Brevard Public Schools Students Can Return to Sports Activities Beginning June 22

THE SPACE COAST DAILY – FRIDAY NIGHT LOCKER ROOM TEAM IS BREVARD'S #1 SPORTS SOURCE

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For parents and guardians whose children participate in summer athletic conditioning, Brevard Public Schools will return students to sports activities beginning June 22 under specific guidelines and in stages to ensure safety.

Athletic directors and coaches are currently undergoing training to implement new safety protocols, which are detailed below.

CLICK HERE for the parental consent forms to be completed prior to participation.

BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS RETURN TO ACTIVITY PLAN:

Brevard Public Schools continues to follow the guidance of experts in public health, including the Center for Disease Control, the Florida Department of Health, as well as the guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations when making decisions about the reopening of facilities and resumption of activities.

The guidelines included in the Brevard Return to Activity Plan are based upon guidance developed to help Districts evaluate their readiness to safely bring students and coaches back on campus in a way the minimizes exposure to COVID-19.

The control of small groups of students in designated areas with controlled movement and consistent cleaning protocols is key to Brevard Public Schools’ commitment to safety while prudently taking steps to return to normal operations.

All timelines are subject to change based upon new information or guidance. Timelines are based upon the FHSAA Fall Sports Calendar.

RISK FACTOR

The more a student or staff member interacts with, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases based upon the degree of sustained contact by participant.

Higher Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants.

• Examples: Wrestling, football, lacrosse, basketball, competitive cheer, dance, cheer with stunting

Moderate Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in place that may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR intermittent close contact OR group sports OR sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between participants.

• Examples: Volleyball*, baseball*, softball*, soccer, tennis*, swimming relays, pole vault*, high jump*, long jump*, 7 on 7 football *Could potentially be considered “Lower Risk” with appropriate cleaning of equipment and use of masks by participants

Lower Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between use by competitors.

• Examples: Individual running events, throwing events (javelin, shot put, discus), individual swimming, golf, weightlifting, cross country running (with staggered starts), cheer without stunting
Modified from United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee – Sports Medicine recommendations

TWO-WEEK TIMELINE TO PREPARE FOR RE-ENTRY

• High School Athletic/Activity Directors will ensure that athletic packets are posted and accessible to parents and students. These will include the FHSAA EL2 and EL3 forms, BPS ECG form and the new Assumption of Risk, Waiver, Release & Hold Harmless form all students and parents must sign prior to students participating. Students participating in all other activities over the summer must complete the Assumption of Risk form.
• High School Athletic/Activity Directors will reach out to medical providers to try to set up dates and locations for mass physicals for their students. If they, in conjunction with their Principal, would like to host an event at their school, they must submit their plan and set of protocols to Bill Macheras for review and approval prior to that can occur. Additionally, students may seek their own physician for their annual physical in completing the EL2.
• Bill Macheras will reach out to Who We Play For to communicate that our schools are trying to set up mass physical dates and will be contacting WWPF to see if those dates and locations can be coordinated with them so that ECG screenings can be conducted at the same time. This will be based on WWPF’s protocol and timeline of when they can begin conducting those screenings.

Week One, Pre-RTA Plan:

• Once approval is granted for Brevard’s RTA plan, training will be set up for all high school and middle school Athletic/Activity Directors on the protocol standards and expectations in order for RTA to begin.
• Athletic/Activity Directors will then set up trainings for all their coaches/activity sponsors and those involved with summer workouts and conditioning.
• Schools will communicate to their students the timeline for Stage 1 to begin and the forms and athletic packets necessary for students to attend. The schools, and District Communications, will begin to communicate what summer workouts and the RTA plan consists of, so students and parents understand what is expected and the protocols, which will take place.
• Athletic/Activity Directors, coaches and/or sponsors will check on supplies needed (hand sanitizer, items to clean rooms/stations/equipment, thermometers, etc.) so they can be secured in time for the opening day of workouts.
• Athletic/Activity Directors, or their designees, will communicate any physical dates or provide locations, which parents and students can reach out to individually to set up their own appointments.
• If schools are hosting physicals or ECG screenings, the Athletic/Activity Director, or designee, will communicate to parents how the check in process, remaining in cars, etc., works.
• Coaches/Sponsors should begin to survey their players/participants, so they can begin to gauge how many will be participating in order to set up work out/meeting times, develop pods/groups, and then report times to families.
• Monitoring Forms are printed and prepared for first day of student participation
• Thermometers are acquired and coaches/sponsors have been trained to safely use them prior to the first day of conditioning.

