BRITISH BASEBALL FEDERATION The National Governing Body of Baseball
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CODE OF PRACTISE AND GUIDANCE IN THE RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE BASEBALL ACTIVTIES A report by the British Baseball Federation
to-date.
Some contents within this report are
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted society and individuals in many ways. We
links to third parties websites and/or
must continue to support one another, remain optimistic and adapt to meet the
contain copyrighted materials. We
challenges to recovery (face-to-face activities). Please continue to observe
cannot guarantee the accuracy of the
government guidelines. Currently, restrictions of gatherings, and travel are in effect.
contents of third-party information.
This report gives information and recommendations for member BBF clubs implementing guidelines (inclusive of a risk framework), as the government begins
For more information
to allow for measured face-to-face activities.
E-mail info@britishbaseball.org It is essential for clubs and teams, to define, assign clear roles, and responsibilities —your club's responsiveness to COVID-19 matters. We will continue to provide updates as material information unfolds.
IMPORTANT: This report should not be quoted as if it supersedes the UK COVID-19
government guidelines. This report does not imply to include all the necessary information and is incomplete. Instead, it is a general collection of government agencies, world health organisations, insurers and WBSC guidance. Scotland has seperate COVID-19 government guidelines.
Last updated: 6 July 2020 www.britishbaseball.org
BBF COVID-19 CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT
PLAN LOWER COSTS
The British Baseball Federation is a 100% self-sufficient National Governing Body
Lower our costs during
(NGB) of baseball. We receive no public funding and are run by a skilled volunteer
the COVID-19 disruptions
board. Resilience is a strategic aim of our NGB to survive, prosper and promote our sport during all situations. We remain adaptive, sustainable, financially sound, and robust during the COVID-19 crisis.
During the postponement of our season, we adapted our model to continue to offer our members and baseball community leadership, value and remain competitive. For example,
ACTION PLAN Act to indentify and act accordingly to mitigate all
1. #BBFWebinars: We have organised a top tier level of free webinars watched in types of risks during
over 50 countries. Presenters and topics for our webinars range from the Chicago the COVID-19 crisis
Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Major League Baseball representatives and ex-umpires. Topics include officiating (umpiring), biokinematics of hitting, sports science, hitting drills, scouting and more. More free webinars to come and surprises. Refer to our website for more details. 2. Online tool and instruction: We secured one online licence for each of our member clubs to Elite Baseball Training TV. The mentioned is an online tool which
RESUME
offers a broad range of professional instruction, insights and training ranging from
Resume all our face-to-face
pitching, hitting, fielding, defensive strategy and coaching tips.
operations (leagues) as
3. Great Britain Baseball (GB Baseball) National Team: a) We have added a historic
quickly as possible when we
Women's Team. The mentioned brings the number of National Baseball Teams to
get the government
six (women's, U12, U15, U18, U23 and Seniors). We are now one of the few countries
authorisation
globally which offer six national teams (inclusive of a women's team). b) The appointment of Cam McHarg as Development Co-ordinator. c) Jonathan Rodriguez was named the U15 Team Manager. 4. Diversity: Mrs Amanda Hocking has been appointed our first ever Great Britain Baseball National Team Woman Manager.
COMPLIANCE
5. Women's Baseball League: The launch of the roadmap of are all Women's
Adhere to any government
League in association with WB-UK Women's Baseball UK. #BBF WomensBaseball
compliance requirements
6. New club members and team: As part of our women's baseball league new initiative we welcome the Sheffield Bruins club, and Bristol women's teams as new members. 7. Strategic relationships: We have expanded our strategic associations with international organisations to promote British Baseball. For example, our BBF YouTube British Baseball channel is now being broadcast in central America, and we have subscribers from over 50 countries. 8. Private donations: We have secured private donations to finance some of the above initiatives and so not to impact our financials.
