USATF COVID-19 Working Group Event Hosting Guidance for Athletes, Coaches, Clubs, and Associations during the COVID-19 Pandemic v1.8 (4/13/21) [Edits from v1.7 are in red text]
Summary of key updates:
This guidance document (“Guidance”) on event hosting 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 (“USOPC”) guidance document on event hosting considerations and World Health Organization (“WHO”) mass gathering guidance. This Guidance sets as primary consideration the rules and regulations set forth 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), the portions of each regulation which are more restrictive should be the guidance that is followed. This also 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 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 and event hosts. 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 event hosting decisions.
STEP 1: Determine current state and local 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/. This step also includes determining the current state and local government restrictions on travel, including quarantining after arrival from select states or regions. Events should not allow individuals from outside of the state or locality to participate in their event without documentation of completing the quarantine, if the state or local government require a quarantine for incoming travelers. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. The CDC recommends “Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.” USATF strongly encourages events and participants to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations, which would include competing only in events which do not require travel. A listing of state health department websites, which includes current state and local travel restrictions, is maintained by the CDC and can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html
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:
The chart below lists which type of competitive activities are permitted and USATF sanction issuance guidelines.
Phase 1: Public health authorities require shelter in place. Phase 2: Public health authorities lift shelter in place requirements, but continue to prohibit group activities
No competitive events of any type are permitted. USATF sanctions shall not be issued for any event projected to be in Phase 1 or Phase 2 at the time of the event. If a USATF sanction is issued (e.g., the location is or is projected to be Phase 3 or higher at the time of issuance), but the location of the event continues to be or reverts to Phase 1 or Phase 2 as of the date of the event, the USATF sanction will be void.
Phase 3: Public health authorities allow small group activities (typically 10 people or less, but can be as high as 100-250 people and will differ by locale), and most public training facilities remain closed or have limited access.
With permission from local health authorities and agreement with an appropriate venue, “micro-events” can be considered for sanction. Additional criteria include (but not limited to): a) the total number of individuals who enter the facility cannot exceed the state / local guidance for gathering size limits; b) separate sessions can be scheduled, with each session having a gathering size limit under state / local regulations; however the event must plan adequate time to safely vacate and properly disinfect the facility before the next session; c) it is highly recommended that all events conducted meet the Low Risk stratification from the table in STEP 4 below; however events that fall under the Moderate Risk category are allowed as long as the proper screening procedures (outlined in STEP 5 below) are followed. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that all participants meet the Additional Criteria for All Participants, listed in STEP 5 below. USATF may also require additional criteria for sanctioning. Continue to STEP 4 below.
Phase 4: Public health authorities allow public training facilities to open with no limitations on group size.
Competition can be considered for sanction. Continue to STEP 4 below.
Phase 5: The CDC guidance is updated to remove COVID-19 testing recommendations from select group events, including sporting competitions -- either for all individuals or for individuals meeting select criteria (such as being vaccinated).
USATF, at its discretion, may sanction meets following standard procedures.
STEP 4: Determine the risk stratification level (Low Risk, Moderate Risk, High Risk) for your event, described in the section below.
The USATF COVID-19 Working Group, following the USOPC Sports Event Planning Recommendations, categorizes various events as being Level 1 / low risk, Level 2 / moderate risk, or Level 3 / high risk, based on select criteria that stratify the risk of infection transmission. This Risk Stratification category is important, as it defines the restrictions and criteria necessary to hold select events (e.g., distance races where potential contact is higher, versus sprint events run entirely in lanes but in close proximity, versus field events where social distancing can be maintained).
SECTION 1 Outdoor Track & Field Events (with accommodations)
USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 1 / LOW RISK
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Low Risk category: SP, DT, JT, HT with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Athletes must provide their own implements (that pass inspection) and if officials retrieve implements, must use hand sanitizer or a new glove after each contact with an athlete implement. LJ, TJ with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Possible accommodation for video assistance with fair/foul calls at the board to maintain proper distance between officials & athletes. HJ, PV with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Sprint & Hurdle individual events run entirely in lanes, only if every other lane is used. An 800m run entirely in lanes (a 4 turn stagger) qualifies (if every other lane used). Blocks must be able to be disinfected after each heat / race. No baskets at start line for apparel. Distance events of 800m and longer which are run as individual time trials, where there is only one competitor on the track at a time.
USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 2 / MODERATE RISK
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Moderate Risk category: HJ, PV where social distancing is not maintained. Throws events where social distancing is not maintained or implement retrievers do not sanitize hands or use a new glove between each contact with an athlete's implement. Sprint & Hurdle individual events run entirely in lanes, if any adjacent lanes are used. Blocks must be able to be disinfected after each heat / race. All middle distance and distance races on the track of 800m and longer (i.e., any event not completed entirely in lanes) with more than one competitor (i.e., event is not an individual time trial). All relay events on the track (e.g. 4x100m, 4x400m, 4,800m, shuttle hurdles, DMR, etc.).
USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 3 / HIGH RISK
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the High Risk category: None (i.e., no normally executed track & field events meet the definition for High Risk).
SECTION 2 Cross Country, Road Races, Race Walks (on road), Mountain / Ultra / Trail (MUT): (with accommodations) USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 1 / LOW RISK
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Low Risk category: The requirements below would apply to all event types in Section 2 (cross country, road races, race walks on road, mountain / ultra / trail), unless specifically indicated. Arrival at event: space and logistics to allow all participants the ability to stay socially distanced (6ft / 2m) upon arrival to the event site. No bag check (to transport bags from start to finish area) is allowed. Starting line: Must be able to maintain social distancing (6ft / 2m) for all participants. Examples of ways this can be accomplished:
On the course: the course must have a minimum 12 ft width throughout, to allow for competitors to maintain an appropriate distance while passing. Meet / event directors should consider the width of the course and the ability level of the participants to determine the competitor density that the course can safely accommodate. This should be used to determine the maximum field size and timing of start waves. For MUT events where a minimum 12 ft width is not possible, a Low Risk stratification can be achieved by competitors carrying face coverings, verbally announcing when they are within 10m and preparing to pass, and the runner being overtaken stops and steps to the side of the trail and waits for the passing runner to move at least 10m ahead. Both runners should put their face coverings on for this passing procedure, then can remove when completed. At the finish line: competitors cannot be grouped into chutes; the finish line must be an open area where competitors can maintain an appropriate distance from others. It is suggested that meet / event directors widen the finish line area as much as possible to allow spacing and time for tiring athletes to finish, recover, and vacate the area. It is strongly advised that meets use chip timing or video to determine placing. Grouping athletes in chutes, giving finish sticks or cards, etc. at the finish line is not allowed. Individual time trials: Individual time trials, where there is only one competitor on the course at a time, or there is enough distance separating individual athlete starting times where it would not be possible for competitors to come into contact with each other would qualify for the Low Risk category.
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Moderate Risk category: If any of the above Low Risk events / situations / accommodations cannot be met, the event would fall into the Moderate Risk category.
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the High Risk category: None (i.e., no normally executed cross country, road race, race walk (on roads), mountain / ultra / trail events meet the definition for High Risk).
SECTION 3 Indoor Track & Field Events (with accommodations) USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 1 / LOW RISK
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Level 1 / Low Risk category: Facility requirements: The maximum number of people allowed in the building for a session must be less than the building capacity limit (or fraction thereof), as set by the state / local government or public health authority. Multiple sessions can be held on the same day, but the facility must be evacuated of non-essential meet personnel and the facility sanitized between sessions. There should be uni-directional foot traffic flow, except in situations where a minimum 6ft spacing can be achieved between opposing foot traffic. There must be separate entrances and exits to/from the building to the outside, which are separated by at least 6 ft. Events: The following events and accommodations would qualify for Level 1 / Low Risk SP, DT, JT, HT with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Athletes must provide their own implements (that pass inspection) and if officials retrieve implements, must use hand sanitizer or a new glove after each contact with an athlete implement. LJ, TJ with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Possible accommodation for video assistance with fair/foul calls at the board to maintain proper distance between officials & athletes. HJ, PV with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials. Sprint & Hurdle individual events run entirely in lanes on a straight-away, only if every other lane is used. Blocks must be able to be disinfected after each heat / race. No baskets at start line for apparel. Any pad used to assist competitors in stopping at the end of the sprint straight must be able to be disinfected after each heat / race. Events that take place on the oval, which are run as individual time trials, where there is only one competitor on the track at a time. For the entire meet, the meet director should consider the facility layout and schedule events appropriately, to minimize chances that simultaneously conducted events occupy the same space where the ability to properly social distance is impacted.
