Covid – 19 Procedures

For the sake of this document: All First Tee representatives on-site and involved in programming are referred to as “coaches,” whether they are full-time staff, part-time staff, adult volunteers, interns, or junior coaches. All player engaged in the learning environment are referred to as “players.” All procedures are based on the most recent guidelines provided by local government, and in this case for Kansas. Guidance is subject to change over time, and based on the applicable jurisdiction(s).   Virus Prevention Procedures   Wash hands thoroughly (for a minimum of 20 seconds) and frequently (at least once before and after every class).  Hand sanitizer and facial tissue are available in high traffic areas.  Disinfect equipment and learning areas (see below). Health screening for coaches & players:  Ask if:  medication was used to lower temperature player has been exposed to anyone with coronavirus player is awaiting test results in the last 14 days Check temperature (over 100 is considered a fever). Equipment use:  Avoid sharing of equipment or materials. Any sharing necessitates sanitization between users. Keep track of all equipment and materials used on a daily basis, so it can be sanitized. Rotate equipment shared or used during programming, so there is adequate time to be cleaned and sanitized between uses.  Check-in process: Manual check-in process is no longer the preferred method. Nametags should be pre-printed before the season or the class. (when needed) Players either bring nametag or take pre-printed ones upon arrival. Players should arrive at or near class start time and follow instructions from their coaches to the learning area. Siblings and family members must not encroach on the learning area. Coach conducts verbal attendance at the beginning of class. Make-up classes are not allowed. During Programming: Always maintain distancing of 6 feet. Maximum 30 people in a group, including coaches and players. Parents must remain outside of the learning environment, unless they are a designated coach. Utilize outdoor program areas as much as possible, for ventilation. Physical contact is avoided at all times (e.g., high-five, handshake), and unless emergency care is necessary. Different groups or individuals shall not be mixed or commingled.    Sanitization Procedures Windows and doors should be opened in indoor areas for ventilation. Bleach solution: 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) bleach per gallon of water.  Coaches should wear facial covering and gloves during all sanitization procedures, after which point gloves should be discarded and masks discarded or sanitized. Coaches should also wear eye protection if chemicals are being sprayed.  If masks and eye protection are not available, chemicals should be applied with a rag or towel, rather than being sprayed. First, clean with standard soap or detergent and water. Once cleaned, surface is disinfected with bleach solution. For porous surfaces (carpets, floors, drapes): vacuum, then clean using a washing machine at the hottest water setting.  Towels, clothing, linens (and other items that are laundered): If possible, do not shake laundry, to prevent dispersion of virus. Launder items at the hottest water setting (within tag instructions).  Clean and disinfect any hampers or laundry baskets as a “surface”. Staffing & Training Pre-season training provided for all coaches. Coaches indicate full understanding of importance and details of virus prevention procedures. Coaches should be in good personal health before the season begins (daily health screenings are also provided.) One person is assigned to “deep cleaning” each day, at each facility. Pre-season orientations are conducted online and/or small groups. players’ season materials are made available in week 1 (yardage book, bag tag, membership card). Group sizes Every person counts toward group size, including coaches & players. Groups shall be 30 or fewer individuals, including coaches & players. Suggested class structures: 
  • 30 players, 2 coaches
  • 25 players, 3 coaches
Facilities:  Adequate space is available, and designated for, program use. If space is not reserved and reliable, groups will not be able to control the safety of their environment as easily. Remove hard-to-clean items from classrooms and learning areas. Everything that is touched needs to be sanitized, so only have out what you need for the day. If you don’t need it on a regular basis, put it in cabinets or storage. Organize materials, supplies and equipment in secure compartments, and lock when possible.   Supplies Needed   Disinfectant spray Spray bottles Hand sanitizer Cloth or paper towels Bleach (and water) Rubbing alcohol (90%) Buckets/receptacles Thermometers Disposable gloves Face masks Eye protection (eye glasses/sunglasses)   Troubleshooting   When should someone stay home? If someone in your household has had any cold/flu symptoms in the past 72 hours. People who are at a higher risk, including those: age 60+, with weakened immune systems, who are pregnant, and those with underlying health conditions including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.   What if a coach or player does not pass the screening? Those who do not pass the screening are not permitted to participate, and must return home.  What if a coach does not comply with the guidelines? Revisit the expectations and guidelines, and if the coach still does not comply, ask them to go home and/or call the Program Director to report the incident. What if a player does not comply with the guidelines? Revisit the expectations and guidelines, and if the player still does not comply, make immediate contact with a parent or guardian by phone. Report the incident to the Program Director. How do we provide first aid or medical care while maintaining proper distancing? In the event that medical care is required, that is first priority. While the coach should not hesitate to follow First Aid & CPR procedures, including Check, Call & Care, they should first put on a face mask and disposable gloves. What if there’s an emergency, and evacuation procedures require us to gather in a smaller space or larger group? In the event of emergency, where evacuation is necessary, the immediate physical safety of individuals and the group is first priority. Coaches should ensure that is taken care of, and then try to ensure COVID-19 prevention procedures are followed as possible.