BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PANDEMIC PLAYBOOK School Year 2020-‘21 1 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 BHS Families: This document aligns with the Braintree Public Schools reopening plan as well as the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)/Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) joint guidance of return to play and Level 3 Play guidance from the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON STATE GUIDELINES. In particular, this Pandemic Playbook includes details on the operational management of the Braintree Public Schools Athletic Department related to interscholastic athletic contests/practices, as well as facility/spectator protocols and schedules, for the safety and well-being of Braintree High School student-athletics, their family members, our coaching staff and Athletic Trainer. Thank you for taking the time to review this Pandemic Playbook for Braintree High School Athletics. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. Mr. Michael Denise, CAA Athletic Director 2 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Braintree High School Athletic Department Guidelines for Fall 2020 The Braintree High School Athletic mission during this unprecedented time, in conjunction with The Bay State Conference (BSC) and The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), is to thoughtfully provide our student athletes a competitive and safe environment to participate in athletics. We recognize that these are challenging times and understand clearly the need for all communities to work together as a team to ensure the successful reopening of our schools. Athletics has always had a unifying effect within our communities and across our conference. Sports play a vital role in the health and well-being of our student athletes and positively address many of our students' social and emotional needs. It is our hope that many of these historic adjustments can be a one year solution and are flexible enough to be extended and adapted at any time to meet the needs of all of our communities. The following plan is one that was crafted with guidance from the DPH, EEA, DESE and the MIAA Sport Medicine Committee. General Protocols  All Coaches will be required to take the NFHS “Covid-19 for Coaches and Administrators” Prior to the start of the season. https://nfhslearn.com/courses/covid-19-for-coaches-and-administrators  Reporting of Positive Cases: It will be the responsibility of the Athletic Director to report positive cases of Covid-19 to the principal, and opposing schools immediately. Teams will follow the same quarantine protocols for in class cases.  Daily Checklist/COVID Coach: All athletes and coaches must comply with the Braintree Public Schools COVID-19 Daily Before Athletics Checklist by 2:30 pm each day (COVID Screening: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Daily-Screening), prior to arriving at a practice and/or game. Each program’s designated “Covid Coach” will be responsible for making sure only those students who have completed this checklist are able to participate on a given day. This attestation will also serve as a record of which students were present at team activities each day. ● Self-Screening Responsibilities: Athletes and coaches should check their temperature at home before attending school, practices or games. Checking for symptoms by families and caregivers is critical and will serve as the primary screening mechanism for the COVID-19 virus. If a student-athlete or a coaching staff member has a temperature of 100 degrees or above, they are not to attend practices or games. ● If they have any other symptoms of COVID-19 infection they should not attend practices or games. Student-athletes and coaches who have symptoms of COVID-19 infection should follow DPH guidance regarding isolation and testing. ● Ensure that individual(s) with symptoms do not return to practice until:  They are free of fever (less than 100°F) AND respiratory symptoms (for example, cough, shortness of breath) for at least one day (24 hours) without the use of fever-reducing medicine; AND ● Any person with symptoms of respiratory illness should not be allowed to take part in workouts until they are free of fever and respiratory symptoms for at least three days without the use of feverreducing medicine AND ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared. They should contact their primary care provider or other appropriate healthcare professional for guidance. Written medical clearance is required to return to activity. ● Daily Attendance - Coaches will be required to keep a daily record of all individuals present at team activities. 3 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 General Sport Specific Information (Applied to all Sports) Social Distancing: ● Practice – Coaches are responsible for ensuring social distancing is maintained between players as much as possible. This includes additional spacing between athletes while stretching, warming up, chatting, changing drills, etc. Athletes must maintain spacing, and there should be no congregating of athletes while running drills. Workouts should be conducted in ‘cohorts’ of athletes, with the same 510 athletes always working out together. Cohorts must be established at the beginning of the season and cannot be altered, change or rotate. This ensures more limited exposure if someone develops an infection. Cohorts must be separated in all directions by at least 14’. Coach will keep a record of who is in each group, each day. ● Locker Rooms – There will be No Locker Room Access during the Fall 2020 Season. Students should report to workouts in proper gear and immediately return home to shower, clean clothes and equipment at the end of every workout. ● School Building – The school building will be closed to student-athletes, unless an emergency necessitates entry to the Athletic Training Room. Bathroom facilities attached to the concession stand, located next to the softball field, will be accessible during practice and game times. The BHS Custodial Staff will maintain the bathroom facilities. ● Benches – No benches will be used during practices and/or games. Players’ items should be separated as below for personal items, at least six feet apart. ● Practice Field – Only essential personnel are permitted on the practice/competition field. These are defined as athletes, coaches, medical personnel/athletic trainers, and officials (competition). All others (i.e. managers, photographers, media, etc.) are considered non-essential personnel and are not to be on the field of play. ● Personal Items – Each athlete is to bring their own gym bag for personal items (see gym bag information below). All personal items should remain in the gym back when not in use. Gym bags should be placed in a predetermined area 6 feet apart for the duration of practice. ● Spectators – Spectators should practice social distancing between different household units and accept personal responsibility for public health guidelines. Number of spectators determined in compliance with EEA, DESE and DPH guidelines. BSC recommendation is maximum 2 spectators per student-athlete. Spectators will need to register at entrance gate for entry. ● Media – All local social distancing and hygiene guidelines for spectators should be followed by media members planning to attend games. Media members should contact host school administrators prior to arriving at games to plan appropriate entry and available workspace. ● Team Huddles – It is recommended that social distancing be maintained, as much as possible, when the coach is communicating with the entire team, or in smaller groups. Communicating with smaller groups is preferred. ● Team Handshakes – Athletes shall NOT exchange handshakes before, during or following practices and competitions. MIAA will release guidelines for acceptable sportsmanship practices as alternatives to the handshakes. ● Transportation: The expectation is that all athletes travel to away contests on busses. There will be thoughtful consideration to roster sizes with the limit of 26 riders per bus. Recommended Supplies for Student’s Gym Bag: Everything inside the gym bag must be disinfected after every practice and/or contest and before return to practice and/or contest again. Be sure to spray the inside and the outside of the bag as well. This is for everyone’s protection.  Reusable facial covering(s)/mask(s).  Warm-up clothing, electronic devices, and other personal items that are used by the athlete, prior to practice/competition, must be placed back in the gym bag before practice/competition begins. 4 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020  Athletes are recommended to always have a personal bottle of hand sanitizer available and disinfectant wipes for personal use.  