Pine-Richland Cross Country COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines 

*All student athletes and coaches will follow the COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols for sport developed by the Pine-Richland School District. 

*Before practicing, all athletes and a parent will sign that they understand and will follow the Pine-Richland Cross Country health and safety guidelines. 

*Before coming to a practice or meet, parents should conduct temperature checks of athletes and health assessments before coming to practice. If athletes are sick, show symptoms or have a temperature of 100.0 or higher, they are not permitted to come to practice or a meet. 

*Student athletes, families and coaches will be educated on the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home through posters, flyers and meetings and will be reminded frequently of health guidelines. 

Student athletes must follow these health guidelines:
*Wash hands with soap frequently for a duration of 20 seconds.
*Student athletes need to bring hand sanitizer and use before, during and after practice. Coaches also will bring hand sanitizer for student athletes to use.
*Practice good hygiene at all times.
*Social distance from other student athletes and coaches. When not running, maintain 6 feet of distance between all athletes and coaches.
*Wear masks at all times besides when running or doing strenuous workout.
*Avoid contact with surfaces as much as possible.
*No sharing of equipment including water bottles, exercise equipment and clothing.
*If anything needs to be shared, it needs to be sanitized between use.
*Do not touch other people. No handshakes, high fives, fist bumps or contact with other athletes and coaches.
*No chewing gum, eating sunflower seeds or spitting.
*When arriving at practice off campus, wait in your cars if you have one or wait away from others until practice begins.
*Keep belongings at least 6 feet away from the belongings of other athletes. 

*Phones - If you bring a phone to an off campus practice and don't have a car to lock it in, you can keep it in a coach's trunk. Put your phone in a Ziplock bag with your name on it. Athletes will take turns placing phones in the trunk while keeping social distance. 

*Bring your own drinks and don't share. Refrain from using water fountains. Do not share food. 

*When coaches are addressing the team, talking to athletes and during any group or individual discussion, maintain 6 feet of social distance. 

Warm Up 

*Always wear masks when stretching and doing non running warm up activities.
*Maintain 6 feet of social distance between athletes and coaches during stretching and warm up. 

Run Workout 

*We will be working out in groups of 10 to 25 people. You must only run and workout with the student athletes in the group you are assigned to.
*No masks are required during run workouts. But you may wear one if you are more comfortable wearing a mask. *Do not contact other people during run workouts. Maintain safe distance apart. 

Cool Down 

*Wear masks when stretching and doing non running cool down activities.
*Maintain 6 feet of social distance between athletes and coaches during stretching and cool down. 

Run Drills/Strength/Core Workouts 

*Maintain 6 feet of social distance.
*Masks will be worn for easier, less strenuous exercises. Masks do not need to be worn for more strenuous exercises. 

Other important practice guidelines: 

*Do not congregate in groups. Keep your social distance.
*You may only workout with your assigned group. Coaches may make changes to groups after at least a 2 to 3 week period.
*Athletes need to leave immediately at the conclusion of practice. Make sure you have a ride and that it is on time. *When practice is on campus, locker rooms are closed. 

Pine-Richland [Cross Country]

Return to Sports Safety Plan

Revision Date: [09/03/2020]

Plan Approval and Oversight: Mr. Sean Simmons, PRSD Athletic Director

Plan Design and Implementation: Coach Mark Hunkele

Plan Implementation: All Coaches [Mark Hunkele, Chris Rotelli, Greg Powell, Tim Converse, Sarah Mantella, Christy Crummy, Anna Giuliano) Keep adding until all staff are included. 

Health Screening Oversight: Sean Simmons, Athletics Director; Leigh Anne Cowger, AHN Trainer;  Michael Rizzo, AHN Trainer; Kristen Cornell, AHN Trainer; Matt Mahood, AHN Trainer]

General Procedures: All Phases

• Optional Activity: 

  • Cross Country is an optional activity. Students chose to participate.  Student-Athletes may choose to take this season off if they wish.

  • Student-Athletes will not be penalized if they choose to not participate for this season.

• Education:

  • Athletes will be educated about the symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home and will be frequently reminded of the big 3 effective hygiene practices, physical distancing, and wearing masks (e.g., daily health assessment; stay home if sick; wash hands frequently; cough/sneeze into elbow and rewash hands; limit touching to necessary sport-related activity).

  • Disinfecting equipment will be discussed with no sharing of unnecessary equipment, drinks, or towels.

• Health Assessment:

  • Athletes and Coaches will complete the district COVID screening form before all practices and competitions.

  • Temperature check/screenings are performed daily by the Athletic Trainers upon entrance to the field prior to practice and competition for all sports classified as high risk.