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the Moderate Risk category: Facility requirements: Any deviation from the Facility Requirements listed above in the Low Risk category would cause the whole competition to fall under the Moderate Risk category, or the meet could also be denied a sanction due to safety concerns. Events: The following events and accommodations would qualify for Level 2 / Moderate Risk HJ, PV where social distancing is not maintained. Throws events where social distancing is not maintained or implement retrievers do not sanitize hands or use a new glove between each contact with an athlete's implement. Sprint & Hurdle individual events contested on a straight-away, if any adjacent lanes are used. Blocks and any pad used to assist competitors in stopping at the end of the sprint straight must be able to be disinfected after each heat / race. All events of any distance which are run on the oval (i.e., for most tracks, 200m and longer, including all relay events) that are not run as individual time trials. Situations where the layout of the facility does not allow for competitors and officials to appropriately socially distance.
The following events (and situations / accommodations) would fall into the High Risk category: None (i.e., no normally executed indoor track events meet the definition for High Risk).
SECTION 4 All non-competitors (including coaches, officials, event staff, spectators, media, vendors, etc.)
All officials, coaches, and event staff would be considered in the Level 1 / Low Risk category for participation, as long as their duties allow for proper social distancing – otherwise, those individuals would fall in the Level 2 / Moderate Risk category. Spectators, media, and vendors would be considered in the Level 1 / Low Risk category, as long as a social distancing plan is available for their specific areas of the venue. However, additional criteria (including age and health status recommendations) will apply to officials, coaches, meet staff, and spectators for access / admission to the event (described in STEP 5).
All USATF sanctioned events are allowed and encouraged to have medical staff in the competition facility to provide emergency care. Pre- and/or Post-event manual therapies are allowed within the stadium, only if all of the following conditions are met:
STEP 5: utilize the chart below to determine the specific criteria that must be utilized to screen participants and event attendees, based on whether the specific event (or competitors / officials in select events within a competition) is considered Level 1 / Low Risk or Level 2 / Moderate Risk. Additional resources for following this criterion can be found in Appendix 2. Criteria for entry to facility and participation applies to every individual who enters the stadium, facility, or gated areas of a course or facility. IMPORTANT NOTE: Individuals who have been vaccinated must continue to follow all requirements regarding testing (if required, based on risk level of the event), physical distancing, mask wearing, and screening at facility entry for all competitions. While vaccination does reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 effects, per the CDC, individuals who are vaccinated may still be able to contract SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and spread the virus to others.
USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 1 / LOW RISK MINIMUM CRITERIA
Survey completed daily (either on or prior to entry to the facility) to confirm (via self-reporting) no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 in past 7 days (OR at least 7 days from onset of any COVID-19 infection signs or symptoms AND at least 72 hours since signs / symptoms have resolved). Survey must also ask participant to confirm no close sustained contact with anyone who is sick within 14 days of the event and no travel within 10 days of the event to or from an international location. If the individual has traveled internationally, they can be admitted if any of the following are met (per current CDC guidelines): a) they have completed a 10 day quarantine after arrival into the USA; b) they have completed a 7 day quarantine after arrival into the USA with a negative COVID-19 test after 3-5 days of quarantine; c) they are at least two weeks after a full course of vaccination for COVID-19. Competitors who have had a documented case of COVID-19 must have written letter from physician indicating they are cleared to compete. Daily temperature check on entrance to the competition facility / area confirming temperature < 100.4 F (38.0 C). All entrants to the competition facility / area must wear a face covering / mask at all times, except for athletes when warming up or competing and individuals who have a medical condition where face coverings / mask wearing is contra-indicated.