Additional shoes should also be stored in a separate compartment or bag inside a gym bag to prevent possible cross contamination with other items in the gym bag. Practice and Game Protocols: ● Masks – Athletes are required to wear cloth face coverings per EEA guidelines. Coaches and officials are required to wear masks. Spectators, workers, and others are required to wear masks and they are expected to follow social distancing guidelines. ● Player habits – Coaches should work to break old habits and create new ones in an effort to minimize the spread of the virus. Spitting and nose clearing on the field, and goalkeepers spitting on their gloves during practices and competitions should be eliminated. The habit of minimizing any touching of the face, and covering the cough should be instilled. ● Interaction with Officials – Coaches must follow social distancing guidelines (6 feet) when interacting with an official or any other individual in the area. Conversations can occur at a distance. ● Hand Sanitizer and/or Sanitizing Wipes – Athletes, coaches, and officials are encouraged to provide their own hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and/or sanitizing wipes and use them frequently – including before prior to taking the field and upon return to the sideline. Additionally, it is emphasized to avoid touching the face throughout practice and competition. ● Weekly Schedule - Practices will last no more than 1.5 hours. And teams will practice/play no more than 5 times per week. This will allow for equal access to field spaces for each team, at each level of play, while reducing the number of players on campus and fields. Equipment: ● General Equipment – There should be no shared athletic equipment. Any equipment that is used for practice should be cleaned and disinfected prior to and immediately following practice. Only one individual should handle the set-up and break-down of equipment on any given day (i.e. goals, cones, etc.). ● Balls – During High Risk Levels, each player should bring their own ball or use the same school-issued ball during practice. Skill training, conditioning, agility, etc. can be done with the one player/one ball concept. As Risk Levels decline, balls must be sanitized before and after each practice/game. ● Personal Items – Shoes, clothing, towels and other personal items must not be shared among athletes. Any items that are not currently being worn/used should be stored inside a personal gym bag. Gym bags should be placed in a predetermined area 6 feet apart for the duration of practice/competition. ● Foam Rollers, etc. – Must not be shared among athletes. Hydration: ● All students shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared. ● Hydration stations (water cows, water trough, water fountains, etc.) will not be available. ● The athletic department will stock bottled water which will be accessible to the student-athletes in the event additional water is needed. COVID-19 Coach: ● Each Program will have a COVID COACH. ● Responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. ● All coaches and staff have taken the nfhslearn.com course – COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators 5 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Scheduling The MIAA has laid out a 4 season plan for the school year with a “Floating Fall 2 season” that will take place between the traditional winter and spring seasons. This Fall 2 season is an opportunity to move sports that are deemed unsafe to play this fall. The dates for the proposed seasons are: ● ● ● ● Fall 1: Winter: Fall 2: Spring: September 18, 2020 - November 20, 2020 November 30, 2020 - February 21, 2021 February 22, 2021 - April 25, 2021 April 26, 2021 – July 3, 2021 BHS Fall Game Schedule       Schools will be placed in PODS and will only play schools in those PODS to limit exposure to other communities. Where possible, schools will play the same school back to back for the purpose of potential contact tracing. PODS will be positioned geographically to also consider transportation costs and limitations. Braintree will be playing in a POD that will consist of Milton, Walpole and Weymouth. We anticipate that each sport will have a minimum of 8 games in the course of the Fall 1 season. The POD schedule will be released the week of September 14th. Schedules will be posted on ScheduleStar and MIAA website as soon as all dates and times have been confirmed. Plan for Regular Fall Sports Per Proposed MIAA Fall 1 & Fall 2 Seasons Sport Season Soccer Played with Modifications in Fall 1 Field Hockey Played with Modifications in Fall 1 Cross Country Played with Modifications in Fall 1 Boys Golf Played with Modifications in Fall 1 Swim & Dive Played with Modifications in Fall 1 Cheer Moved to Fall 2 Dance Moved to Fall 2 Football Moved to Fall 2 Girls Volleyball Moved to Fall 2 PROS   Geographic proximity of each pod allows for special transportation issues to be resolved with limited budget implications and limits buses needed. Schools would limit their competitions to one school per week (multiple competitions possible) to limit exposure and facilitate contact tracing should the need arise. CONS      Traditional rivalries may be on hold for the year. No playing outside of pod. No traditional league championships. No MIAA postseason tournaments. Competitive balance not considered.  Registration for anticipated sport offerings will open on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. 6 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Sport Specific Modifications Boys and Girls Soccer Massachusetts high school soccer will be played under the NFHS rules with the following modifications: Game Management: ● Each bench area must be set up at least 10 yards from midfield. Teams may end up having players stretched out far down the sideline. Each team may have no more than 3 adults in the bench area throughout the contest (coaches, volunteers, statisticians, trainers, videographers - are all included). ● The Timeout Rule will be suspended. No timeouts will be allowed. ● All games will be played in four equal quarters with a 2-minute break between quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4. Halftime will remain as 10 minutes. Each of the 11 players heading to the sidelines for two minutes may take their face covering off and get water from their own container. They should also use hand sanitizer at this time. ● All substitutes checking into the game should use hand sanitizer provided at the score table and check into the game “near” midfield but socially distant from others including game administrators. Equipment: ● All players, coaches, referees, and other game personnel must wear a face covering during play except:  A player can take off their face covering at a point during the game when they are more than 10 feet away from an opponent. This is to take a “mask break.” The default expectation is that the face covering will be on. Failure to have your face covering securely/properly worn according to these modifications/guidelines, will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team as well as a yellow card for the player in violation. ● It is the responsibility of the head coach to certify that their entire team is wearing appropriate/approved face coverings prior to each contest. When the official asks the coach if the team is properly equipped, this will also include that the team has appropriate face coverings. ● If the game official feels that conditions are not safe in the bench area, as it relates to face coverings, they may issue a yellow card to the head coach for failure to enforce the face covering or social distancing rules in the bench area. ● The home team must provide at least 8 balls to have available around the playing area that may be put in play at any time. Members of each team who are not on the field may assist in retrieving balls with their feet to get them back to the sideline/goal line. Ball retrievers are NOT permitted. ● Balls must be wiped down or sprayed (with approved disinfecting products) by the game administrator after each quarter of play and at the game's end. ● Goalkeepers may not spit on their gloves. They can wet them with a water bottle. If the coach/official sees this happen, gloves will be taken out of play. Rules Within the Game: ● It is a violation to intentionally head the ball. It will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. ● It is a violation to place your hands on any part of an opposing team member’s body. It will result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. ● It is a violation to intentionally make body contact with an opposing team member’s body. This includes “shoulder to shoulder” tackling, backing into them or any other intentional contact. It will 2 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 ● ● result in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. However, a player is allowed to make unintentional contact with an opposing team member if the player is attempting to make “foot to ball” contact and the resulting contact with the opposing team member is below the torso, fleeting and minor in nature. It is a violation to attempt or to slide tackle. This will result in a direct kick. Persistent infringement of any of the above modified rules (III a-d) will also result in a yellow card. Restarts: ● All players on the field MUST properly wear their face covering on every restart. No restart may be taken prior to the official indicating that play may resume. On each restart, the referees will whistle as usual upon the violation or stoppage of play, then they will pause to make sure all players are properly wearing the face covering, then whistle to indicate that play may resume. ● All players must maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and all teammates and opponents at the commencement of all