  • Athletes should inform coaches immediately when they are not feeling well.

• The Team athletic trainer will be notified.

• A parent will be notified and must come get their child if their child did not drive to the practices or competitions or if at an away site.

•  Athletes are encouraged to follow healthy habits including a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and proper hydration.

•  Coaches will maintain an attendance record for every practice or competition.

• Parents should check to make sure that the student athletes have conducted the daily screening checks prior to sending the students to practice

• Stay Home When: Temperature of 100.0 or higher;  Showing symptoms; Feeling sick; Report via COVID screening form; and Return to play only when cleared by the team athletic trainer.

• Personal Hygiene:

  • Athletes will clean hands upon arrival and after practices or competitions by washing their hands or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

  • Athletes should immediately wash their hands when arriving at home.

  • Athletes should shower as soon as possible after practices or competition.

  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or into the elbow or shoulder.

  • Immediately dispose of tissue and wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

  • Activities that increase the risk of exposure to saliva are not allowed, including but not limited to chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers, and eating sunflower seeds. 

• Physical Distancing

  • Only approved staff members and athletes are to be present at practices or competitions. 

  • Carpooling with non-family members is not recommended. If necessary, athletes should use face coverings.

  • Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet at all times including in the field of play, sidelines, benches, and workout areas.

  • Athletes and coaches should not congregate in groups. Group settings will be used for instruction and coaching and will require the use of face coverings.

  • No hugging, high fives, shaking hands, or fist bumps for support/encouragement.

  • Athletes will spread out equipment to be 6 feet away from others’ equipment.

  • Physical distancing will be maintained during the National Anthem and on sidelines.

•  Face Coverings

  •  Face coverings are required. Exceptions must meet the PA Health Department July 1, 2020 Section 3 of the order.  Coaches will work with the trainer and school nurse to address individual circumstances.

  •  Face coverings are required outdoors and indoors.  Athletes and Coaches should consistently maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet. 

  • Athletes will keep their face coverings with them at all times.

  • Athletes are not required to wear face coverings while actively engaged in competition. During non-competitive strenuous activity, athletes may remove face coverings but must be physically distanced at least 10 feet.

  • Always wear masks when stretching or doing non-running warm-up activities. 

  • If the warm-up consists of running or striders for instance, masks may be removed.

  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance between athletes and coaches during stretching and warm-up.

  • Athletes will wear face coverings when on the sidelines and any time during instruction.

  • Masks must adhere to the PIAA’s Restriction on Advertisements or Sponsors’ Names on Uniforms policy.

• Athlete Equipment

  • Athletes are responsible for their own equipment and supplies, including water bottles.

  • No sharing of post workout snacks and drinks.

  • Athletes should bring two or more water bottles to every practice or competition.

  • Team water coolers for sharing through disposable cups are not allowed. Water fountains should not be used.

  • All equipment should be labeled.

  • Athletes should not share clothing, equipment, or supplies.

  • Athletes should clean and disinfect their equipment, uniform, and clothing after every practice or competition.

  • The “No Touch Rule” is in effect. If it is not yours, do not touch it

  • Avoid shaking hands, or high fives during, before and after practices and competitions.

• Team Equipment

  • Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected daily. Visibly soiled surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected immediately.

  • Teams will bring their own medical kit to away sites.

• Facilities

  • Limit use of bathrooms.

  • Athletes are encouraged to use bathrooms to wash their hands with soap and water when necessary.

  • The athletic director will set the schedule for the teams that use the athletic stadium turf.

  • The schedules will be distributed weekly on the previous Friday prior to the next week of practice

  •  It is the responsibility of each Head Coach to communicate the weekly schedule to the parents, student athletes and the athletic trainers.

Phase 2 - Tryouts, Pre-Season and Start-of-School Practice (Aug 25-Sept 9)

• Practice Logistics:

  • Home-to-Practice-to-Home Transition for 3:15 p.m. practices:

    • Athlete Arrival Time and Location:

      • Athletes are to arrive on campus no earlier than 3:00 p.m. 

      • Student drivers park in the first lot to the right entering campus.

      • Parent drop-off will be in the first lot to the right entering campus.

      • Students are to cross at the cross walk to the stadium.

      • First practice will begin no earlier than 3:15 p.m.

  • School-to-Practice-to-Home Transition for 3:15 p.m. practices:

• If needed, for immediate after school competitions and practices, the main male and female gym locker room(s) will be designated as changing rooms.

• Male coaches will supervise the male gym locker room, while it is being used.  Coach Guilano or other coaches will supervise the female gym locker room.  