SUSTAINABILITY Establish a sustainability edge
9. Engagement: We are committed to resuming our leagues once we get the government go ahead, and our members take the necessary risk mitigation measures provided. As we work remotely, we are engaging with the public and our members through strategic communications, surveys, webinars, emails, social media, this type of COVID-19 report and online conference calls. 10. Lower costs: We remain financially sound, through a series of cost-cutting
RISK MANAGEMENT
measures and cash management strategies. We await further feedback from our suppliers. Once we realise any further savings, we will pass them through to our
Implement a sound risk management system
members.
www.britishbaseball.org
June 2020 Calendar 3 July
The UK Government and BBF easing of face-to-face restrictions. The BBF will be making public announcements with updates throughout the month. UK government COVID-19 guidelines are in effect e.g., see GOV.uk guide link. Subject to change without notice. IMPORTANT: All UK Government guidelines superseed all others. Since 1st June, you can now exercise alone, with members of your household, or with up to, but no more than 5 other people from outside your household while keeping 2 metres apart at all times. The social distancing rule of 2 metres applies. People who play team sports can meet to train together and do things like conditioning or fitness sessions but they must be in separate groups of no more than six and must be 2 metres apart at all times. No games allowed between affiliated or non-affiliated teams until further notice. Clubhouses can reopen, but there use is limited, e.g., for access to first aid equipment or toilets only, but changing rooms and other communal areas should remain closed. Toilets must stay clean and have ample soap, water, hand sanitiser and paper towels or hand dryers—no indoor baseball activities. Do not share equipment if possible. If so, you must promptly clean it before reuse by another person. Use signage to reinforce guidelines, restrictions and access points. Check and remind participants that any who have symptomatic or living with someone with possible COVID-19 infection or symptoms should follow government guidelines and remain at home. Regardless, clubs, teams or organisers should conduct a risk assessment before resuming activities and keep to strict hygiene. For BBF club members only, our Federation insurance is in effect, but you must follow government guidelines and do risk assessments. See below.
1st August
BBF forward looking date for the further easing of face-to-face BBF baseball activities. This date is only a forecast and contingent of the further easing of UK government COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. This is subject to change. If we get the go-ahead from the governement we will be hosting a BBF Open Baseball Tournament between August and September. All preceeds earned will go to the NHS care workers. To learn more click link.
www.britishbaseball.org
RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES For clubs' and organisations leaders: For every instance, there is a face-to-face activity, you should follow a risk management process which is systematic, and which risks can be mitigated. Your clubs' leadership and management plan to recovery in resuming face-to-face activities require a goal-oriented approach to mitigating risks. For example, it is about doing the research, listening, communicating, asking for assistance when you need it, reporting, supporting and empathy to one another, taking careful preventive steps, and acting with foresight. IMPORTANT: We expect our member clubs: 1. To disclose to the BBF, promptly, in writing, anything which is material (financial and non-financial) which we should reasonably expect to be informed, which affects your operations, participants health (reported cases of COVID-19), safety or clubs sustainability. Further, if your BBF member clubs are experiencing a shortage of volunteers, players, officials, teams, and limitations to field rentals or availability. 2. To take all reasonable steps to continue fulfilling your clubs or teams obligations to carefully starting the season once the government gives the go-ahead.
Your club's holistic risk management system should consist of (not exhaustive): Identify risks: Identify and define potential risks (e.g., shortage of volunteers and players; reduced public transportation networks, government movement restrictions and other mass gatherings national measures, field availability, securing PPE equipment, financial). Assess risks: Risk and resource assessment (see guide); Review controls: Risk treatment (prevention, controls, resources available, risk response); A statement of clearly defined responsibilities (establish a crisis team and assign accordingly tasks). Control risks: Monitoring and reviewing (record, report, update your risk management system and take corrective actions when necessary). A management and stakeholders communication plan.
"Together we can do this."
www.britishbaseball.org
www.britishbaseball.org
GOV.UK What you need to know https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Social distancing https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safesocial-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
Useful COVID-19 links www.britishbaseball.org
What you can and can't do https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreakfaqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-youcan-and-cant-do
Guidance for public on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-thepublic-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation
Elite sport return to training guidance: Stage One https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elitesport-return-to-training-guidance-step-one--2
Elite sport return to training guidance: Stage Two https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elitesport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two
Elite sport - return to domestic competition guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elitesport-return-to-domestic-competition-guidance
NHS Social distancing: what you need to do https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/
Get the latest about COVID-19 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS test and trace: how it works https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
SPORT ENGLAND
WBSC
Coronavirus
Safe return to baseball/softball COVID-19 prevention guidelines
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus
Coronavirus: funding and flexibility https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-canhelp/coronavirus/coronavirus-funding-and-flexibility
https://s3-eu-west1.amazonaws.com/static.wbsc.org/assets/cms/documents/bf420 054-a523-f0cd-c738-8be0d949a731.pdf
www.britishbaseball.org
BBF Insurers guidelines
What to consider when re-opening after extended closure Risks and challenges in the sports and leisure industry after COVID-19 Re-opening sports and leisure venues which have remained closed during the COVID-19 lockdown will be cause for celebration when it is safe to do so, but clubs and businesses also need to be aware of potential risks and challenges. These range from the heightened threat of legionella in buildings that have been shut for a long period, to the challenge of adapting to new social distancing rules as the lockdown is eased.
