This is an archive document.
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As we consider returning to in-person activities, the ASCL has created a plan to continue competitions at local climbing gyms. This plan depends on everyone adhering to protecting ourselves and each other by following the guidelines put forward by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Climbing Wall Association (CWA). I would like to credit the National Interscholastic Cycling Association for providing another resource for planning in the COVID-19 world. These protocols will reduce the spread of illness by following federal, state and county public health guidelines. As we have all discovered, things are fluid and this information will be updated as more science is collected and recommendations are provided.
By registering with the ASCL, all coaches and athletes agree to comply with the COVID-19 safety and health protocols. These protocols are updated as state guidelines evolve. All coaches and athletes must comply with local county health department guidelines. The ASCL’s COVID-19 guidelines incorporate protocols developed by:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Personal Recreation Including Organized Recreational Sports
https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/recreation
Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA)
https://chsaanow.com/coronavirus
National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS)
https://www.nfhs.org/articles/sports-seasons-modifications-update/
Climbing Wall Association
Pre-Event Screening:
ONLY registered coaches and athletes may attend in-person competitions. Pre-screening must be completed by every participant prior to entering the hosting gym’s facility. It is the responsibility of the coach or athlete to know what the host gym’s requirements are and, do them prior to entering the facility. If a coach or athlete does not pass the symptoms check, they must go home. Pre-screening data may be requested by the Regional Coordinator or League Director.
It the screener (host gym) is concerned about any symptoms (active coughing; fever above 100.4 degrees) and the athlete responds “No” to symptoms, then the Regional Coordinator or Head Coach needs to be notified.
If symptoms are present and the Regional Coordinator or Head Coach is not present, then the host gym will send the athlete/coach home. These individuals may not return to the competition until cleared by a professional health care provider.
Attendance and Tracking:
The Head Coach or Regional Coordinator will track athletes who are competing at specific competitions. This can be managed on the ASCL’s website scoring submissions at RESULTS.
Group Size:
Group sizes will be set by the latest county protocols where the hosting climbing gym resides. Athletes will need to pre-register for each competition via the hosting gym’s reservation process. Athletes and coaches choosing not to follow gym protocol will be required to leave the facility and the competition will not be scored. No refunds will be given.
Drop off and Pick up for Competitions:
Upon arrival at the hosting gym avoid physical contact, including: hugs, high fives, fist bumps, etc. Parents/guardians may drop off or pick up their athlete outside of the building. Please stay in your vehicle and resist the urge to meet and greet others. If parents/guardians must exit their vehicle, please wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart from others.
Physical Distancing:
Athletes and coaches should maintain 6 feet of distance between one another. Please follow the hosting gym’s protocols for safety checks between belayer and climber. Athletes and coaches choosing not to follow gym protocol will be required to leave the facility and the competition will not be scored. No refunds will be given.
Personal Protective Equipment (Masks):
The ASCL recommends wearing masks at all times. It will be up to each individual gym to mandate masks for active belayers and climbers. Athletes and coaches choosing not to follow gym protocol will be required to leave the facility and the competition will not be scored. No refunds will be given.
Hygiene:
Proper hygiene directly leads to better health care for all. Participants should not touch each other nor share equipment. Please provide your own harness, belay device, climbing shoes, climbing chalk and helmet (optional). In addition, please keep the host facility clean by washing your hands upon arrival, in between each climb, and when leaving the facility.
First Aid:
In the event of an injury and first aid needs to be administered, responders will follow current COVID-19 guidelines. If the athlete can self-administer first aid through direction of the first responder while complying with social distancing, that will be the first step. If the athlete needs the first responder to physically assist, proper protocols for that responder will be followed.
Equipment:
Once again, please do not share equipment. Use your own harness, climbing shoes, climbing chalk, belay device and helmet (optional). In the event a piece of equipment must be shared (ie; belay device), please wash your hands before use and then wash the device prior to passing it along. Follow the equipment guidelines from the CWA.
Not sharing includes non-climbing related items: water bottles, food, clothing, etc.
Positive COVID-19 Tests or Exposure within your Community:
If a coach or athlete reports a positive COVID-19 test, has symptoms and attended a competition when contagious or within the last two weeks, they need to follow county health department guidelines and CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
This person may not return to any ASCL event until protocols of quarantine and health care treatment are met. This may require a health care provider’s note of clearance. They must quarantine the 14-day minimum.
The person in charge of the competition (Regional Coordinator) must notify all those who may have been exposed (< 6 feet apart for > 10 minutes). Such notification must be done while keeping the confidentiality of the COVID positive person. All those exposed must quarantine for 14 days. Those who were exposed may return to competitions following quarantine if they do not show any symptoms. If they develop symptoms, they must be tested and isolate appropriately.
If the exposure occurred at another location and not at a competition, the Head Coach and Regional Coordinator may need to verify when and where the source began.
Only call the local county health department or CDPHE as 303-339-1687 for confirmed COVID-19 positive cases for contract tracing.
Please report any Positive COVID-19 Tests or Exposure within your community and contact Theresa Morris, ASCL Executive Director at:
[email protected]
American Scholastic Climbing League
501C3
#83-1827295
COVID-19 Protocols
August 2020