• No more than 6 student athletes/participants will be permitted into the changing room at one time. There will be designated marked spots in the changing room. The spots will be physically distanced at least 6 feet apart.

• No congregation in changing rooms.

• Masks will be worn at all times in the changing rooms. 

• Athlete Storage of School Materials During Practice for 3:15 p.m. practices:

  • If needed, student athletes arriving to practice directly from school may store their school belongings in the main male and female gym locker room(s).

  • Following the practice, the same physical distance protocols will be applied: 6 Student-Athletes/participants at one time will enter to retrieve belongings under the Coach’s supervision.

  • No congregating after practice.

  • Same entry protocols will be followed post practice.

  • Masks will be worn at all times in the changing rooms.

• Practices starting after 4:30 p.m.

  • Students will come dressed for practice, non-practice materials should be left a home.

• Personal Equipment and Hygiene:

  • Athletes will be required to wear a mask with the exception of when they are engaged in strenuous activity; 

  • Athletes will maintain 10’ of physical distancing during recovery and when not engaged in play; 

  • Handwashing and/or Hand Sanitizing Stations available for frequent used during breaks;

  • No distribution or sharing of post-workout snacks and drinks.

• Group Size/Restrictions:

  • We will be working out in pods of 10 to 25 people. Student-athletes must only run and workout with others in their assigned pod.

  • No masks are required during run workouts. But you may wear one if you are more comfortable wearing a mask. 

  • You can run together with other runners in your pod.  When you finish your run, separate 6 feet apart and put your mask on.

  • The maximum combined group size is100 for outdoors and 25 for indoors per Allegheny Health Department and WPIAL dated September 2, 2020.

• Practice Protocols:

  • During drills and instruction, athletes will maintain physical distancing.

  • When possible, coaches will rotate between drills, rather than the athletes.

  • Always wear masks when stretching or doing non-running warm-up activities. 

  • If the warm-up consists of running or striders for instance, masks may be removed.

  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance between athletes and coaches during stretching and warm-up.

  • Cool-down is considered a non-strenuous activity. Masks are required when stretching and doing non-running cool-down activities.

  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance between athletes and coaches during stretching and cool-down.

Phase 3 - Competition (Sept 15 – TBD)

Continue all Phase 2 Practice Protocols and Logistics

• PRSD Athletes

  • For competitions which begin later in the evening, all student-athletes are to arrive dressed and ready to compete.

  • Students should bring their own water, enough for the entire competition.

  • No distribution or sharing of post-competition snacks and drinks.

• PRSD Athletes School to Competition to Home

  • If needed, for immediate after school competitions and practices, the main male and female gym locker room(s) will be designated as changing rooms.

  • Coach Mark Hunkele will supervise the male gym locker room, while it is being used.  Coach Guilianor or other coaches will supervise the female gym locker room.

  • No more than 6 student athletes/participants will be permitted into the changing room at one time. There will be designated marked spots in the changing room. The spots will be physically distanced at least 6 feet apart.

  • No congregation in changing rooms.

  • Masks will be worn at all times in the changing rooms. 

• Athlete Storage of School Materials During Competitions for After School Competitions:

  • If needed, student athletes arriving to competition coming directly from school may store their school belongings in the main male and female gym locker room(s).

  • Following the competition, the same physical distance protocols will be applied: 6 Student-Athletes/participants at one time will enter to retrieve belongings under the Coach’s supervision.

  • No congregating after competition.

  • Same entry protocols will be followed post competition.

  • Masks will be worn at all times in the changing rooms.

• Health and Safety Guidelines

  • The maximum group size is 100 for outdoors and 25 for indoors.  Which include the following people:

    • Student athletes, band members, cheerleaders, coaches, officials, administrators, and spectators

  • On competition days for both home and away contests, trainers or coaches will complete health screenings.

  • Team will travel on the bus, following Pine-Richland School District policies.

    • Load back to front, wear masks at all times, one student per seat, maximum of 25 per bus.

•  Races

  • Only twelve student-athletes per team will be permitted in each race.  It is our intention to conduct two girls races (varsity, junior varsity) and three boys races (varsity, 2 junior varsity) for our home meet so all athletes on our team can race.  The races will be professional timed by a timing company and there will be a staggered start about 5 minutes apart for the girls races.  The boys races will start after the girls races are complete and all girls are away from the start area.  Each boys race will start about 5 minutes apart with a staggered start. This is the same format that will be followed by many opponents for away meets as communicated to me by their coaches.  In the event that an away school will not be conducting multiple races, we will only travel with 12 girls and 12 boys

 Parents and Spectators

• Spectators

  • A total of 250 people are permitted inside the stadium area (athletes, coaches, administrators, game officials, cheerleaders, band, spectators)

  • At total of 25 people are permitted in the press box area (announcer, PRTV, administrators, officials) 

  • Spectators must adhere to the Big 3 - proper hygiene, physical distancing, mask wearing.  Stadium seats will be marked to group family members together.  Masks must be worn at all times.