What can sport and leisure businesses do now to prepare for re-opening? Europe-wide scientific group ESGLI (ECSCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections) has released advice on how to prevent legionella in buildings which have been closed1. This includes: 1.
All water outlets in hot and cold systems should be used or flushed at least once a week to maintain a degree of water flow and minimise stagnation. Taps should be turned on for a gentle water flow, not at full force to avoid excess splashing, for 2 or 3 minutes. Toilets can be flushed with the lid down or covered for those without a lid. Showers could be flushed using a plastic freezer-type bag, secured with an elastic band above the shower head and with a cut from the bottom of the bag.
2. To manage risks during non-occupancy, consideration should be given to implementing a suitable flushing regime, or other measures,
1
such as draining the system. Especially if it is to remain vacant and unused for a long period (particularly important for leisure, sports, swimming and spa pool facilities). However, it should be considered that moisture may remain in the system, enabling a biofilm to develop where there are pockets of water or high humidity. 3. Avoid debris getting into the system (ensure that any cold-water tanks have a tight-fitting lid). 4. Where hot water must be stored, set control parameters (set the temperature of the hot water cylinder to ensure water is stored at 60 ºC). This water must then be distributed so that it reaches a temperature of 50 ºC (55 ºC in health-care premises) within one metre at outlets (scalding risks to be considered by using thermostatic valves). 5. Dismantle, clean, and disinfect shower heads frequently, preferably monthly, if regular weekly flushing is maintained.
https://www.escmid.org/research_projects/study_groups/legionella_infections/
6. Some businesses may have a specialist contractor to undertake aspects of the operation, maintenance and control measures required for their water systems. While these contractors have legal responsibilities, the ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the system rests with the employer. If you have such a contract, it should be maintained during the period of lock-down. 7.
Before return to use, the system must be thoroughly flushed, and cleaned and disinfected, where possible, especially if weekly flushing has not been maintained. Where drained, the system should be refilled and disinfected and all hot water storage tanks to be heated to 60 ºC2.
It may be that you have shut down equipment over the period your premises was closed. To ensure safe start-up of equipment you should:
Managing, preventing and controlling risk The HSE requires businesses, including sports clubs and venues, to identify management responsibilities with regard to managing risks and to put contingency plans in place. If the club has direct employees then someone competent – a ‘responsible person’ – should be appointed to help meet health and safety duties and take responsibility for controlling any identified risks. This person could be inside or outside of the club or venue. For all clubs, we recommend that someone takes responsibility for coordinating the management of risk and keeps records of the steps taken to mitigate these (businesses with five or more employees are required to keep records of any significant risk and this is good practice for all businesses). Post-pandemic considerations
•
Constantly attend and monitor the equipment during the start-up process.
•
Remove any accumulations of dust that could contribute towards overheating/fire.
•
Check fluid levels such as oil or cooling water.
A report by Keystone Law in April 2020 identified a range of issues to consider3:
•
Ensure any safety systems are operational.
•
•
Ensure any combustible materials that may have been moved near the equipment during shut-down are removed.
Overcrowding indoors will need to be avoided. Some clubs and venues may need to appoint supervisors to ensure customers and members are practising safe distancing.
•
Temperature testing may be used to check users of the premises are not infected. So, consider early whether enough infra-red forehead thermometers are available to meet demand. If temperature checks are required, door supervisors or staff members will also be needed to take and record temperatures and to deny access to those with signs of infection. Training may be required.
2 3
Until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found, buildings may require significant alterations to enable clubs to manage infection risk.
https://www.escmid.org/fileadmin/src/media/PDFs/3Research_Projects/ESGLI/COVId_buidling_water_system_guidance_27_3_20_v4_DS.pdf https://www.keystonelaw.com/keynotes/coronavirus-and-the-leisure-industry-preparing-for-the-end-of-lockdown
•
The UK public has been used to not using cash during the lockdown. Are your payment systems able to cope?
