BLHS | RETURNING SAFELY TO ATHLETICS

RETURNING SAFELY TO ATHLETICS AT BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER 2020

Now, more than ever, our Bishop Lynch student-athletes and coaches are charged to be leaders both on campus and off campus leading healthy lives and acting in accordance with the safety policies and procedures set forth by Bishop Lynch Athletics.

OUR GOAL IS TO PRESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE IN BISHOP LYNCH ATHLETICS FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE THIS FALL WHILE KEEPING THE VIRUS OFF OUR CAMPUS. We believe the protocols set forth in the Bishop Lynch Return to Athletics plan are a call to our student-athletes to be leaders on the campus through their actions, compliance and understanding of the grander impact our individual actions and choices have in ensuring on-campus learning and competing can continue.

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OUR STRATEGIC REOPENING PLAN High school sports are unique in that all athletes are first and foremost students. Thus, the restart of high school athletics at Bishop Lynch High School must be grounded in the principles that are guiding the reopening of our classrooms and school campus. These principles must be measured and based on sound science. In all instances, Bishop Lynch Athletics will operate with approval of school leadership, and the school must be operating in accordance with the Catholic Schools Office at the Diocese of Dallas, and local and state governing bodies regarding a safe return to campus, return to practice, and return to competition. In conclusion, school, diocesan, and governmental leadership determine who can participate in, assist with, and watch student-athlete practices and competition.

The intent of this proposal is to provide specific action steps and protocols that are aligned with the plans set forth in Bishop Lynch High School's "Returning Safely to Campus" document, for school and diocesan leaders to approve a safe return to fall athletics on the campus of Bishop Lynch High School.

For the purposes of this plan we define the following terms: Social distancing: also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces. (CDC) Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions: Policies and strategies, apart from pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccination and medical treatment delivery methods, that organizations and communities put into place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. (CDC) Face Coverings Hand Washing/Sanitizing Social Distancing PPE: Personal Protective Equipment, is used every day by healthcare personnel (HCP) to protect themselves, patients, and others when providing care. PPE helps protect HCP from many hazards encountered in healthcare facilities.

The HCP at Bishop Lynch HS who would be administering care to our student-athletes, includes our two certified Athletic Trainers, and one Registered Nurse on campus.

Executive Order GA-29: Governor Greg Abbott’s July 2 mandate requiring every person in Texas to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household Masks: Masks must be worn at all times while participating in athletics on campus, except while drinking water. Students will provide their own mask that properly covers the mouth and nose. No masks with ventilation valves, no gaiters, no bandannas, and all cloth face coverings must be a cotton blend, no 100% polyester.

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BISHOP LYNCH ATHLETIC FACILITY OCCUPANCY

CROSS COUNTRY The nature of the sport of Cross Country provides considerable opportunities to apply all three NPIs while in practice and in competition.

Practice Masks will be required until practice begins.

Masks are not required during practice while intense physical activity is occurring.

Social distancing will be encouraged while participating in practice Student athletes will be encouraged to run with 6ft of distance between teammates Student-athletes will be asked to bring individual towels to practice to dry-off perspiration after practice The coach will provide hand sanitizer for student-athletes to sanitize hands after practice Competition (Meets) Masks will be required upon arrival to meets Masks will not be required for warm-up or competition for the previously mentioned citations and health risks while exercising outdoors in the heat at an intense level Courses are recommended to be widened to accommodate for social distancing Meets will begin with a staggered start where participants will begin the meet in “waves” that can account for social distancing Fans will observe the meet in socially distant positions No hugging, shaking hands, or fist bumps are recommended, pre, during, or post-race

FOOTBALL (SEE PAGE 12) 3

VOLLEYBALL Practice Volleyball practice will occur daily during the season after the school day.

In compliance with Executive Order GA-29, face coverings will be required for all participants, coaches, and Athletic Trainers at practice.

Masks must be worn at all times while participating in athletics on campus, except while drinking water.

Students will provide their own mask that properly covers the mouth and nose.

No masks with ventilation valves, no gaiters, no bandannas, and all cloth face coverings must be a cotton blend, no 100% polyester.

Social distancing will always be enforced during practice including during drills.

The Bishop Lynch volleyball program will have approximately 60 student athletes and 5 coaches competing across 4 teams.

The number of student athletes and coaches in the gym spaces, as indicated below, will provide for adequate social distancing.