restarts. ● All indirect kicks MUST be played on the ground except for a goal kick which is addressed below. ● There will be no throw-ins. When the ball crosses the touchline, the restart will be a “kick-in,” which will be treated the same as all other indirect-kicks- including that the opposing team members must be at least 10 yards from the ball. The ball will be placed on the spot on the touchline where the ball went out of bounds or behind it. ● It is a violation to kick a goal kick in the air beyond the midfield line. If the ball does travel in the air beyond the midfield line without touching a player, the resulting restart is an indirect kick for the opposing team from the spot it crossed midfield. ● It is a violation for the goalkeeper to kick, punt, dropkick or throw the ball in the air beyond the midfield line. If the ball does travel in the air beyond the midfield line without touching a player, the resulting restart is an indirect kick for the opposing team from the spot it crossed midfield. ● The use of a dropped ball is suspended. To replace this procedure, an indirect kick will be awarded to the team whom the referees deemed to be in possession at the time of stoppage. ● The use of a traditional defensive “wall” is not allowed on any restart. Players may attempt to impede the path of the ball to the goal by standing in the way but they must be at least 10 yards away from the ball and at least 6 feet away from other players. ● Corner kicks are an indirect kick. ● Penalty kicks will be handled in the same manner of a penalty shootout in that the ball will be dead once it has hit the goalkeeper or goal. No rebounds allowed. All the typical rules of a penalty shootout apply. If a goal is scored - it is a goal. If the ball goes over the goal line but is not a goal, it is either a goal kick or corner kick depending on the call of the official. If the ball rebounds off the goal or goalkeeper and comes to rest in the field of play, the restart will be a goal kick for the defending team. Referees/Game Officials: ● If a player steps in the direction of the referee with intent to complain/argue, that player will be given a yellow card. If the player comes within 6 feet of an official to complain/argue, a red card will be issued. ● Referees are instructed to exit the field and facility immediately upon the final whistle. They are not expected to sign the game sheet this year. It is the responsibility of the game administrator/coaches to make sure the information on the game sheet is correct. ● Officials shall use alternative whistles such as electronic whistles; air horns are permissible. 3 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Field Hockey Massachusetts high school field hockey will be played under the NFHS rules with the following modifications: Modifications to rules: ● Number of players on field - 7 v 7 (must have goalie) ● No penalty corners - fouls in circle would be 25 yd. hits ● Free Hits - all players must be 5 yards away ● No bully’s - it will be alternating possession Modifications around game management: ● Four balls must be placed behind each goal and on opposite sideline on cones (no ball girls/boys). Modifications specific to Officials: ● No stick inspection during the pregame - coach is responsible to verify that all participants have legal equipment (stick, goggles, mask) . ● Officials shall use alternative whistles such as electronic whistles; air horns are permissible. ● Substitutions will take place at mid-field (no contact between players). Modifications specific to player protection: ● The requirements for mouth guards and goggles remain in place. Girls & Boys Cross Country Massachusetts high school cross country will be played under the NFHS rules with the following modifications: When scheduling dual meets, leagues and/or schools should consider the following options where practical and/or possible: ● Contesting separate gender meets at opposite sites. ● Identifying one suitable (i.e. wider spacing) and available course, per league, to contest all league dual meets, using multiple days each week to schedule. This would provide a universal course for athletes to compete on and could also evolve into virtual scoring of a "league" meet. Pre-Practice/Pre-Contest:  Practice Pods - Workouts should be conducted in pods of students, with the same 5-10 students always working out together.  Personnel - Only essential personnel are permitted on the practice area and competition area each day (i.e. athletes, coaches, medical personnel/athletic trainer, officials and timers). All others (managers, photographers, media, spectators, etc…) are considered non-essential personnel and are not to be in the starting box, finish line or practice area.  Watches - Athletes and coaches should bring their own watch if use is desired and sharing is not permitted. Meet Protocols:  Dual Meets Only - Competitions should be dual meets (2 teams) only until further guidelines are given.  Course Previews – Course previews should be provided virtually via maps or video before the day of the meet. No on-site course previews should be allowed. Consider increasing the amount of course markings and checkpoints to help guide runners (especially novice runners) through the course. 4 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020      Course Selection - An emphasis should be placed on a wider course that allows for social distancing and spacing throughout the meet. Warm Up Areas - Designated warm up areas should be provided for each team to ensure social distancing before the meet. Start Line:  Staggered starts in smaller groups are required; possibly waves of 8-10 athletes**  Runners are to be spaced out 6 feet apart individually; ** possibly 4-5 from each school  Separated by school – 14 feet spacing between schools  Schools should use previously established cohorts from practice sessions  A minimum of three-minute spacing should be allotted between each wave, however spacing time will be determined by size of the course to maintain social distancing.  Runners should maintain social distancing throughout the race and not cluster on the course.  Consideration should be given to creating waves of junior varsity (and/or freshman) runners to allow safe spacing near the start.  Athletes should be grouped, with social distancing and face coverings, as a team at the start line and teams should be a minimum of 14 feet apart upon start.  No common bins will be utilized at the starting line for personal items. All personal items, including warmups, headphones, etc.… cannot be taken to the starting area. Finish Line: Schools must develop a non-transmittal way of scoring the meet to ensure no popsicle sticks, cards, labels, etc.…. are given out as athletes cross the finish line  BSC is exploring the use of video at finish line to score later  Teams should be directed to finish on separate sides. Lanes should be created over the last 100 yards. Masks/Face Coverings – Athletes must have masks prior to and during the start of the race. Athletes can only remove face coverings during the race when socially distanced. Athletes should prepare to use a face covering at the conclusion of a race as soon as possible given social distancing needs as well as considering exhaustion/breathing at the conclusion of a race. Post Workout/Post Contest  Warm Down Areas - Designated warm down areas should be provided for each team to ensure social distancing after the meet. ● End of Practice/End of Race – Athletes/teams should immediately disperse upon the conclusion of practice and meets. All participants should return home to shower, clean clothes and equipment used after every workout and/or meet. 5 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Golf Massachusetts high school golf will be played under the USGA rules with the following modifications: Individual Player Responsibilities Throughout the Season ● Players should not be using the Clubhouse, except for use of the restrooms, one by one. ● There will be no handshakes, fist, or elbow bumps among players. ● All players must use their own equipment and golf balls. Players should not handle or touch other players golf balls or equipment. ● All safety protocols put in place by the golf course must be followed. Coach Responsibilities: ● Prior to each match, visiting coaches should send a list of participants to the home coach. The home coach should send a copy of the local rules to the opposing coach to eliminate the need for any handouts, other than scorecards. ● All coaches should make sure that their players are familiar with the Rules of Golf and Golf Course modifications specific to Covid-19, especially free relief for disturbed areas in the bunker and not touching the flagsticks. Mask and Social Distancing Protocol: ● Upon arrival at the course, face coverings must be worn and social distancing of six feet must be practiced in all common areas of the golf course, including the driving range and practice greens. ● Removal of face coverings is permitted during competition but must be returned to the face anytime players need to be within six feet of each other. Players should be especially cautious of small or narrow areas i.e. bridges or narrow walkways as well as travel from the green to the next tee. ● If social distancing prior to the match is not possible due to space constraints, then