INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that 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.
Souderton Area Youth Wrestling Association (SAYWA) will take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal, state, and local governments and Montgomery County Departments of Health. The SAYWA realizes the knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments become available. These recommendations will be adjusted as needed as new information becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our wrestlers and parents. No spectators will be allowed at practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for practices for SAYWA wrestlers:
1. Coaches will promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing (20 seconds with warm water and soap).
2. Cleaning, disinfection, of the wrestling mats will be intensified using the approved mat cleaning system and Purell or other disinfectant cleaner.
3. Coaches, and wrestlers will receive education on health and safety protocols.
4. Coaches and Staff will require anyone who is sick to stay home.
5. Coaches and Staff will regularly communicate and monitor developments with SAYWA Board of Directors and Souderton School District Director of Pupil Services, local authorities and families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures.
6. Coaches and wrestlers who may be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions should report to the SAYWA Board of Directors Conditions of concern are:
• Lung disease, moderate-severe asthma
• Serious heart conditions
• May be immunocompromised
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver disease
COVID MITIGATION PLAN
1. This plan pertains Wrestling Practice ONLY. This plan can be adjusted at any time.
2. Individuals will bring their own water bottles/beverages for all practices - no sharing of water bottles permitted.
3. Coaches will be prepared to sanitize equipment during practices if needed.
4. No spectators can be present at practices or workouts.
5. All coaches must take attendance and document all small groups.
FACILITIES
The above plan for wrestling practice will hold true for any use of the indoor facilities (wrestling room, gymnasium) with the following additional guidelines:
1. The SAYWA Board and the Souderton School District Supervisor of Operations will develop procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ventilation of the areas used by our student-athletes.
2. The wrestling room and gymnasium will only be utilized on specific days during the season, as to maximize cleaning efforts during specified days.
3. All coaches and wrestlers, should remain in their designated practices areas at all time. No one should be wandering the building.
4. All individuals must use hand sanitizer/wash hands before and after practice.
5. Coaches will minimize equipment sharing, and clean and disinfect shared equipment between uses by different people to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
6. Wrestlers must report to workouts in proper gear and immediately return home and shower and clean their equipment.
7. No spectators can be present at practices or workouts.
POSITIVE CASES OR SHOWING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
In the event a wrestler or coach fails the screening procedures, the individual will be isolated from the group, given a mask to wear, and sent home with the requirement to get a COVID-19 test or medical clearance prior to returning. The SAYWA Board of Directors and Souderton School District Director of Pupil Services will be notified. The SAYWA Board of Directors or Souderton School District Director of Pupil Services will contact the Montgomery County Department of Health to notify them of all positive COVID-19 tests. The Montgomery County Department of Health will work with the SAYWA Board or designee to determine the length of time an individual should be removed from practice and when clearance should be provided to the individual. District staff may assist in contact tracing.
At least 24 hours before returning on site, the wrestler/coach must call the SAYWA Board to inform them of the release date and arrange for a conversation SAYWA Board for final clearance to return. In addition, the Montgomery County Department of Health issue guidance on temporary suspension of activity if warranted based on a positive COVID-19 case.
What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms may range from mild to severe. (See CDC Fact Sheet in Appendix)
Symptoms may include:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore Throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
What to do if you are sick?
• If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you are infected with the virus, STAY AT HOME. It is essential that you take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home or community. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
• Notify the school immediately (SAYWA Board of Directors)
• Montgomery County Department of Health will assist the district in determining if others who may have been exposed (students, coaches, staff) need to be notified, isolated, and /or monitored for symptoms.
What to do if a student or staff become ill with COVID-19 symptoms during practice.
• Parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements will be made for the wrestler to be picked up.
• Ill individual will be asked to contact their physician or appropriate healthcare professional for direction.
• The isolation area will be sanitized immediately.
EDUCATION:
Coaches, Parents and Wrestlers will be educated on the following (through flyers, meetings, emails, phone calls):
• COVID-19 signs and symptoms
• Proper ways to limit exposure to COVID-19 (hand washing, cough in your elbow, disinfecting touched surfaces, social distancing, etc.)
• The content of this Return to Sport Guidelines Document
• Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments.