1. Our community is in Phase 3. Can we host a series of micro events on the same day in the same facility, as long as there are no more people in the facility than the state / local guidance gathering limit at one time? Would this be considered covered under one sanction?
The state / local gathering size limit applies per session. Once enough people enter the facility and the gathering size limit is reached, no more people should enter during that session until the facility is cleared and the facility is properly sanitized. At that time, an additional session could be held on the same day at that facility, under the same sanction, with the state / local gathering size limit applying for the additional session.
2. Will marks made from a sanctioned meet this summer count towards qualification for the 2021 Olympic Trials?
World Athletics has suspended the qualification period for the Olympic Games for all events held from April 6 to November 30, 2020. USATF will mirror that guidance and will also suspend qualification for the Olympic Trials between the same dates (April 6 to November 30, 2020). Meets can still be sanctioned and held within this window, subject to USATF’s Event Hosting guidance; however, marks achieved in these meets will not count towards Olympic Trials qualifying. The rationale is that different areas of the country (and different nations) have varying restrictions on gatherings, activities, and resources. COVID-19 cases and active community transmission varies between locations. For fairness, qualifying is suspended during this window. After receiving numerous requests by athletes, coaches and agents, by decision of the sport committee chairs, USATF will accept marks from USATF sanctioned events during the period of April 6-November 30, 2020 for qualification at the 2021 Toyota USATF Indoor Championships and 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials – Track and Field.
3. Will marks from an event that is not sanctioned by USATF count for qualifying purposes or records purposes?
No. For qualification for USATF events, the event must be sanctioned and occur outside of the April 6 to November 30 window. For non-USATF events that have qualifying standard for entry, it will be up to each individual event to determine if non-USATF sanctioned marks will count. For USATF record purposes, the event must be sanctioned.
4. If I want marks to count (e.g. for a record or non-USATF event qualifying) but my event can’t meet the USATF Event Hosting requirements, can I waive insurance but follow all other sanctioning rules?
USATF strongly recommends that event hosts follow the USATF Event Hosting guidance. However, an event can be considered for a sanction and waive the associated insurance. All other requirements to receive a sanction would need to be followed. Contact Sanctions at Sanctions@usatf.org if needed to discuss this option.
5. Do I need to reapply for a sanction if I already applied for one before COVID-19?
Sanctions issued before the issuance of the USATF Event Hosting Guidelines are still valid. However, if the Guidelines cannot be followed, or if the location of the event reverts to Phase 1 or Phase 2, then the sanction is void.
6. Will USATF have a protocol for how tests should be administered and collected or will that be handled with local public health authorities?
Because the nature of testing and access to testing is constantly evolving, and because community supply / demand for testing is going to vary by location, there is some latitude in testing protocols. For moderate risk events, two negative COVID-19 tests (separated by at least 24h, and no more than 7d from the first test to the event date) are required. With current technology, this means PCR testing. This would not include serology (antibody) testing which only confirms the presence of antibodies (IgG) and does not confirm current infection (IgM). Meet directors should work closely with their local public health authorities.
7. In Phase 4, are there any limitations on Field Sizes?
No, there are no limits on field sizes in Phase 4. However, the meet director should consider the balance of the number of athletes, officials, and staff that will need to be screened upon entrance to the facility versus the logistics and costs of screening, as well as all the requirements in the Medical Response Plan.
8. Step 7: Detailed medical response plan: does this need to be submitted with the sanction, already approved by local public health authority, or can a meet director apply for the sanction first then begin working on this step?
The meet director can apply for the sanction first, then work on developing the Medical Response Plan. However, an appropriate first step before applying for a sanction would be a discussion with the local health authority on the general plans for the event. The Medical Response Plan does not have to be submitted to USATF for approval but should be approved by the local health authority. All aspects of the Medical Response Plan should be followed or the sanction could be considered void.
9. Are there any requirements on where athletes are tested (in the city of the event?) or do they simply need to prove that they have received two tests separated by 24h the week of the event?
There is no requirement on where the athletes are tested, as long as they can show negative results from two tests completed at least 24h apart, with the first test no more than 7 days prior to the last day the athlete will compete at the event. However, because of the added exposure risk associated with travel and the normal exposure risk each day, the recommended procedure would be to have at least one of the tests on participants who are travelling in for the competition take place after arrival at the competition city / area (with adequate time to obtain results before the competition).
10. If an athlete is tested twice, and one of the results comes back positive and the other negative, can they compete?
No. The athlete needs two negative tests separated by at least 24 hours, with no more than 7 days passing from the first test to the final day the athlete will compete. If one or both of the PCR tests come back as positive, the individual should be considered as positive and quarantined (despite the possibility that one is a false result). The athlete should follow proper quarantine procedure as soon as learning of the positive result and seek medical care. If the individual is asymptomatic and wants to pursue getting cleared, we recommend following the procedure utilized by the USOPC. This would include performing two PCR tests (separated by at least 24h) beginning at day 5 after the positive test. If the individual is still positive, can wait 5 more days and repeat the test. If the individual does develop symptoms, wait until their symptoms resolve, and then repeat the two PCR tests beginning 72 hours after symptoms resolve. The individual should not be cleared for the event until both PCR tests are negative.
11. Are athletes required to wear a mask? Officials and staff?
Athletes are not required to wear a mask, unless it is mandated by local public health officials. It is strongly suggested that officials and staff wear masks but should follow the guidance of the CDC and local public health officials.