participants should remain in or near their mode of transportation until it is time to move to the 1st tee. The home coach is responsible for enforcing all regulations. Event and Scorecard Protocol: ● When directed to, each group of players will move to the 1st tee, remaining socially distanced. Scorecards and pencils will be handed out to players by the home coach who will wear protective gloves during the process. Each player will receive a scorecard as the Marker for another player’s score and should also note his/her own hole by hole score as well. At no time will players exchange score cards. ● Single tee starts should be staggered, at a minimum of 10 minutes between groups to support social distancing. ● Social distancing must be maintained throughout the round and all Covid-19 course regulations followed. Coaches are encouraged to travel throughout the golf course during the match to ensure that all participants are following all safety guidelines. ● At the conclusion of each round, the Marker will put his/her signature on the scorecard that has been kept with the other player’s score. The Marker and the player will then report to a designated scoring area and hand the scorecard to one of the coaches who will be recording the scores. The player will then verbally confirm his/her score. Throughout this process, social distancing should be maintained, and face coverings should be worn. The coach will be wearing protective gloves to receive the scorecards. Post-Match: ● Once scores have been officially recorded each group of players will then return to their mode of transportation. District and/or school transportation regulations are expected to be followed. 6 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Guidelines for Phase 2 Re-Opening of the Braintree GC:  All golfers must maintain proper social distancing of at least 6 feet at all times.  Golf Carts are now available to all golfers. Single rider only, unless you're riding with someone from the same household. Please pay for carts at check-in.  All golfers must use their own golf clubs. Sharing golf clubs is not allowed. Flag sticks must remain in the hole at all times.    Bunker rakes have been removed. Please try to smooth over your footprints and club marks. There are no public water fountains at the Golf Course. Water and food are available at the Café and Snack  Shack. Outdoor seating is available on our deck. Scorecards are provided at the check-in window upon request.  Golf balls, tees, and golf gloves are for sale, but you must know your exact glove size before purchase. (no returns) 7 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Swimming/Diving Massachusetts high school cross country will be played under the NFHS rules with the following modifications: All current and future EEA, MIAA, and DESE guidelines pertaining to the sport of swimming and diving will be adhered to throughout the Fall season. In addition, any state Mandated Safety Standards for Public and SemiPublic Pools will be incorporated into individual swimming and diving team practices and dual meet planning. It is also understood that local Boards of Health and individual facilities may impose additional standards as well as restrictions and will be the final authority on site usage rules for team practices/meets. Practice/Training Protocols ● All Athletes and Coaches must wear face coverings and remain socially distant while on the pool deck ● Abide by host pool guidelines including cleaning protocols and limits on the number of athletes/coaches on the pool deck and in the pool at a given time. Virtual Competitions ● The BSC will be conducting “virtual dual meets”  Each School will compete remotely with officials at their own pool and times/scores will be exchanged afterwards to determine the winner. Post Meet/Practice Responsibilities and Additional Information: ● All “high touch” surface areas must be cleaned at the conclusion of each meet to include but not limited to team benches, scorer’s table, pool ladders, diving board/handrails and starting blocks. ● Activity organizers should ensure that individuals are not congregating in common areas or parking lots following practices or events. ● If “Virtual Meet” competition is utilized a list of guidelines for conducting this type of meet will be published in advance of the season start date to assist with logistics and planning. 8 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 BPS Protocol For Close Contact of Student or Staff Tests Positive For COVID-19 1. Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should be tested. The test should be performed no sooner than 4 or 5 days after the last contact with the person who tested positive. 2. The student or staff member who was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should be tested at one of Massachusetts’s test sites. Sites may require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an appointment. An individual who does not wish to be tested should instead quarantine for 14 days and until asymptomatic. 3. Close contacts should isolate at home prior to testing and while awaiting test results. Ability to mask is critical, so if the close contact cannot mask or is in K-1 and not masking they should not return for 14 days. 4. In order to return to school, close contacts need to have one negative test result and not be showing any COVID-19 symptoms, or if they do not wish to be tested, quarantine at home for 14 days. Because tests performed too early can be falsely negative, ideally the test should be performed no sooner than 4 or 5 days after the last contact with the person who tested positive. 5. IF POSITIVE TEST: - The student or staff member should remain at home (except to get medical care) - Monitor their symptoms - Notify the school - Notify personal close contacts - Assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student/Staff Tests Positive For COVID-19.” 9 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 BPS Protocol: Student is Symptomatic at School 1. Although families are the most important first line of defense for monitoring symptoms, teachers will play an important role in referring possible symptomatic students to the school nurse (Note: This will require training for teachers.) 2. Teacher ensures the student is wearing a mask that fully covers nose and mouth at all times. 3. Teacher calls the nurse to inform them that they have a possible case. Nurse comes to get the student from class. 4. Nurse should evaluate the student for symptoms (see list: “Most common symptoms of COVID-19”). a. IF NO SYMPTOMS: If the evaluation shows the student does not have symptoms, send the student back to class. b. IF ANY SYMPTOMS:  Place the student in the designated medical waiting room.  There is no specific capacity limit for the medical waiting room, but all students in the COVID-19 waiting room must be as far apart as possible, and no less than 6 feet.  Strict mask wearing covering the nose and mouth at all times for every person in the room must be enforced.  Students can work on individual schoolwork or other activities while in the medical waiting room 1. Contact caregiver for pick-up.  Student waits to be picked up in the medical waiting room.  Caregivers must wear a mask/face covering when picking up their student.  Students will not ride the school bus to get home.  Caregivers and students should wash their hands upon arriving at home and change their clothes as a precaution. 2. If the caregiver cannot pick up the student:  The student should wait in the medical waiting room.  The caregiver will make arrangements for persons identified on the contact list to pick up the student. It is very important for the health office to have the most up to date list of contacts who can pick up students.  The student will not go home on a school bus with other students. 5. Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts, even those with mild symptoms, should be tested.  An individual who does not wish to be tested should instead isolate for 14 days and until asymptomatic.  Student should get tested at one of Massachusetts’s test sites.  Sites may require pre-screening, a referral, and/or appointment.  Isolate at home until test results are returned.  Proceed as follows according to test results: IF NEGATIVE: If the student does not have COVID-19, - the student may return to school based upon guidance from their clinician and necessary management of another diagnosis. - Student stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours. IF POSITIVE: If the student does have COVID-19, - Student remain at home (except to get medical care) - Monitor their symptoms 10 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 - Notify the school nurse Notify personal close contacts Assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student or Staff Tests Positive for COVID-19.” Protocol: Staff is Symptomatic at School 1. Staff is encouraged not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. 