Practice Precautions for COVID

Volleyball coaches are wondering what to do in terms of trying to move forward with practices, both at the HS and college levels. I see this in multiple forums where the same question is getting asked repeatedly. That seems as good a reason as any to write up a blog.

This is the list of precautions we are taking for practices and matches (if people would just start wearing masks, taking precautions, and not being selfish bastards about their ‘rights’).

Before entering the facility: 1 – Coaches will check athletes’ temperatures. Over 100°F and they are not permitted in. 2 – They’ll fill out a questionnaire regarding symptoms–fever, cough, chest tightness, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, unexpected muscle aches, loss of smell/taste 3 – Each day they will be asked if they’ve been tested for COVID. If yes and the test is positive, 14 day quarantine and a negative test is required to return. 4 – Coach will report results to the athletic office immediately after completing the day’s testing.

PRACTICE: If we do something outside rather than inside–practice STILL begins at the door with these daily checks.

Water breaks: Own personal water bottles required. All doors which can be propped open will be to reduce the need to mutually touch surfaces. Masks: Athletes will be provided multiple washable masks by the school (this may be difficult for a HS team’s budget) There will be sanitizing supplies available for coaches–and coaches are responsible for sanitizing practice space before beginning (there will be a 15-minute extra space between practices for this to be done). Hand sanitizer bottles will be placed around the gym for easy and regular access of players.

One door to the gym is an entrance, another is the exit at the end of practice so finished/starting teams do not cross paths.

No showers.

Equipment will not be shared unless necessary (balls). Social distancing will be maintained while instructions are given or play is stopped temporarily. Where practical, distance will be maintained during drills (such as multiple players waiting for their turn to participate)

Once players are in practice, they are not permitted to leave the gym for ANY reason other than injury or bathroom break.

ICE: The trainer will pre-prepare bags to be picked up from a cooler. The bag count will be determined at the start of practice.

TRAVEL: The team will have its temperature checked before leaving (using daily procedure)

1 passenger per row (for us, 27 max passengers on the bus), alternating which side of the bus they siton. Any stopping for meals will be done pickup/take out. No seated dining permitted.

No overnight travel unless qualifying for the National Tournament. Those restrictions TBD.

GAMES: Visiting teams will be responsible for their own water. Pre-match meeting will be one person. No handshakes. Officials/coaches will remain 6ft apart for all discussions. Host team will provide sanitation wipes for each bench as well as disinfectant sprays.

Each bench will consist of as many chairs as the team has coaches. Coaches are responsible for carrying their own chair when teams exchange benches.

**It is possible, TBD, that there will be no exchange of benches after each game.

No more than 50 people in the gym (work staff = a minimum of 7 bodies…2 refs, 2 LJ, scoreboard/libero tracking, scorer, trainer), so 20/team, basically.

No fans.

Visiting team cannot be permitted into the gym more than 60 minutes before the matchstart time.

For a multi-team event, only participating teams can be in the gym. Other teams must wait outside. An additional 30-minute period will be between matches to permit custodial cleaning of the area–disinfecting chairs, ref stand, LJ flags, scorer’s table.

Dressing room/locker room will only be provided if it can meet Department of Public Health standards. Otherwise, athletes will need to change in the gym or before arrival.