  • Spectators are asked to move directly to their seats and after competition move directly to their vehicles.  Groups should not congregate.

• Concession Stands

  • Concession stand will not be open.

Phase 4 – End of Season

•  Team Banquet

  • Follow physical distancing and face covering guidelines.

  • Follow group guidelines.

  •  Likely a virtual event to recognize athletes

• Uniform and Equipment Return

  •  Uniforms and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected before returning.

  • Team equipment will be cleaned and disinfected before storing.

Visiting Team Information

• Visiting Team Information

  • Pre-Competition Communication Between Athletic Offices

  • Arrival Location

  • Person to Meet Opposing Team - PRSD Site Manager

  • Person Verifying Health Protocols - AHN Athletic Trainer

  • Person Verifying Number of Participants - AHN Athletic Trainer

  • Directions for Restrooms - PRSD Site Manager 

  • Directions for Emergency Weather - PRSD Site Manager

  • Restrooms will be available in the visitors locker room area

  • Bus arrival times must be communicated to the Athletic Department 24 hours prior to the contest start time and date. 

• Screenings: 

  • All Pine-Richland student athletes will undergo a daily screening for COVID-19 symptoms. We are REQUIRING all visiting teams to conduct their screenings prior to arriving at Pine-Richland. We are also REQUIRING a roster of players and coaches that are attending the event at Pine-Richland. This roster MUST be signed by one of the following acknowledging that screenings are complete: Head Coach, Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director, or Principal. In turn, Pine-Richland will provide the visiting coach with a signed roster of our players and coaches confirming completion of our screening. 

• Face Coverings: 

  • Pine-Richland events will follow all guidelines regarding face coverings set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Coaches, officials, and adult personnel are required to wear face coverings at all times unless doing so jeopardizes their health. Student athletes must wear face coverings at all times except when actively engaged in warm ups and competition. Student athletes on the sidelines must wear a face covering and practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet until it is their turn to enter the competition.

• Water: 

  • Water coolers will not be provided by Pine-Richland. We encourage all teams/players to bring enough water to adequately hydrate for the duration of the competition. If an emergency arises and you need water, please contact one of our Athletic Trainers or Site Manager.

• Locker Rooms/Restrooms: 

  • Locker rooms will not be available.  Visiting teams should come dressed and ready to compete. Restrooms will be available near the athletic facility. Please limit the number of people using the restrooms to one at a time.

• Athletic Training: 

  • Pine-Richland will have an Athletic Trainer available for all contests. However, to limit contact, we ask that all of your student athletes arrive to the contest already taped. Ice will only be available for necessary injuries and emergencies.

• Spectators: 

  • Sports related activities at the middle school to varsity level are limited to student athletes, coaches, officials, cheer, band, staff, and spectators.  Indoor (25) and outdoor (250) guidelines will determine if and how many spectators can attend. All individuals do count towards the gathering limitations and must comply with face covering orders and physical distancing guidelines. 

• Video Streaming: 

  • PRTV, in collaboration with PRSD Athletic Department, will be providing live streaming for most home competitions where spectators are not permitted or limited. 

Pine-Richland Varsity Cross Country will continue to monitor and report any cases of Covid-19 within our Community and follow the district policies regarding reporting, disinfecting and contact tracing.  All policies regarding returning to play post sickness will be adhered to.

Head Coach Signature _Mark Hunkele   Date 09/04/2020

Athletic Director Signature Sean Simmons     Date    09/04/2020

Coach Compliance Signatures:

I have read and understood the Boys and Girls Cross Country team Health and Safety Plan. I understand that these plans are designed to promote healthy practices and require disciplined attention-to-detail. I understand that a team or individuals failure to comply with these protocols may result in suspension or permanent removal from the team (coach or student-athlete). I understand my responsibility to seek clarification from the head coach about details of the plan. If the head coach is not responsive or clear, I understand my responsibility to approach the athletic director via email and in-person to seek clarification. 

Name Title Signature

Christopher Rotelli Assistant Coach Christopher Rotelli

____________________ _______________________ _______________________

Greg Powell Assistant Coach Gregory Powell

Tim Converse Assistant Coach

Tim Souders Assistant Coach Timothy Souders

____________________ _______________________ _______________________

Anna Giuliano Volunteer Coach Anna Giuliano