2. If a staff member suspects any symptoms during the day, they should follow the school’s protocols for getting another adult to cover their class mid-day, if needed 3. Staff should see the school nurse to be evaluated for symptoms. IF NO SYMPTOMS: The staff member should follow the school’s standard protocols for being excused due to illness IF ANY SYMPTOM: - Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts, even those with mild symptoms, should be tested - An individual who does not wish to be tested should instead isolate for 14 days and until asymptomatic - The staff member should get tested at one of Massachusetts’s test sites - Sites may require pre-screening, a referral, and/or appointment - Isolate at home until test results are returned Proceed as follows according to test results: IF NEGATIVE: - Staff member stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours IF POSITIVE: - Staff member should remain at home (except to get medical care) - Monitor their symptoms - Notify the school - Notify personal close contacts - Assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative - Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student/staff tests positive for COVID-19”. 11 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 BPS Protocol: Student or Staff Tests Positive for COVID-19 1) The student or staff member must remain at home (except to get medical care)  Monitor their symptoms, notify the school  Notify personal close contacts  Assist the school in contact tracing efforts and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative  For most people who have relatively mild illness, they will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms 2) The student’s parent/caregiver or the staff member informs the proper the building nurse that the individual has tested positive for COVID-19. The nurse in turn notifies others as pre-determined by the school (e.g., school leadership, school nurse or school medical point of contact, building management, maintenance). 3) Determine whether the student or staff member was on the premises during the time frame that started two days prior to symptom onset (or testing positive if not symptomatic) until the time of isolation. a) If so, promptly close off areas visited by the COVID-19 positive individual untilsuch areas can be cleaned and disinfected, if they have not been cleaned and disinfected already. b) Promptly clean and disinfect the student’s or staff member’s classroom and any other facilities (e.g., extracurricular facilities) visited by the individual, if that has not been done already. c) Promptly clean and disinfect the bus(es) the student or staff member was on, if any, and if not already done. 4) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (e.g., student has self-contained classroom throughout the day): a) Send a communication to the other families in the student’s class (e.g., cohort) that there has been a positive test without naming the individual student or staff member who tested positive. b) Communications sent to families/staff should: i. Inform them there was a positive test (not the specific individual) in the self-contained classroom. ii. Explain that since they were within this cohort and may have been within 6 feet of the person with a positive test, they are considered a “close contact” and therefore should be tested. (In cases where the student may have been in close contact with others outside their cohort, having assigned seating and keeping up-to-date seating charts will help identify who should be instructed to be tested: specifically, those who were sitting next to the student, plus any others who also had close contact with the student.) iii. Instruct those designated as close contacts to isolate prior to their test and while waiting for the results. In general, as the highest yield test will be a few days after the exposure, ideally, the test should occur no sooner than day 4 or 5 after the last exposure. (In other words, if an exposure lasted several days, the best time to test is 4 or 5 days after the end of the exposure period.) iv. Explain that if close contacts choose not to be tested, the student or staff member should remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days. v. Remind families and/or staff of the importance of not having contact with higher-risk individuals (e.g., grandparents and those with underlying medical conditions). vi. Remind families and/or staff of the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which to monitor. c) If the school finds out about the original COVID-19 positive test in the middle of a school day when the rest of the cohort is in class: i. Make sure these students are wearing masks, including in kindergarten and first grade. Extra masks may be needed and should be provided by the school. Enforce strict physical distancing. Require students to wash their hands. ii. The school should quickly identify the individuals who may be “close contacts” of the student and notify students and their families. 12 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 iii. Caregivers of students in the class or other close contacts may pick students up prior to the end of the day. Caregivers must wear a mask/face covering when picking up their student. Students who are close contacts and students with any symptoms should not ride the school bus to get home. Caregivers and students, as well as staff, should wash their hands upon arriving at home and change their clothes as a precaution. iv. Close contacts should not come back to school until they have received the results of testing (or elected to instead quarantine for 14 days) and are asked to communicate their test results to the school. d) As feasible, to assist with contact tracing, make a list including phone number and email of any other close contacts the student or staff member had, beginning two days before the onset of symptoms (or positive test if asymptomatic) until individual was isolated. Instruct those students and/or staff members to get tested according to the same protocol as the student’s cohort above. 5) MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL (e.g., no single self-contained classroom): a) The school should identify the student’s or staff member’s possible “close contacts” based on the assigned seating charts. The lookback period should begin two days before symptoms appeared (or two days prior to the date of the positive test if there were no symptoms) and include up until the time the student was isolated. Consider students and staff members who were within 6 feet of the individual for 10-15 minutes in class, on the school bus, or at extracurricular activities. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html b) Follow the communication and other relevant Elementary School protocols above. c) Close contacts should be tested for COVID-19 at one of Massachusetts’s test sites. Sites may require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an appointment. d) Instruct the student or staff member to isolate while waiting for the results of their test. e) An individual who does not wish to be tested should instead quarantine for 14 days and until asymptomatic. 6) IF OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL TEST POSITIVE: Perform all steps under this protocol for that person. ALSO FOLLOW: “Protocol: Presence of Multiple Cases in the School.” 7) IF NO OTHERS IN THE SCHOOL TEST POSITIVE: Close contacts can return to school immediately if they test negative and do not have symptoms; however, strict mask wearing covering the nose and mouth must be maintained at all times. The wearing of masks includes K1 students for this 14-day period. If they have symptoms but test negative regardless, they should wait until they are asymptomatic for 24 hours before returning to school. Any area of the school visited by the COVID-19 positive individual must be closed off and/or cleaned and disinfected. The area can be used 12 hours after cleaning/disinfecting has occurred. 13 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 BPS Protocol: Student is Symptomatic on the Bus 1. Although families are the most important first line of defense for monitoring symptoms, bus drivers and bus monitors also play an important role in flagging possible symptomatic students. Note: This will require training for bus drivers (and bus monitors, if applicable). 2. If symptoms are noticed as the student is getting on the bus and if there is a caregiver present, do not allow student to board the bus. Caregiver should then FOLLOW: “Protocol: Coming to School.” 3. If student is already on the bus, ensure student is masked and keeps mask on. Ensure other students keep their masks on. Ensure student keeps required physical distance from other students. 4. Bus driver/monitor should call ahead to the bus service dispatch. The bus service dispatch should be equipped with appropriate cell phone numbers for school and district personnel (Athletic Trainer, Isolation Station Monitor, nurse or other medical personnel). The dispatch should contact the school to inform the school nurse of a possible symptomatic child. 5. If on site, Athletic Trainer, Isolation Station Monitor or School nurse meets the bus as it arrives, wearing a mask. As practical, student with possible symptoms should exit the bus first. 6. Bus should be cleaned/disinfected. 