USOPC Infection transmission risk: Level 2 / MODERATE RISK MINIMUM CRITERIA
Symptom survey and temperature check done upon entrance to the facility, face covering requirement, and physician permission to compete if previous documented case of COVID-19 (i.e., the same as the minimum criteria in the Level 1/ Low Risk stratification above). Survey must include asking participant to confirm no close sustained contact with anyone who is sick within 14 days of the event and no travel within 14 days of the event to an international location with widespread ongoing COVID-19 transmission as determined by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html) or travel on a cruise ship or river boat. A negative COVID-19 test, which meets one of the three options below:
Option #1 (preferred) - Two negative COVID-19 PCR tests separated by a minimum of 24h, performed within 7 days of the event. Option #2 – If access to PCR testing is limited or results from PCR testing is taking longer than ~72h, one negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 7 days of the event is acceptable. Option #3 – One negative COVID-19 antigen test, performed within seven days of the event, if ALL of the criteria below are met: a) Both the county of residence of the athlete / participant AND the county of the event have a state government reported COVID-19 positivity rate in each of the last two weeks of less than 5%, AND b) The athlete / participant is asymptomatic (as reported on the symptom survey and temperature check), AND c) The athlete / participant has not had exposure to a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
If all three of the criteria above (a, b, and c) for Option #3 are not met, then the participant must use either Option #1 or Option #2 to meet the negative COVID-19 test criterion for clearance for Level 2 / Moderate Risk events.
If the athlete had a confirmed COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) test via PCR or antigen testing within 90 days of the competition, the athlete can be cleared for a Level 2 / Moderate Risk event within a competition without producing a negative COVID-19 test if all of the following criteria are met:
Note that COVID-19 antibody testing is NOT currently accepted to meet the negative COVID-19 test criterion. Additionally, vaccinated individuals must still meet all of the testing requirements noted above for Level 2 / Moderate Risk events.
Additional recommended criteria for all participants (athletes, coaches, officials, staff, spectators, etc.)
It is strongly recommended that individuals considered by the CDC to be “at-risk” not participate in the sanctioned event in any capacity. The CDC specifically designates “at-risk” to include individuals who are over the age of 65 or who live in nursing homes, as well as individuals with the following medical conditions: cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher), serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies, sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The CDC also notes that people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19: asthma (moderate-to-severe), cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain), cystic fibrosis, hypertension or high blood pressure, immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines, neurologic conditions (such as dementia), liver disease, pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues), smoking, thalassemia (a type of blood disorder), Type 1 diabetes mellitus. If these “at-risk” individuals choose to participate, it is recommended that they get clearance from their healthcare provider.
STEP 6: Determine which support personnel will be allowed access to the facility or event area.
Event participants should be grouped into tiers for access to the event. The decision to allow for admission should be based partly on the ability of the meet staff to complete the minimum screening required. Tier 1 (essential): Includes athletes, coaches, officials, event staff (should be as minimal in numbers as possible), medical staff, security, anti-doping officials. Allowed if meet the Low Risk required minimum criteria & Additional Criteria for All Participants in the chart above from STEP 5. Moderate Risk event athletes and officials / meet staff whose duties place them in the Moderate Risk category must meet the Moderate Risk required minimum criteria. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that those Moderate Risk event athletes and officials/meet staff also meet the Additional Criteria for All Participants to participate. Tier 2 (preferred): Includes media, volunteers (minimal). Allowed only if meet Low Risk required minimum criteria AND the burden of screening can be handled within the existing meet logistics. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you follow the Additional Criteria for All Participants above Tier 3 (non-essential): Includes spectators, vendors. Allowed only if meet Low Risk required minimum criteria AND the burden of screening can be handled within the existing meet logistics. However, it is recommended that events strongly consider not allowing Tier 3 individuals with the current COVID-19 situation. If spectators are allowed, a spectator social distancing plan must be included in the Medical Response Plan (see STEP 7 below). Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you follow the Additional Criteria for All Participants above.
STEP 7: All sanctioned events must complete a detailed Medical Response Plan that is approved by the local public health authority.
Each USATF sanctioned competition will name a COVID-19 officer to oversee the event's COVID-19 mitigation plan. This individual should be responsible for the following items:
STEP 8: Ensure all participants at sanctioned events complete a USATF Participant Waiver and Release of Liability. All such waivers should be maintained in accordance with local state laws.