Practice will occur in the Competition Gym and Legacy Gym 20 girls and 2 coaches will practice in Legacy Gym, which is 4% of total facility capacity Approximately 40 girls and 3 coaches will practice in the Competition Gym, which is 5% of the facility capacity Competition (Games) Self-Screening Process There will be one point of entrance to our Competition and Legacy gyms to ensure all individuals entering will complete proper self-screening.

All individuals in attendance at a competition will enter through the main lobby entrance to the competition gym. All other entry points will be locked with signage indicating the proper point of entry.

Upon entrance to the facility all individuals will have their foreheads screened for a temperature reading. Individuals to be screened include: Home team and coaches – before warm-up Visiting team, coaches, and staff – upon arrival Officials – upon arrival Game staff – upon arrival All fans – Temperatures will be checked as a step in the Game Admission process. Fans will have their tickets scanned,followed by their foreheads screened.

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Masks

Foreheads will be scanned with school purchased digital thermometers After scanning and self-screening is complete each individual will receive a BL sticker to indicate they have completed screening.

This will ensure that those individuals that will be required to be in attendance for more than one match, will have proof of prior screening and avoid duplicate screenings.

Individuals will only be permitted into the facility when they are in compliance with the following: They have NOT measured temperature ≥ to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit They have a mask secured to face and to be worn at all times while inside facility In accordance with BL Visitor policy, Gaiter-style masks, masks with ventilation valves and bandannas are not permitted in the facility Have completed self-screening questionnaire via QR code provided Bishop Lynch will require all staff, coaches, players, trainers, managers, team personnel, officials, clock, table, scoreboard operators and all other persons essential to the competition to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before participating before the start of competition.

The self-screening will include, a positive affirmation that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms nor are they lab-confirmed with COVID-19, nor have they had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19.

Please click here to view a copy of the self-screening The self-screening will be completed digitally via QR code provided Bishop Lynch will be required to share self-screening affirmation with visiting team, staff, and game personnel no more than 12hours prior to the start of competition, to be completed by the visit school.

Visiting school will be required to submit an affirmation affirming all student-athletes, coaches, and staff in their traveling part have completed screening and are without symptoms

In accordance with Executive Order GA-29, all individuals inside the gym will be required to wear a face covering for the duration of the competition. Those individuals include but are not limited to: Student Athletes Coaches Athletic Trainers Managers School Personnel (home and visiting) Visitors (home and visiting fans) Officials Additional Game Workers (Score and clock keepers) Masks will be required to be worn at all times by all Bishop Lynch students and coaches participating in contact, equipment/ball sharing sports.

Masks must be worn at all times while participating in athletics on campus, except while drinking water.

Students will provide their own mask that properly covers the mouth and nose.

No masks with ventilation valves, no gaiters, no bandannas, and all cloth face coverings must be a cotton blend, no 100% polyester.

Masks are not required for the visiting team Game balls 3 game ball rotation (balls will be cleaned between usage by manager) Score Table Only three socially distanced individuals may be present at table All individuals who will be handling a lineup card will be required to wear gloves Hand sanitizer will be present at the scorer's table 5

Benches Per updated TAPPS policy, teams will not switch benches during games.

Per updated TAPPS policy, teams will not switch sides of the court in between games All student athletes, coaches, managers, and trainers, will be required to wear masks on the bench. No hand shaking/slapping, hugging, fist bumping, and “huddling up” close will be displayed by both teams.

A hand sanitizing station will be present at each bench Once a student-athlete leaves a seat on the bench, a manager will wipe the seat down with a disinfecting wipe prior to another student-athlete using the bench.

Individuals seats (chairs) on the bench will be set up in two rows socially distanced in spacing from side to side and front to back.

The second row of the bench will be 10 ft in front of the first row of bleachers.

Example of home bench at Bishop Lynch will be set up. The visitor bench will be a reciprocal to the home.

Visitors and Fans at Volleyball Games A game administrator from the visiting school will be required to be present at game and control crowd, teams, etc.

4 fans/tickets will be allotted per Bishop Lynch volleyball team member (including coaches and managers) 2 fans/tickets will be allotted per visiting team member (including coaches and managers) Home fans will sit on home side of the bleachers spaced a social distance from one another Members of the same household may sit together in “family pods” Visiting fans will sit on visitor side of the bleachers (behind team benches) spaced a social distance from one another Members of the same household may sit together in “family pods” Students not participating in the competition will not be permitted to attend games Tickets will be purchased digitally. Self-Screening form will be connected to ticket Admissions into game will be contactless Hand sanitizing will be required at admission On a day with two consecutive competitions in the same facility The facility will be cleared out between competitions Teams, fans, and game personnel will exit the gym between competitions The facility will be cleaned and sanitized between competitions. This includes but is not limited to: Floors Bleachers Benches Scorer's table Game Equipment 6

Support Groups No support groups will be present at volleyball games This includes: Band Cheer Dance/Pom team Concessions Concessions will not be available during Home volleyball games. BL bottled water will be available for purchase for $2.

Athletic Operations Locker Rooms Locker Room access will be necessary for student-athletes while practicing or competing on campus Masks will ALWAYS be required while using locker rooms and other individuals are present Locker rooms will be cleaned and sanitized between usage per team Student-athletes will access locker rooms in “waves” Size of waves will be based on capacity of locker room spaces to allow for appropriate social distancing in locker room Each “wave” will be allotted a limited amount of time to utilize locker rooms facilities, to eliminate opportunity for loitering Coach will monitor entrance and exit of “waves” from outside locker room Showers will be available to student-athletes participating in before school athletics Every other shower will be blocked off Showers may not be utilized in consecutive uses To accommodate this both Legacy Gym and Field House locker room showers will be utilized.

Transportation Bishop Lynch athletics will utilize school transportation when traveling to and from athletic competitions All BL Athletics personnel will adhere to BL Transportation guidelines while riding on the bus Masks will always be required to be worn while on the bus Eating food of any kind is not permitted while on the bus Drinking will be limited to water and mask may only be removed while water is being consumed One individual will be seated per seat on each bus This will average approximately 24 individuals per bus A parent may choose to not allow their child to ride the bus but must complete a signed form communicating they are responsible for transportation.

Students may not drive themselves to a Bishop Lynch sponsored athletic event On occasions BL will utilize Wynne Charter bus transportation in lieu of school transportation throughout the season. All BL transportation safety protocol will be adhered to on non-BL buses.

Athletic Training Athletic Trainers (ATs) While treating student-athletes, Athletic Trainers will wear PPE which includes, but not limited to: Masks Gloves Eye wear (when needed during treatment)

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ATs will always have a mask on treating patients (normally a cloth mask or medical mask at AT’s choice) Will have KN95 mask or N95 masks available in the ATR if needed Will have face shield and isolation gowns available in the athletic training room if needed Gloves will be worn at the discretion of the ATs Athletic Training Room (ATR) Access to the ATR will be limited to a maximum of 4 athletes at a time Therapeutic modalities will be limited at the discretion of the ATs Game Ready units will be utilized only for significant injuries/post-op rehabilitation, and will be cleaned and sanitized between usage Hot packs will only be utilized with towels creating physical barriers between covers and patient contact Electrical Stimulation will use patient-specific pads and not shared ATs and patients will be regularly washing their hands or utilizing hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer unit will be installed inside door of the ATR as well as having portable bottles of hand sanitizer available in the outdoor rehab space and in athletics.

Hydration - Outdoors Each athlete will be expected to provide his/her own water bottle.

Outdoor athlete will bring with them an insulated 64oz water jug Indoor athletes will be allowed to utilize the water refill stations for their bottles, but not use the water fountains.

Bishop Lynch has invested in 5 Hands Free Drinking Stations.

There will be two stations per unit that are hands free and will be 6ft apart for student-athletes to stand while refilling their own individual water bottles.

All visiting teams will be required to bring their own individual water bottles.

Positive COVID-19 Return to Play In accordance with school-wide procedure at Bishop Lynch, any confirmed COVIDpositive individual must be cleared by a physician until they are able to return to campus. Return to play after a confirmed case will be a delayed process based on symptoms and restrictions in place by their physician. An athlete may return to play after a COVID-19 positive test result once a physician note is on file with the Athletic Training office.

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Athletic Signage Bishop Lynch Athletics will display signage in the Competition and Legacy Gyms and Roffino Stadium for the following: Mask requirement Social distancing markings Indoor/Outdoor restrooms Indoor/Outdoor Concession stands Entry points and admission gates Required TAPPS Covid Warning TAPPS COVID-19 Warning (required at every entrance: Competition Gym, Roffino):Â Any individuals who are confirmed to have, suspected of having, are experiencing symptoms of, or have been in close contact with an individual who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 should not enter the facility.