•
Hygiene and sanitisation will be key measures in all premises where the public congregate.
•
Consider now whether you might need to make changes to any licences when the clubs and venues re-opens. Operators may wish to consider varying hours or conditions or seeking approval to make structural alterations whilst premises are closed.
With regard to training and active sessions, you may wish to consider the following additional points: •
You should keep a register of anyone attending a training session to help manage “track and trace” if an infection is reported by someone present.
•
Care should be taken with regard to sharing of equipment and other items, such as water bottles. Handling shared items and then touching the face is one way the virus spreads.
•
Potentially there is a risk of increased droplet spread when breathing hard during exercise or moving quickly, compared to when people are breathing normally and are stationary or moving slowly. It is sensible wherever possible to maximise the distance between people when doing training.
•
Have you considered how COVID-19 affects how you would administer first aid? St John’s Ambulance provides advice on what to consider at https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aidadvice/covid-19-advice-for-first-aiders/
•
Remember your safeguarding policy. It is important that everything you do is aligned with existing policies intended to protect members, coaches and employees.
•
Finally, what do you do if someone is not complying with the actions you’ve taken to manage the risks of COVID-19? It is sensible to have agreed actions to deal with unacceptable behaviour before an incident occurs.
Advice, regulations, and insurance The Health and Safety Executive https://www.hse.gov. uk/ provides regulation and guidance on health and safety in the workplace. Its web pages include special advice related to COVID-19, details of health and safety related laws, plus advice on how to manage risk. Risk assessments The first step in making your workplace ‘COVID-19 secure’ is to complete a risk assessment and review existing policies, such as your infection control policy (if you have one). COVID-19 is a biological hazard, and like any workplace hazard, appropriate control measures will need to be put in place to reduce the risk of someone being infected. Normally, the goal is to eliminate hazards where possible; however, unlike a faulty piece of equipment, the virus cannot simply be removed. Instead, the aim is to introduce suitable and sufficient control measures to reduce the risk of contracting the virus to as low a level as is ‘reasonably practicable’. In other words, precautions should be implemented, but the time, cost and effort involved in implementing a control measure should be reasonable, when compared to risk posed by what you are controlling. The government’s new safe working guidance outlines, by sector, what controls are appropriate and how to implement them. Based on these guidelines, your COVID-19 risk assessment should consider the following actions and you should record what you are doing, specific to your premises, to manage the risk. Remember to keep up to date with guidance from government and your National Governing Body, as this will continue to evolve.
What is the risk? Spread of the virus Who can be affected? Members, participants, visitors, officials, coaches. The following are suggested actions that you could take to manage the risk of the virus spreading. You should apply these to your own premises, as the action taken by any club will depend on your particular circumstances. Not all will be applicable to your particular club or venue and there may be risks specific to your own premises that need to be considered in addition.
Action to be considered An appropriate gap should be maintained between members, coaches and visitors and any other persons that may be affected by the work activity Are screens needed at reception and/or customer-facing areas?
Can seating areas be reorganised to ensure social distancing can be maintained?
Are appropriate provisions in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained in office, delivery and eating areas?
Are provisions in place to ensure testing can be completed?
Are appropriate handwashing facilities in place, including hot and cold running water, soap and disposable hand towels? Alternatively (or additionally) is sufficient hand sanitiser available at appropriate locations? Are disposable tissues available to reduce the threat of transmission?
Action taken (to be completed by the club)
Action to be considered Is there an effective action plan in place to deal with someone with suspected symptoms, should it be necessary?
How can you ensure appropriate areas such as hand-contact points, including any shared equipment, are disinfected to prevent spread?(consider what to do and how often)
Are you able to display education pieces, such as a symptoms chart and handwashing guidance, throughout the workplace to raise awareness and promote safe practices?
How can you plan to monitor employees’ and volunteers health and wellbeing?
How can ensure you remain up to date with the latest guidance from government, public heath and your National Governing Body?
Contractors and visitors need to be managed appropriately. Have you considered potential control measures, which may include only allowing essential work to take place, providing handwashing facilities and ensuring social distancing is maintained? Consider employees and volunteers use of face coverings. Employees and volunteers should be allowed to wear face coverings, along as it does not affect other PPE use and therefore put them at increased risk.
Action taken (to be completed by the club)