Logistical information and guidance for event directors and Local Organizing Committees

v1.3 (6/25/20) [All edits from v1.2 are in red text]

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 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), whichever regulations 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 (v1.2) 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 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:

Phase 1	Public health authorities or local / state government require shelter in place.
Phase 2	Public health authorities or local / state government lift shelter in place requirements but continue to prohibit group activities.
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.
Phase 4	Public health authorities allow public training facilities to open with no limitations on group size.
Phase 5	A vaccine or cure for COVID-19 is developed (possible future amending to include broad serological testing to confirm immunity in a large segment of the population).

 

The chart below lists which type of competitive activities are permitted and USATF sanction issuance guidelines.
 

Phase 1	Public health authorities or local / state government require shelter in place.
Phase 2	Public health authorities or local / state government 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” consisting of no more than 10 people (including officials) 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.  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	A vaccine or cure for COVID-19 is developed (possible future amending to include broad serological testing to confirm immunity in a large segment of the population).

Meet can be sanctioned following normal USATF 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 low risk, moderate risk, or 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).

The table on the next page delineates how select track & field, race walk, road races, and mountain / ultra / trail events would be classified, or how each event would need to be modified to fit within a given classification.
 

USOPC Infection transmission risk stratification scale	Events (with accommodations)
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 athletes must retrieve their own implements after all throws.
	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.  Meets criteria for Low Risk only if pits are covered by a tarp that is removed and disinfected after each athlete (therefore multiple tarps needed).
	Sprint & Hurdle events run entirely in lanes, 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.
	Road races, race walks on road courses, and MUT (mountain, ultra, trail) events if a staggered start with proper social distancing is used AND the course has a minimum 6-foot width throughout (for safe passing).
Moderate Risk	HJ, PV with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials and no additional pit covering or disinfecting between contacts.
	Throws events with enforced social distancing for all athletes and officials.  Common pool of implements is used and/or sharing of implements is allowed and/or officials retrieve implements after throws.
	Sprint & Hurdle 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).
	Road races, race walks on road courses, and MUT (mountain, ultra, trail) events that use a mass start OR if the course does not have a minimum 6-foot width throughout (for safe passing).
High Risk	None (i.e., no normally executed track & field, road race, MUT, or race walk events meet the definition for High Risk).

The above risk stratification applies to competitors.  All officials, coaches, and event staff would be considered in the Low Risk category for participation, as long as their duties allow for proper social distancing and no contact with athlete-touched equipment (or minimal contact with proper PPE) – otherwise, those individuals would fall in the Moderate Risk category.  Spectators, media, and vendors would be considered in the 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 restrictions) will apply to officials, coaches, meet staff, and spectators for access / admission to the event (described in STEP 5).

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 Low Risk or Moderate Risk.  Additional resources for following this criterion can be found in Appendix 2.

USOPC Infection transmission risk stratification scale	Criteria for entry to facility and participation
Low Risk REQUIRED MINIMUM Criteria	Daily survey to confirm (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).
	Daily survey to confirm no close sustained contact with anyone who is sick within 14 days of the event.  Daily survey to confirm 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.
	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).
Low Risk ADDITIONAL PREFERRED Criteria (if available)	Two negative COVID-19 tests separated by 24h, performed the week of the event.* *Two tests required if specificity/sensitivity rates of tests remain as they are now.  With improvement, could be reduced to one test. OR COVID-19 specific serology demonstrating prior infection (i.e., presence of IgG antibodies), but no current infection (i.e., lack of IgM antibodies).
Moderate Risk REQUIRED MINIMUM Criteria	All of the above criteria (minimum and preferred) listed in the Low Risk stratification (i.e., daily survey and temperature checks, negative COVID-19 testing or confirmed antibody test results).
Additional Criteria for All Participants (Advisory given to participant upon entry)	It is strongly recommended that individuals considered by the CDC to be “at-risk” not participate in the sanctioned event in any capacity.  This would include:  individuals over the age of 65 individuals who live in nursing homes individuals with underlying medical conditions, noted by the CDC, which place them at higher risk, such as chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, diabetes, serious heart conditions, severe obesity (BMI > 40), chronic kidney or liver disease, and individuals who are immunocompromised or live with someone who is immunocompromised. 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):  Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff (minimal), 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):  Media, volunteers (minimal), recovery staff (e.g. massage therapists).  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):  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.  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. If required by local or state regulations, the Medical Response Plan should be communicated with the local public health authority for their input and (if required) their approval. Note that this Medical Response Plan does not need to be submitted with the sanction request for feedback or approval by USATF, but should meet the criteria listed below and criteria required by local public health authorities.
  The Medical Response Plan should include:

1. Guidelines for working with local public health authorities
2. Decision criteria for whether spectators will be allowed and go/no-go for the event
3. A detailed plan for screening/testing athletes, coaches, officials, and event staff
4. Personnel limitations/facility access
5. Preventative measures, to include facility access & cleaning, food & beverage plan
6. A plan for monitoring/dealing with illness
7. 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. 
 
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 event’s Medical Response Plan must be approved by local public health authorities.
 
The Medical Response Plan should include stringent criteria if spectators are to be allowed.  This should include 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.
 

• Tier 1 (Essential): Athletes, Officials and Meet Staff, Medical Staff, Security
• Tier 2 (Preferred): Media, Coaches
• Tier 3 (Non-essential): Spectators

1. A statement of potential risk.  This should include:
   1. Risks associated with resuming training in a communal environment, once shelter in place restrictions are lifted
   2. 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)
   3. Risks associated with participating in a mass gathering event, even with safeguards and restrictions in place.

Appendix 1
CDC Infection Prevention Measures

Appendix 2
COVID-19 Symptoms