USATF Releases Return To Training And Event Hosting Guidance *Return To Training Guidance

RETURN TO TRAINING GUIDANCE FOR ATHLETES, COACHES, CLUBS, AND ASSOCIATIONS POST-COVID-19

This guidance document (“Guidance”) on return to training considerations post-COVID-19 has been developed by USATF’s COVID-19 Working Group, composed of medical and scientific experts in the fields of sports medicine, physiology, infectious disease, and epidemiology. This Guidance is based on and includes portions of specific content from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee guidance document on return to training considerations and World Health Organization (“WHO”) mass gathering guidance.

This Guidance sets as primary consideration the rules and regulations provided by public health authorities and state and local governments, which will be different across the country. The secondary consideration should be the specific recommendations set forth in this document. In either case (State/Local or USATF), whichever regulations are more restrictive should be the guidance that is followed. This does not prevent associations, local clubs, and events from adopting even more strict or more conservative approaches than those mandated by local public health authorities or recommended by the USATF Guidance.

This Guidance (v1.3) should be considered a “living document.” This means that the document’s criteria and recommendations are based on known factors at the time of writing. As more information becomes available concerning COVID-19, this Guidance will be updated as appropriate and new version(s) released to the USATF membership.

Finally, although the young and healthy tend to have less severe cases of COVID-19, every case of this disease is potentially life-altering or deadly in any age group, but particularly so in USATF athletes, coaches, and officials with select risk factors - such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, immune suppression, neurologic disorders affecting respiration, or individuals of advanced age. Until a vaccine is developed, long-term immunity can be confirmed, or a cure is found, there is no way of completely eliminating the risk of fatal infection. This should always be in the forefront when considering return to training decisions.

Return to Training Phases

Step 1: Determine current state government requirements and regulations. Links to find this information for your state can be found here: https://web.csg.org/covid19/state-covid-19-websites-and-related-resources/.

Step 2: Determine if there are any local or county public health authority notices with restrictions on activities in the community. Finding this information will differ by location, but normally can be found through your county government webpage.

Step 3: Using that information, determine the appropriate phase below that applies to your local community:

Step 4: See the specific guidance for each phase listed below.

**Note, in all phases proper hygiene and social distancing practices should be followed**

Phase 1: Public health authorities require shelter in place

It is recommended that you only leave your home for essential work or errands and follow infection prevention measures when in public (See Appendix 1 for appropriate infection prevention measures). Follow CDC guidance or current state regulations that may mandate wearing a mask.

Follow and maintain proper social distancing behavior. Complete rigorous, frequent cleaning protocol of living space and athletic equipment with disinfectant.*

Activities that are PERMITTED Activities that are NOT PERMITTED

Individual training sessions in your home using your own equipment In-person training with other athletes

Coaching that is done virtually Coaching that is done in-person

General physical activity (e.g., walking, running) on public streets if allowed in your community and social distancing can be maintained Training in public venues where others commonly gather and/or social distancing not possible (e.g. city parks, weight rooms, hiking trails, gyms)

*Cleaning of living spaces and training facilities should follow the CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting community facilities. Frequently touched areas (e.g., door handles, light switches) should be cleaned multiple times daily. Work-out equipment should be cleaned with anti-septic cleansers prior to use, between use by different athletes, and after use. At home, fresh food should be washed carefully before eating. Wash hands prior to cleaning and/or eating food. Dishes should be washed at high temperatures, preferably in a dishwasher.

posted Sunday June 7th