After the RTA plan has been approved:

• Athletic/Activity Directors, or their designee, will ensure athletic packets are completed before a student participates.
• Athletic/Activity Directors, or their designee, will ensure the Assumption of Risk form is completed by students participating in activities other than sports.
• Athletic/Activity Directors will work with coaches/sponsors as a follow up on the previous training to make sure each understands the protocols for RTA, how to complete the Monitoring
Form for students, and understanding that all coaches will do self-checks on the Coach’s Monitoring Form and have masks. • Athletic/Activity Directors, or their designee, will ensure all necessary cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and other products are stationed and ready for the areas used over the summer.
• Athletic/Activity Directors, or their designee, will ensure that all equipment, weight room, etc., is sanitized and ready for the first day of student participation.
• Athletic Directors, or their designee, will ensure that any weight room equipment with exposed foam is covered or removed.

Guidelines for all Stages

■ BPS Return to Activity Plan may change in accordance to updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Florida Department of Health, or other state or local directives. We will remain flexible and review the Return to Activity Plan as new information becomes available. This includes the plan halting or regressing the Stages described if deemed necessary.
■ ALL student-athletes must have a current pre-participation physical (EL2), 2020-21 Consent Release and Concussion form (EL3), BPS ECG Clearance Form, and the Assumption of Risk Form on file prior to participating in summer activities including, but not limited to, workouts, practice sessions, skill development, etc. All other students participating in a summer activity must have an Assumption of Risk form on file.
■ Each school’s athletic/activity programs will operate with the approval of School and District leadership in moving forward through the BPS RTA Plan. If programs are out of compliance with the BPS RTA Plan, the program shall be suspended until such time as the program can be brought into compliance with the guidelines or new CDC or FDOH guidance is given that restrictions or precautions are no longer needed to combat COVID-19.
■ Decreasing potential exposure to respiratory droplets is the guiding principle behind social distancing and the use of face coverings. Cloth face coverings shall be highly recommended for all indoor activities in Stage 1 and 2.
• Cloth face coverings are acceptable and students are encouraged to bring them. There is no need to require or recommend “medical grade” masks.
• Coaches/Sponsors are strongly recommended to wear cloth face coverings during instruction.
■ Summer participation is voluntary and students will be held harmless if they decided not to participate.
■ Celebration is a natural part of athletics and team building. Coaches/Sponsors should develop a way to celebrate the hard work and personal victories of their teams that honor social distancing. These non-touching celebrations can include a team or school chant or rally cry, “air” high fives, a double-handed wave, finger-pointing directed at the individual being celebrated, or a salute that the team or school personalizes for their student-athletes.
■ There is no competition allowed between schools
■ No visitors are allowed at any activity on campus during Stage 1 and 2. Only coaches, sponsors, administrators or students scheduled for the specific time are allowed during these sessions.

STAGE 1: As early as June 22, 2020, or after all Pre-RTA Plan Activities are Complete

Pre-workout Screening

■ All coaches/sponsors and students will be screened upon their arrival on campus for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. Screenings include questions listed on the monitoring form as well as a temperature check. Responses to screening questions for each person will be recorded on the COVID-19 Coach/Student Monitoring From and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a student develops COVID-19.
■ Any person with any symptoms will not be allowed to take part in workouts and should contact his or her primary care provider or other appropriate health care professional. The student will not be allowed to participate for 10 days or until released by a physician.
■ Vulnerable individuals should not oversee or participate on campus during Stage 1. Vulnerable Individuals, as defined by the CDC, are people age 65 or older or others with serious underlying health conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune system s are compromised.

Limitations on Gatherings

■ No gathering of more than 10 people at a time (inside or outside) in any one area/place. Gyms and football fields can be considered two separate areas/places if students are appropriately separated. With appropriate separation, a track could also be considered a separate area from the football field. As many groups as can each be supervised by an adult, and that meet all gathering guidelines, is allowable.
■ Locker rooms will not be utilized during Stage 1. Students should report to workouts in proper gear and immediately return home to shower at end of the workout.
■ Workouts should be conducted in “pods” of students with the same 5-10 students always working out together. Smaller pods can be utilized for weight training. This ensures more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.
■ There must be a minimum distance of 6 feet between each individual at all times. If this is not possible indoors, then the maximum number of individuals in the room must be decreased until proper social distancing can occur.

