COVID Plan of the Stewart Park Volleyball Club

In accordance with guidelines set by the NYS Department of Health:

Effective February 1, 2021, participants in higher risk sports and recreation activities may partake in individual or distanced group training and organized no/low-contact group training and, further, may partake in other types of play, including competitions and tournaments, only as permitted by the respective local health authorities (i.e., county health departments).

Local health authorities will consider the following factors in authorizing or continuing to prohibit higher risk sports and recreational activities as, in many areas, these factors may weigh against permitting such activities: whether there has been a more-transmissible variant of COVID-19 identified in the area, local rates of COVID-19 transmission or rate of positivity, and local ability to monitor and enforce compliance.

Each player or spectator, acknowledges that:

• Participation in the higher-risk sport places the player at risk of exposure to SARSCoV-2.
• Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals can spread the virus. Masking, distancing, and other mitigation measures reduce, but do not eliminate risk.
• At present, it cannot be predicted who will become severely ill if infected.
• SARS-CoV-2 can lead to serious medical conditions and death for people of all ages.
• The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 are, at present, unknown; even people with mild cases may experience long-term complications.
• There is a significant risk of transmission to those in the home of infected student-athletes.
• Older people and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of serious disease.

This acknowledgement shall affirm a condition of ongoing participation will be full cooperation with case/ contact investigations and compliance with isolation/quarantine requests if indicated.

Acceptable face coverings for COVID-19 include but are not limited to cloth-based face coverings and disposable masks that cover both the mouth and nose

• Personal Protective Equipment is acceptable face coverings for COVID-19 include, but not limited to, cloth-based face coverings, and surgical masks that cover both the mouth and the nose
• Cloth Face Covering is a mask that is made from fabric, preferably tightly woven cotton. Cloth masks should include multiple layers of fabric
• Faces shields worn without other face coverings are not considered adequate protection for source control against COVID-19 and should not be used
• Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks, respirators, or other medical personal protective equipment. All individuals on the grounds must be prepared to put on a face mask when appropriate
• Players on the court must wear face masks unless they can prove that they have been vaccinated. Vaccinated players are encouraged, but not required, to wear face masks during play. When not playing, during breaks, players must either wear face masks or maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from others. Spectators and non-playing members of a team must wear a face mask at all times except when taking a designated mask break, or when eating or drinking while social distancing six feet apart
• Any mask that becomes saturated with sweat must be changed immediately
• Reusable masks (cloth face coverings) must be washed daily in hot water and not reused until cleaned

The maximum capacity for outdoor groups, including both players and spectators is 200. Our volleyball league consists of 24 teams (with most teams consisting of 6 players). It is estimated that including both players and spectators, there would not be more than 175 people in attendance.

• Team Captains must ensure that a distance of at least six feet is maintained among individuals at all times, unless safety or the core activity (e.g. practicing, playing) requires a shorter distance. If a shorter distance is required, individuals must wear acceptable face coverings, unless players are unable to tolerate a face covering for the physical activity (e.g. practicing, playing); provided, however, that other individuals who are not directly engaged in the physical activity are required to wear a face covering.
• Social Distancing also called "physical distancing," means keeping a six-foot space between yourself and others.
• Layouts of contest sites (volleyball courts) will be at least twenty feet apart.
• Social distancing is to be maintained on sidelines.
• Responsible Parties should discourage players/spectators from hand-to-hand contact, unless it is part of the sport or recreational activity.
• No physical contact, hugging, high fives, shaking hands, or fist bumps.

In order to minimize the chance of spreading COVID-19, the ball (which all players contact during play) shall be sanitized before each game, using an alcohol-based wipe.

As required by the County Health Department, team captains shall offer screening to their players and spectators to determine if they have:

(a) knowingly been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19;

(b) tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days;

(c) has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the player or spectator will be asked to leave the grounds.

Common symptoms associated with COVID-19 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

In order to comply with the Health Department’s requirement to track possible COVID transmissions, rosters including name, address, and phone number will be maintained. Each week, each team captain will document roster attendance, including players and spectators. The roster shall also document whether each attendee was “health screened”. This information will be made available to the County Health Department electronically upon request.

A copy of this plan will be posted on the league website and on site at the scoreboard.