on-site water fountains.
• Where available, use electronic or online solutions for reservations, check-in, waivers or
payment
• Communicate expectations and protocols to participants in advance
• Positive COVID-19 case management: Organizers and coaches should maintain a
complete list of persons, with contact information, present at each practice/competition
and cooperate with the local health department in the event of a confirmed case of
COVID-19 by a participant. An effort should be made to maintain a log of spectators with
contact information, to the extent possible.
• Limit the number of people in restroom facilities at any one time to reduce potential
exposure within those confined spaces, and ensure that sanitization is occurring at
increased intervals. Properly sanitize porta-potties throughout event, if used. Provide hand
sanitizer or hand washing stations for each porta-potty. Space out porta-potty clusters for
greater social distancing within lines; consider decreasing the ratio of the number of
persons per porta-potty at large events.
• Consider offering virtual participation or spectating options where possible
• Limit awards ceremonies or post-event celebrations to reduce potential for larger crowds
• Implement appropriate precautions for band section and cheerleaders, if present. This includes
COVID-19 screening and social distancing. Due to the potential increased risk of virus transmission
during certain activities, the use of bands at contests is discouraged. If the band is present, limit to a
halftime performance or relocate the band from the stands to other available areas away from
crowds and increase the amount of physical distance between band members. Increase the amount
of physical distance between cheerleaders as well as between cheerleaders and other persons if
projected voices are to be used.
• Covered employers and employees should be aware of the provisions of the federal Families
First Coronavirus Response Act, which allows for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical
leave for specified reasons, such as for self-quarantining or seeking a medical diagnosis for COVID-
19 symptoms
• Prepare for absence of critical staff by developing a roster of qualified individuals who can fill in if
staff members are absent due to illness or family circumstances
• Prepare plans for potential cancellation and/or postponement of competitions due to COVID-19
Notice to participants and/or parents or guardians of youth participating in group sporting
activities: No person should participate, and parents should not permit children to participate, in
sporting activities if participant has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or exhibits any symptom(s) of
COVID-19. If after recent participation in sporting activities the participant develops symptoms or is
confirmed as positive for COVID-19, you should consult their healthcare provider and report such
occurrence to the coach or other administrator. Parents are encouraged to make efforts to limit
potential COVID-19 exposure by any vulnerable persons who are members of the same household or
come into frequent, close contact with individuals who participate in sports.
Additional Resources
Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Regulations: https://tssaa.org/returntoplay
CDC Considerations for Youth Sports: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schoolschildcare/youth-sports.html
CDC Youth Sports Program FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schoolschildcare/youth-sports-faq.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM31413
Little League® Best Practices: https://www.littleleague.org/player-safety/coronavirus-update/seasonresumption-guide/best-practices/organizing-playing-watching-games/
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee: https://www.teamusa.org/coronavirus
NCAA Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Action Plan Considerations: http://www.ncaa.org/sportscience-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-action-plan-considerations
Southeastern Conference Medical Task Force Requirements for COVID-19 Management:
http://a.espncdn.com/sec/media/2020/SEC%20Task%20Force%20Recommendations%20Fall.pdf
ERG Swimming Pool Guidelines: https://www.tn.gov/governor/covid-19/economic-recovery/swimmingpool-guidelines.html
CDC Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/park-administrators.html

Website Manager

AYSO Region 1390 - East & South Knoxville Areas

News Detail

14

Aug, 2020

TN Sports Pledge

National Partners

Our sponsors

Site Links

Contact Us

AYSO Region 1390