Greetings Deaf Sports Community,
On behalf of USADSF Medical Commission, we want to present the first of few “Return to Play” guidelines that we will share over time. This guideline is based on current guidelines as developed by CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This guideline is designed specifically towards NSO leaders; team leaders; coaches and family members opening to any athlete related activities all over the USA. I would like to emphasize that these guidelines are designed for activities taking place, only in the USA, not internationally, we are not there yet.
With this current situation, dealing with COVID-19, things do change on a daily basis, based on regional areas in the USA. If you want to open an area for training, I would suggest that you check in with your state and local guidelines to determine if you can go ahead to host a training or an event in that regional area. The purpose of this Return to Play guidelines is in generally for USADSF activities, such as tryouts; lessons; scrimmages; practices; camps; clinics; combines; showcases or, lastly tournaments.
Please keep your eyes open for the next guidelines that will focus on different phases on the timetable on Return to Play.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Medical Commission, medical@usdeafsports.org.
Stay Safe. Thank you
USADSF Return to Play Guidelines following the COVID-19 pandemic:
Precautionary Measures Created by USADSF Medical Commission Based upon CDC recommendations and adapted from USAV Return to Play Guidelines
OVERVIEW – This is the first in a series of Return to Play Guidelines that the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) has prepared for National Sport Organization (NSO) leaders, team leaders, coaches, members, and families to provide guidance for athletic-related activities. The following guidelines will ensure precautionary measures in the “return to play” process.
These guidelines apply to domestic events only, including but not limited to training camps, tryouts, practices, and scrimmages. The following recommendations are not intended or implied to be mandates. Many of these recommendations are based upon current guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal government agencies. The knowledge surrounding COVID-19 is constantly changing and circumstances are different based on geographic region. Therefore, NSO leaders, team leaders, and coaches should adhere to their state and local guidelines when determining their own reopening policies and procedures.
Until COVID-19 is either eradicated, a vaccine is developed, or a cure is found, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of infection. As a result, USADSF strongly encourages all participants to follow these recommendations as safety precautions. The information in this document is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does USADSF or NSOs assume any liability or responsibility for the recommendations provided herein.
PURPOSE – The purpose of these guidelines is to create a comprehensive “return to play” plan for USADSF activities in the United States that are compliant with CDC, federal, state and local regulations. USADSF sanctioned activities include but are not limited to: tryouts, lessons, practices, scrimmages, camps, clinics, combines, showcases, or tournaments as carried out by the NSOs.
RISK CATEGORIES – Current USADSF activities are segmented into three types of risk categories:
TRAVEL GUIDELINES – Many activities require travel and transportation (airports, airplanes, public transit.) does not allow for physical distancing so please be aware of the following:
RETURN TO PLAY GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUALS – Adhere to the most stringent federal, state or local guidelines when participating in any activity.
RETURN TO PLAY GUIDELINES FOR TEAMS AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES – Adhere to the most stringent federal, state or local guidelines when participating in any activity.
REFER TO EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP) AND MEDICAL OPERATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE PLANNING REGARDING COVID-19 – This will be provided at a later date along with “return to play” guidelines for healthcare planning. Expect the document to assist with:
NOTIFICATIONS – NSO leaders are required to abide by all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the posting of notifications, guidelines, or information to participants
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
DISCLAIMER – These guidelines are provided for general informational purposes only and are not intended as, or should be relied upon as, specific medical or legal advice. All participants are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified medical personnel and/or public health officials for medical advice. Also, consult with federal, state and local orders and/or laws for legal considerations. If you use any considerations provided herein, you do so at your own risk and specifically release from any and all liability, USADSF, NSOs, and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers and agents in connection with your use of the enclosed guidelines. USADSF and NSOs make no warranties or statements as to the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the information contained herein.