7. If on site, Athletic Trainer, Isolation Station Monitor, Nurse should evaluate the student for symptoms “Most common symptoms of COVID-19”). a. IF NO SYMPTOMS: i. If the evaluation shows the student does not have symptoms, send the student to class. b. IF ANY SYMPTOM: i. Place the student in the designated medical waiting room. There is no specific capacity limit for the medical waiting room, but all students in the medical waiting room must be as far apart as possible, and no less than 6 feet. Strict mask wearing covering the nose and mouth at all times for every person in the room must be enforced. Students can work on individual schoolwork or other activities while in the medical waiting room. ii. Contact caregiver for pick-up. 1. Caregiver or Designee will pick up student:  Student waits to be picked up in the medical waiting room.  Caregivers must wear a mask/face covering when picking up their student.  Students should not ride the school bus to get home.  Caregivers and students should wash their hands upon arriving at home and change their clothes, as a precaution. 2. If the caregiver cannot pick up the student:  The student should wait in the medical waiting room.  The caregiver will make arrangements for persons identified on the contact list to pick up the student. It is very important for the health office to have the most up to date list of contacts who can pick up students.  The student will not go home on a school bus with other students. Current Massachusetts DPH guidance is that all symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts, even those with mild symptoms, should be tested. - An individual who does not wish to be tested should instead isolate for 14 days and until asymptomatic Student should get tested at one of Massachusetts’s test sites Sites may require pre-screening, a referral, and/or an appointment Isolate at home until test results are returned 14 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Proceed as follows according to test results: 1. IF NEGATIVE: If the student does not have COVID-19, - the student may return to school based upon guidance from their clinician and necessary management of another diagnosis. - Student stays home until asymptomatic for 24 hours. 2. IF POSITIVE: If the student does have COVID-19, - Student should remain at home (except to get medical care) - Monitor their symptoms - Notify the school nurse - Notify personal close contacts - Assist the school in contact tracing efforts, and answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative - Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms FOLLOW STEPS UNDER: “Protocol: Student/Staff Tests Positive for COVID-19.” Braintree Public Schools Mask Protocol CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.  Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.  Masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html All students and staff on campus at Braintree Public Schools will be required to wear face masks unless it is determined that it is unsafe for a student or staff member to do so. This discussion should take place with the school nurse in the building if someone can’t wear a mask. What masks are not appropriate for school use?  Bandanas  Gators (neck scarfs)  Masks with vents  Masks with inappropriate language or messaging Mask breaks will be provided for students, when they are able to be more than 6 feet apart, preferably outside when possible. Now is the time for planning to return to school as you purchase school supplies a face mask is essential (everyone should have at least one clean mask for each day of school). Masks can also be made, click on the following link for instructions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html It’s important to practice mask wearing each day with your children. Staff as well should practice gradually add time until they have reached the expected time in school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn6axdkbGd4&feature=emb_rel_end 15 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 The CDC recommends that you wear a cloth face mask when you're around people who don't live with you and in public settings when social distancing is difficult. Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask:  Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.  Place your mask over your mouth and nose.  Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it's snug.  Don't touch your mask while wearing it.  If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.  If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can wash it.  Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.  Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.  Regularly wash your mask with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. It's fine to launder it with other clothes. Please be sure to reach out to your school nurse if you have questions. 16 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 Protocol For Athletic Participation in Contests, Practices and Bus Participation A safe return to in-person school environments will require a culture of health and safety every step of the way. Specifically: • It is not one mitigation strategy but a combination of all these strategies taken together that will substantially reduce the risk of transmission. No single strategy can ever be perfect, but all strategies together will reduce risk. In addition, although we are currently in Phase 3 of Reopening Massachusetts, it will take collective continued vigilance towards health and safety measures to continue to contain COVID-19. • Staff must monitor themselves for symptoms daily and students, with the assistance of families, must also be monitored daily for symptoms. Staff and students must stay home if feeling unwell. Everyone must do their part to protect others and not come to school if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling sick. • Masks are among the most important single measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. We require students second grade and above and all staff to wear masks that adequately cover both their nose and mouth. Younger children are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Exceptions must be made for students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings. • Hand hygiene is critical. Students and staff are required to exercise hand hygiene (handwashing or sanitizing) upon arrival to school, before eating, before putting on and taking off masks, and before dismissal. • Physical distance greatly reduces the risk of transmission. As COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets, putting distance between yourself and others reduces risk. Braintree Public School District will strive to have everyone wearing masks (except when medically unable) and be 6 feet apart. • Cohorts/assigned seating. Student-athletes will be organized in cohorts of 5-10 to help mitigate transmission of the virus. Assigned seating during bus transportation is important because it effectively creates even smaller groups within cohorts which minimize transmission. Assigned seats can also assist with contact tracing. Wherever possible, seats should be assigned (including classroom, bus, meals). 17 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 1. BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES & ATHLETIC STAFF A. Medical Expectations – Daily Before Athletics Checklist: ● COVID-19 Symptoms (Braintree School Committee Meeting August 17, 2020): Student-athletes and staff are required to review the following symptom checklist daily, completing the COVID-19 Screening: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Daily-Screening by 2:30 pm via Google Forms and must stay home from contests or practices if they have any of these symptoms. Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves: If staff or students have any of these symptoms, they must get a test for active COVID-19 infection prior to returning to school/athletics. ❏ Fever (100.0° Fahrenheit or higher), chills or shaking chills ❏ Cough (not due to other known cause, such as a chronic cough) ❏ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath ❏ New loss of taste or smell ❏ Sore throat ❏ New headache not associated with underlying conditions ❏ Muscle aches or body aches ❏ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea ❏ Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms ❏ Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other symptoms ***Staff and families please email the Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director and/or Coach if you (Coach) or your child (Student-Athlete) is absent from contests and/or practices for any of the above symptoms. *** Many of the school nurses have been working with the Braintree Health Department helping with contact tracing and will be able to help you navigate next steps and have information on testing sites. No Symptoms, ready for the day! If symptoms, follow instructions below Possible COVID19 ✓ Evaluate symptoms ✓ Separate from others ✓ Clean and disinfect spaces visited by the person ✓ Test for COVID-19 and stay at home while awaiting results ✓ If test is positive: - Remain at home for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever (without fever reducing medicine) and improvement in other symptoms - Monitor symptoms - Notify the school and personal close contacts - Answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative to help identify close contacts to help them prevent transmission - Secure release from contact tracers (local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative) for return to school 18 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 ✓ If test is negative: Students and Staff should remain home until asymptomatic for 24 hours If any symptoms present at a contest, practice, or on the bus, the student athlete, coach, official, or staff should immediately return home and get in touch with their Primary Care Physician (PCP). Students and staff of the school should follow the school based guidelines to return to school and sport: If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19:  Self-isolate for a MINIMUM of 10 days  Can resume activities after 10 days and once they have… o Been fever free for 3 days (without taking Tylenol or ibuprofen) o Improvement of symptoms o Received CLEARANCE from a public health authority or community contact tracers o Return to school is based on time and symptom resolution (repeat testing NOT recommended) o FOR ATHLETES: must have PCP or doctor note stating they are clear to return to sport. If cardiac symptoms present, athletic trainer may require other documentation of specialist documentation. Close Contact to the Athlete of COVID-19 positive case:  Should be tested but is not mandatory.  Test or must self-quarantine for 14 days. In Athletics a Close Contact is defined by:  An athlete in the same “cohort” (defined above, p.17) as the student-athlete.  Anyone who has been within 6 feet for longer than 15 minutes (coach, athletic trainer, fellow student-athlete).  Been in direct contact without a mask. ● Masks/Face Coverings: Student-athletes, athletic department staff, and spectators are required to wear a mask (face covering) that covers their nose and mouth at all times during the contest/practice. The only exception is for student-athletes during competition as allowed by MIAA sport specific modifications or for individuals with medical exemptions. Students must also wear masks on school buses while traveling to contest/practice sites. Students who refuse to wear masks on school buses will need to find alternate transportation provided by a parent/guardian if administrative conversations with parents/guardians do not modify the behavior. Student-athletes are expected to bring their own mask each day. Masks should be provided by the family, but BHS will have disposable face masks available for students who need them. Reusable masks provided by families should be washed daily. Gators are not acceptable per the BPS Mask Policy. ● Social Distancing: Students and staff should remain six feet apart. Signage will be placed throughout the building to remind students that it is essential to maintain social distancing. ● Hand Hygiene: Students and staff are required to exercise hand hygiene (hand washing and sanitizing) upon arrival to contest, practice, or the bus, before eating, before putting on and taking off masks, and before leaving a site. Students should wash/sanitize hands at site anytime they have touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by others, such as door handles, desks, etc. Student-athletes should have hand sanitizer/wipes in their gym bag. Hand sanitizers will be placed at key locations throughout the athletic facilities. 19 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 ● Illness: If a student becomes symptomatic at a contest, practice, or on the bus, they should remain masked and adhere to strict physical distancing. Students will be met by the Athletic Trainer and taken to a dedicated COVID-19 related Isolation Location until they can be picked up by a parent/guardian. ● COVID-19 Related Isolation Location: ○ The designated Isolation Location will be stationed at the Concession Stand adjacent to the ○ ○ ○ ○ BHS Main Parking Lot and Softball Field. After being assessed by the Athletic Trainer, any student who shows COVID-19 symptoms during a contest, a practice, or prior to boarding a bus for an away contest, will be moved to the designated Isolation Location and must be picked up by a family member. Family MUST make sure someone is readily available, during their child’s participation in interscholastic athletics, whether home or away contest or a practice session, in case of emergency. Please make sure emergency contacts are up-to-date with the proper phone number(s) and contact information. If a family member is not readily available, child will be sent to the Emergency Room via EMS/Ambulance. When inside the Isolation Location, students must remain six feet apart, stay masked, and wash their hands when they enter and leave. ● Protocols for responding to COVID-19 Scenarios: Please review this protocol (http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2020-0717protocols/) from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on how schools should respond to potential COVID-19 cases. To summarize, we will: ● Evaluate symptoms ● Separate from others ● Clean and disinfect spaces visited by the person ● Test for COVID-19 and require individual(s) to stay at home while awaiting results If the test is positive: ● Remain at home at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms ● Monitor symptoms ● Notify the school and personal close contacts ● Answer the call from local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative to help identify close contacts to help them prevent transmission ● Secure release from contact tracers (local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative) for return to school If the test is negative: ● If the individual is feeling better and fever free for 24 hours (without fever reducing medicine), they may return to school. If a student or staff member is sick with COVID-19 like symptoms, they will need to have a COVID-19 PCR test. The student or staff member will need to quarantine at home until the test results come back. 20 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 B.       C. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Student Transportation For Away Contests Braintree Public Schools will provide bus transportation for student-athletes attending away contests at an opposing school’s facility. Student’s are expected to self-check and complete the COVID-19 Screening via Google Forms by 2:30 pm each day: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Daily-Screening From the COVID Screening information, coaches will then take attendance prior to boarding the bus and departure. Transportation by means of carpool is discouraged by BHS Athletics during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please contact the Athletic Director if you have determined you will provide transportation to away contests for your child in a family vehicle. Requires a parent/guardian driver. Student-athletes are not allowed to transport themselves to an away contest, unless there is an extenuating circumstance and approval is asked for and granted by BHS Administration. Spectator & Student Parking: Games or Practices at Alumni Stadium: Drivers will enter from 128 Town Street. Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will park in the BHS Main Parking Lot in front of the concession stand and adjacent to Alumni Stadium. Drop off only will be at the Main Entrance to Alumni Stadium (first gate). Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while entering Alumni Stadium. To Exit: Student-Athletes and Spectators will exit Alumni Stadium at the second gate located near the stadium bleachers. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting and awaiting ride. Student-Athlete pick-up will be at the Entry Gate – keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting and awaiting ride. Drivers will exit from the parking lot to 128 Town Street. Games or Practices at the Softball Field (Cross Country): Drivers will enter the roundabout in the front of Braintree High School from 128 Town Street. Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will park in the BHS Main Parking Lot in front of the concession stand and adjacent to Alumni Stadium. Student-Athlete Drivers will then proceed to the sidewalk through the pipe gate to proceed to the softball field. Drop off will be along the sidewalk where the pipe gate is located. Student-Athletes will proceed along sidewalk to the softball field. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while proceeding to Softball Field Area. To Exit: Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will exit up the walkway, through the Pipe Gate to their car for exiting the main parking via 128 Town Street. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting. Student-Athlete pick-up be along the sidewalk of the roundabout at the Pipe Gate – Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting and awaiting ride. Drivers will exit from the parking lot to 128 Town Street. 21 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Games or Practices at The Back Turf Field and The Football Practice Field: Drivers will enter from John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road. Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will park in the BHS Faculty Parking Lot located on the backside of the access road roundabout. Drop off will be at the driveway located just past the Tennis Court Fence and before the roundabout. Field Hockey student-athletes and coaches will enter the field from the field gate entrance next to the basketball courts - Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet walking down toward the field and entering the Back Turf Field. Soccer student-athletes and coaches will walk along side the school to get to the practice facility known as the Football Practice Field. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet walking to Football Practice Field. Drivers will loop around the back roundabout while exiting back down John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. To Exit: Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will walk back to their car in the Faculty Parking Lot at the back of the school to exit via John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting. Student-Athlete pick-up be along the sidewalk of the roundabout at the back of Braintree High School – Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting and awaiting ride. Drivers will loop around the back roundabout while exiting back down John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. Games or Practices at the Soccer Field located on the Outfield of the Junior Varsity Baseball Field and The Grass Field Adjacent to the Back Turf Field: Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will enter from John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road. Student-Athlete and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will park in the Gravel Parking Lot located across from Sunset Lake. Drop off will be along the sidewalk just after the Gravel Parking Lot located across from Sunset Lake (Please Do Not Pull into the parking lot if you are dropping off or picking up a student-athlete). Field Hockey student-athletes and coaches will enter the field from the gate sidewalk - Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet walking down toward the field and entering the field. Soccer student-athletes and coaches will walk along the baseball field outfield to get to the field. Drivers will loop around the back roundabout while exiting back down John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. To Exit: Student-Athletes and/or Adult Drivers/Spectators will walk back to their car in the Gravel Lot to exit via John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting. Student-Athlete pick-up be along the sidewalk just after the Gravel Parking Lot located across from Sunset Lake (Please Do Not Pull into the parking lot if you are dropping off or picking up a studentathlete) – Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting and awaiting ride. Drivers will loop around the back roundabout while exiting back down John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. Coaching Staff Parking: Members of the coaching staff will park in the Back Faculty Parking Lot upon arrival to Braintree High School. Keep in mind social distancing of 6 feet while exiting. 22 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 ● Drivers will loop around the back roundabout while exiting back down John W. LeRoy, Jr. Access Road to Franklin Street/Route 37. ***There is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING in the Back Entrance/Directors Lot (adjacent to Back Turf Field) by Student-Athletes, Spectators and/or Members of the Coaching Staff, at any time. D.      Daily Procedures Students are expected to self-check and complete the COVID-19 Screening via Google Forms by 2:30 pm each day (COVID Screening: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Daily-Screening). From the COVID Screening information, coaches will then take attendance prior to contest, practice or boarding the bus for departure to an away contest site. In an effort to follow COVID-19 guidelines, parent/guardian should email the Coach, Athletic Trainer and Athletic Director by 2:30 pm if your child(ren) will not be present for the day. There will be no more than 5 combined days of contests and/or practices each week. Current Coach Kera Wiggin TBA Amanda Scully Maddie Burke Conor Daley Bob Crook Tim Lynch Kevin Jameson Patrick Kenneally Tom Miller Matthew Freeman Ray Cooper Kate Laubi Jennifer Keane Kristen O'Leary Kara Hines Michael Denise Email Address xcountry.vb@braintreeschools.org xcountry.vg@braintreeschools.org fieldhockey.v@braintreeschools.org fieldhockey.jv@braintreeschools.org fieldhockey.f@braintreeschools.org golf.vb@braintreeschools.org golf.jvb@braintreeschools.org soccer.vb@braintreeschools.org soccer.jvb@braintreeschools.org soccer.fb@braintreeschools.org soccer.vg@braintreeschools.org soccer.jvg@braintreeschools.org soccer.fg@braintreeschools.org swimming.v@braintreeschools.org swimming.jv@braintreeschools.org kara.hines@braintreeschools.org michael.denise@braintreeschools.org E. Concessions There will be no concessions offered for sale during Fall 2020 contests. F. Cleaning Procedures Outside Bathrooms will be cleaned during, in-between and following each contest and practice using an approved EPA registered disinfectant. This area includes: ■ Faucets ■ Toilets ■ Floors ■ Counters ■ Mirrors ■ Paper Towel Dispensers All Coaches will be equipped with hand sanitizer, masks, medical gloves and cleaning solution for team equipment.  ● 23 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 G.    H.    Fall Schedules Bay State Conference Athletic Directors met on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, to develop a schedule for all Fall Sports offered by MIAA and its Sports Committees (with modifications). The Braintree Public Schools School Committee approved 2020 Fall participation in interscholastic athletics on Monday, September 14, 2020. If there is lightning in the forecast, contests will be postponed for the day. Daily Practice Schedule Practices will be 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration. If there is lightning in the forecast, practices will be cancelled for the day. Five (5) Practice Areas:  Alumni Stadium Turf  Back Turf  Grass Football Practice Field  JV Baseball Outfield  Grass Field next to Back Turf Please arrive no earlier than 2:40 pm Varsity Boys Soccer – 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm on Alumni Stadium Turf Varsity and Junior Varsity Field Hockey - 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm on Back Turf Cross Country – 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm on Softball Field Please arrive no earlier than 4:10 pm Swim – 4:15 pm to 6:15 pm at Blue Hills Pool ****Monday 9/21/20 only at BHS Tennis Courts for Meeting Carpooling is discouraged during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Families should make proper arrangements for the transportation of their child to/from The Blue Hill Swimming Pool. Please arrive no earlier than 4:25 pm Varsity Girls Soccer – 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Alumni Stadium Freshman Field Hockey – 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Back Turf Junior Varsity and Freshman Boys Soccer – 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Football Practice Field Junior Varsity and Freshman Boys Soccer – 4:30 pm to 6 pm on Junior Varsity Baseball Outfield What to Bring to Practices and Contests (In addition to what was outlined for Recommended Supplies for Student’s Gym Bag, page 3):  1 - gallon jug of water  1 - can/tube of sunscreen – clearly labeled with first and last name  1 - can of bugspray – clearly labeled with first and last name  Extra Face Masks (especially if raining or on a pool deck for swimming) ****No team coolers of waters and gatorade at this time. 24 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020 I. Athletic Training Room: At this time, the school building is off limits to student-athletes. With this in mind, The Athletic Training Room is not accessible until further notice. To access athletic training services, students will schedule an appointment with Ms. Kara Hines via school email kara.hines@braintreeschools.org. Services will be provided at the Mobile Athletic Training site located at the concession stand.       When the Athletic Training Room is Accessible: Rules for entering the athletic training room will be posted outside the doors and an email sent to parents. No more than 2 students in the room at a time, socially distanced with masks on, and they are to wash their hands before and after, and wash their own table. The student must sign in and out. Mobile Athletic Training Site: The Mobile Athletic Training Site will be centrally located at the Concession Stand. Appointment Schedule for Treatment – 2 Appointments at a time for 10 minutes beginning at 2:25 pm Please email Athletic Trainer Kara Hines for scheduled appointments. Kara.Hines@braintreeschools.org The Athletic Trainer Provides the following services:  Emergency Care  Injury Evaluation  Injury Prevention  Taping  Bracing  Basic First Aid  Assisted Stretching Common URL’s  COVID Screening: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Daily-Screening  ImPACT Test Sign-up: https://tinyurl.com/ImPACT-test-sign-up  ImPACT Date Look-up: https://tinyurl.com/ImPACT-Date-Look-Up If a student-athlete needs to be taped prior to an away contest, the student-athlete must be taped by the Braintree High School Athletic Trainer. The on-site Athletic Trainer will not tape any visiting student-athlete prior to a contest. Please make sure to make an appointment with the Athletic Trainer for taping. Together “WE” Can Do This Strength in Numbers 25 BHS Athletic Department ● Guidelines for Fall 2020