BL Athletics will also provide hand sanitizing stations available in the competition gym for the following: Players (home and visitor benches) Coaches Officials Fans (home and visitor bleachers)

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OFF-SEASON ATHLETICS Locker Rooms Students are limited to 5 minutes in the locker room.

Students will change in “waves” that comply with posted locker room capacity signs.

Masks must be worn at all times while students are in the locker rooms No showers after pm practices Full teams may not be in a locker room together at any time.

Hydration Students are limited to 5 minutes in the locker room.

Students will change in “waves” that comply with posted locker room capacity signs.

Masks must be worn at all times while students are in the locker rooms No showers after pm practices Full teams may not be in a locker room together at any time.

Face Coverings In compliance with Executive Order GA-29, face coverings will be required for all participants, coaches, and Athletic Trainers at practice.

Masks must be worn at all times while participating in athletics on campus, except while drinking water.

Students will provide their own mask that properly covers the mouth and nose.

No masks with ventilation valves, no gaiters, no bandannas, and all cloth face coverings must be a cotton blend, no 100% polyester.

Masks must be worn at all times during practice Social Distancing Student-athlete water bottles and belongings should be set 6’ apart from each Huddles should be avoided.

Student-athletes stand in socially distance group while receiving instruction from coach Disinfecting and Sanitizing Hand sanitizing stations will be available outside the Legacy and Competition gyms Hand Sanitizing stations will be available next to all water filling stations Student-athletes and coaches are to sanitize hands before and after each water break and before and after practice.

Hygiene Coaches, students and staff are NOT PERMITTED to participate in the following: chewing gum, spitting, licking fingers and eating sunflower seeds.

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OFF-CAMPUS ATHLETICS Facility SIt is a requirement that each coach of a program that practices off-campus have reached out to their practice facility to request a detailed document that contains their COVID-Policies and Protocols. The document must be on file with the BL Athletics Office prior to the first practice.

Half Days (Phase II) Lunch will be picked up in the Bistro or at a Concession stand Student-athletes will be given a bag and be able to fill the bag with an entree option, sandwich options, with cold menu options and drinks.

Half Days Lunch Before Practice Please confirm with Athletic Office where your team will have having lunch in socially distant settings (Outside or Atrium) Lunch After Practice Student athletes will wear their face coverings and go to a concession stand to pick up their foodand will leave campus to eat or attend After School Supervision in the Bistro or Atrium.

DEPARTURE FROM BISHOP LYNCH POST PRACTICE Students are reminded at drop off/pick up, not to congregate in groups.

During Phase II the late bus will depart Bishop Lynch at 4:15 p.m. from the normal bus departure spot.

If dismissed from athletics early, student-athletes may do homework in socially distant spaces in the Bistro.

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BISHOP LYNCH FOOTBALL 2020 A GAMEPLAN FOR SAFE RETURN PROTOCOL A well-designed, scientific and safe return- to-play protocol for football is not only possible, it is critical for the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of our students and our institution.

More importantly - when implemented with diligence – such a protocol facilitates the pursuit of our MISSION, and serves as a strong example to all of those in our circle of influence how Christians overcome adversity and put our faith into action.

WE HAVE SUCH A PROTOCOL...

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OVERVIEW The primary objective in establishing guidelines and return-to-play protocal for football involved root-cause-analysis to mitigate the possiblity of transmitting the COVID-19 virus during the time we have the athletes under our care.

This “time in our care” is an important distinction for two reasons.

We are supervising these student athletes for 15-20 hours every week. The other 150+/hours that they spend away from football are out of our control. Any consequences arising from irresponsible behaviors on their part will be manifested REGARDLESS of having a football season or not.

We submit that during the time that we have them in football – based on our designed protocol – will be far safer overall than the time they will be spending on their own because we can, to a large extent, control their environment and behavior. Additionally, our ability to influence their behavior away from football is greatly enhanced. The buy-in we are able to get from them and the threat of losing their season because of someone’s irresponsible behavior is a strong deterrent to acting selfishly.

Our root-cause analysis and those of top programs in the country have lead us to focus on the following prophylactic measures: Waiver releasing BL from all liability regarding COVID-19 contraction.