The Medical Response Plan should include:
Guidelines for working with local public health authorities
Decision criteria for whether spectators will be allowed and go/no-go for the event
A detailed plan for screening / testing athletes, coaches, officials, and event staff
Personnel limitations / facility access
Preventative measures, to include facility access & cleaning, food & beverage plan
A plan for monitoring / dealing with illness
Development of a risk communication strategy and public health education for participants
Below are general recommendations for developing the content for each component of the Medical Response Plan.
Section 1.1 - Guidelines for working with local public health authorities
The event’s Medical Response Plan must be approved by local public health authorities. All public health regulations must be followed by event planners at the location of the proposed event, and athletes training for the event must follow their local regulations during their preparation for competition. A point of contact must be made between the local organizing committee and local public health authority, and event planning should occur in coordination with the local public health authority.
Section 1.2 - Decision criteria for whether spectators will be allowed and go/no-go for the event
The Medical Response Plan should include stringent criteria if spectators are to be allowed. This should include a spectator social distancing plan with a zoned seating plan for the facility to minimize person to person contact. Criteria for go/no-go for the event must be established early in the planning process, with leadership from the local organizing committee, local public health authorities, and a medical committee for the event involved in final shared decision making.
Section 1.3 - Personnel limitations / facility access
The Medical Response Plan must delineate a hierarchy of essential personnel to be included in a graded risk assessment. The Working Group recommends:
Tier 1 (Essential): Athletes, Officials and Meet Staff, Medical Staff, Security Tier 2 (Preferred): Media, Coaches Tier 3 (Non-essential): Spectators
Screening procedures may apply differently to the different Tiers and should follow the guidelines in STEP 5 above. The facility should be zoned to limit or prohibit interaction between groups. Separate entries and exits to the facility should be used. There should be no mixed zones. The local organizing committee should work to create a logical schedule of events that minimizes contacts and crowding of participants (e.g. AM / PM sessions, minimal field events competing at same time, appropriate time delay between running events, spreading the meet over multiple days). Warm up and pre-event holding areas will need to be carefully planned to maximize spacing.
Section 1.4 - Preventative measures, facility access & cleaning, food & beverage plan
The Medical Response Plan should include detailed prevention measures, following principles from the WHO “Key Planning for Mass Gatherings” and “WHO COVID Mitigation steps” recommendations from the WHO Mass Gathering Risk Assessment tool. Examples include (but not limited to): Entrance into the venue should be planned such that social distancing can be maintained by athletes, coaches, staff, media, and (if allowed) spectators. Screening for symptoms and body temperature should be performed at entrance daily, following the requirements in STEP 5 above. The facility should be stocked with hand washing stations/hand sanitizer, signage recommending social distancing, and signs providing education on active symptom monitoring. A regular cleaning schedule should be maintained as recommended by local public health authority and/or any other relevant agencies/entities. All participants should be responsible for supplying their own food and drink to avoid potential spread from food service staff.
Section 1.5 - Plan for monitoring / dealing with illness
Medical Response Plan should include detailed procedures for dealing with any individuals who do not meet screening criteria or display signs of illness. Any participant screened as a possible PUI (person under investigation) should be immediately removed from the facility, and their credential blocked from future access for minimum 14 days or until medically cleared. Event medical should be responsible for Tier 1 participant care only. Any Tier 2-3 participant identified as a PUI should be removed from the facility and be required to seek care with a local medical contact in accordance with local health department guidance.
Section 1.6. Risk communication strategy and public health education for participants
Event organizers must have training on the COVID situation, the WHO Mass Gathering risk assessment, and be held responsible for continuous monitoring of local health authority guidance. A risk communication strategy must be implemented that will include communication to organizers, (potential) participants, local health authorities, and include media/social media outreach. Risk communication should include description of the planning process, education on grounds for infection mitigation (e.g., social distancing, handwashing, wearing of face masks, etc.), participation/removal/treatment, and ongoing updates on changes in event status. The local organizing committee should communicate to all athletes, coaches, officials, and meet staff:
A statement of potential risk. This should include:
Risks associated with resuming training in a communal environment, once shelter in place restrictions are lifted
Risks associated with travel (e.g. if they travel to a meet location, and there is a local breakout, athletes could be required to quarantine for 14 days)
Risks associated with participating in a mass gathering event, even with safeguards and restrictions in place.
CDC Infection Prevention Measures
COVID-19 Symptoms