Facilities Cleaning

■ Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases. Schedules should include a minimum of 15 minutes between group rotations in ensure time for wiping down all surfaces. Coaches/sponsors and students will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment during the day. School custodians will deep clean areas used at facilities nightly.
■ Prior to an individual or groups of individuals entering a facility, hard surfaces within that facility should be wiped down and sanitized (chairs, furniture in meeting rooms, locker rooms, weight room equipment, bathrooms, athletic training room tables, etc.).
■ Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available to individuals as they transfer from place to place.
■ Weight equipment should be wiped down thoroughly before and after an individual’s use of equipment.
■ Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment/surfaces.
■ Any equipment such as weight benches, athletic pads, etc. having holes with exposed foam should be repaired and covered.
■ Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.

Hydration

■ All students shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.
■ Hydration stations (water cows, water trough, water fountains, etc.) should not be utilized.

Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment

■ There should be no shared equipment (towels, clothing, shoes, or sports-specific equipment) between students.
■ Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing) individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout.
■ All equipment, including balls, should be cleaned after each use and prior to the next student using it.
■ Balls should not be passed between athletes without being cleaned in Stage 1.
■ Individual drills requiring the use of equipment are permissible, but the equipment should be cleaned prior to use by the next individual.
■ Resistance training should be emphasized as body weight, sub-maximal lifts and use of resistance bands.
■ Free weight exercises that require a spotter cannot be conducted while honoring social distancing norms. Safety measures in all forms must be strictly enforced in the weight room.
■ Cheerleaders may not practice/perform partner stunts or building. (Chants, jumps, dances without contact are permissible.) Tryouts may be held as long as social distancing and all other Stage 1 guidelines are adhered to.

STAGE 2: As early as July 27, 2020

If guidelines or FHSAA calendar fall sport changes, this date will be adjusted.

Pre-Workout/Contest Screening

■ Same as Stage 1

Limitations on Gatherings

■ No gathering of more than 10 people at a time inside. Up to 50 individuals may gather outdoors for workouts in any one place.
■ If locker rooms or meeting rooms are used, there must be a minimum distance of 6 feet between each individual at all times.
■ Workouts should continue in “pods” of students with the same 5-10 students always working out together. Smaller pods can be utilized for weight training. This ensures more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.
■ There must be a minimum distance of 6 feet between each individual at all times. If this is not possible indoors, then the maximum number of individuals in the room must be decreased until proper social distancing can occur. Appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained on sidelines and benches during practices. Consider using tape or paint as a guide for students and coaches.

Facilities Cleaning

■ Same as Stage 1

Hydration

■ Same as Stage 1

Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment

■ There should be no shared equipment including athletic towels, clothing or shoes between students.
■ Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout.
■ All equipment, including but not limited to, balls, should be cleaned intermittently during practices and contests.
■ Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices.
■ Equipment including, but not limited to, bats, batting helmets and catchers gear should be cleaned between each use.
■ Maximum lifts should be limited and power cages should be used for squats and bench presses. Spotters should stand at each end of the bar.

STAGE 3: As early as August 10, 2020

If guidelines or FHSAA calendar fall sport changes, this date will be adjusted.

Pre- Workout/Contest Screening

■ Any person who has had a fever or cold symptoms in the previous 24 hours will not be allowed to take part in workouts and should contact his or her primary care provider or other appropriate healthcare professional.
■ A record should be kept of all individuals present.
■ Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions, but should practice physical distancing, minimizing exposure to social settings where distancing may not be practical, unless precautionary measures are observed.

Limitations on Gatherings

■ Gathering sizes of up to 50 individuals, indoors or outdoors.
■ When not directly participating in practices or contests, care should be taken to maintain a minimum distance of 3 to 6 feet between each individual. Consider using tape or paint as a guide for students and coaches.

Facilities Cleaning

■ Same as Stages 1 & 2

Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment

■ There should be no shared equipment including athletic towels, clothing or shoes between students.
■ Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout.
■ Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices.
■ Equipment including, but not limited to, bats, batting helmets and catchers gear should be cleaned between each use. Other equipment, such as wrestling ear guards, football helmets/other pads, lacrosse helmets/pads/gloves/eyewear should be worn by only one individual and not shared.
■ Maximum lifts should be limited and power cages should be used for squats and bench presses. Spotters should stand at each end of the bar.

Hydration

■ All students shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.
■ Hydration stations (water cows, water trough, water fountains, etc.) may be utilized but must be cleaned after every practice/contest.

CLICK HERE for the Assumption of Risk, Waiver, Release and Hold Harmless document.

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