Daily health checks of all staff, players, and extended family, friends Elimination of possible contamination from contact with any/all surfaces and equipment associated with football All Particiants will wear masks at all times Minimization of bodily fluid contamination to face.

Minimization of contact where possible.

Implementation of social distancing at all times where possible Implementation of vigorous and thorough hand-washing procedures The areas of consideration for this protocol are as follows: Pre-practice, post-practice, pre-game and post-game locker rooms Warmups – practice and pre-game Practices H2O Strength & conditioning Film sessions and meetings Pre-game meals and “hangout” times Games Halftimes

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PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES A.

Parents/guardians of all athletes will be required to attend an online training session regarding our football protocal and sign a waiver releasing and holding Bishop Lynch and the diocese harmless of all liability regarding COVID-19.

B.

We will continue the daily COVID-19 questionnaire submittal by all athletes and staff including questions regarding extended family and friends. We will follow CDC or stricter quarantine/contact tracing procedures in the event of a positive case and implement a wet “kill” protocol in applicable areas.

COACHES AND PLAYERS MUST WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES

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MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES E.

Minimization of contact where possible Limited Football Contact - utilizing dumbies, bags, shields, & sleds

POP UP BAGS

SHIELDS CREATE DISTANCE

FOOTBALL CONTACT SIMULATION WITH BAGS

SLEDS, LIMIT PERSON TO PERSON CONTACT

CRASHPADS MAX EFFORT – NO CONTACT

REMOTE CONTROL DUMMIES ACQUIRE SKILL – NO PERSONAL CONTACT

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NO HELMET TO HELMET CONTACT We coach players to not make contact the crown of the Helmet Nor Hit Helmet to Helmet Thus Avoiding Face to Face Contact

F.

Implementation of social distancing at all times where possible

LOCKER ROOMS Change Clothes in Waves of 3, Every 3rd Locker Only Change Clothes in the Locker Room Put Helmets, Shoulder Pads & Shoes on outside the Locker Room No Showers following PM Practice

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WARMUPS Players remain a minimum of 6 feet apart

BUS RIDE One Player Per Seat with Mask On

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TEAM MEALS Maintain Empty Seats between Each Player Do Not Sit Directly Across from One Another Hand Gel before and After Team Meal Meals pre-packaged (no buffet)

SIDELINES TAPPS new rules allows players to stretch from 10yd line to 10yd line (was 25yd to 25yd) “Get back� coach is now social distance enforcement coach

Sideline meetings in distanced chairs, remove benches

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Each Player Must Bring their Own Personal Water Jug Designate 1 Person to Refill Jugs

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TEAM MEETINGS Hand sanitizer before and after team meeting and video Physical distancing enforced with a minimum of 6ft spacing Masks on

TEAM VIDEO Masks on and physical distancing enforced Meet in smaller groups as much as possible

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COACHES MEETINGS Hand sanitizer before and after coaches meeting Physical distancing enforced with a minimum of 6ft spacing Masks on

To minimize facial contact, coaches can employ electronic whistles

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FOOTBALL OUTDOORS In a live Instagram session on Aug. 13, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that sunlight kills the virus. “That’s one of the reasons why outside, in the sun, when you are interacting that, that is much better than being inside.”

Another important reason for people to be outdoors is to allow their skin to be exposed to direct sunlight for 15-30 minutes without being sunburnt, to activate the production of vitamin D—an important hormone that helps to fight off infections and regulate the immune system. Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased COVID-19 infection risk.

A study by the Georgetown University Medical Center in 2016 found that sunlight, specifically low- level blue light, also “energizes T cells that play a central role in human immunity” by making them move faster.

“T cells, whether they are helper or killer, need to move to do their work, which is to get to the site of an infection and orchestrate a response,” Gerard Ahern, PhD and lead researcher of the study said in a press release. “This study shows that sunlight directly activates key immune cells by increasing their movement.”

Sunlight Offers Surprise Benefit – It Energizes Infection Fighting T Cells Sunlight allows us to make vitamin D, credited with healthier living, but a surprise research finding could reveal another powerful benefit of getting some sun.

Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have found that sunlight, through a mechanism separate than vitamin D production, energizes T cells that play a central role in human immunity. https://gumc.georgetown.edu/news-release/sunlight-offers-surprise-benefit-it-energizes-infection- fighting-t-cells/

FOOTBALL OUTDOORS IN SUNLIGHT

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