2021 Grade State Fan Guide - Mar 6-7

MARch 6-7

2021 GRADE STATE

We would like to wish Good Luck to all teams, players, coaches and spectators during the 2021 MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships!

It’s hard to imagine that almost exactly one year ago, we began our fight against a virus that has had such a huge impact on our lives. In early March 2020, the phones at the MYAS offices were buzzing off the hook with questions on how we plan to navigate the largest youth basketball tournament in the Midwest with an impending pandemic around the corner. At the time, no one in this world had the right answers or insight on how to handle something that has never happened before in our lifetime. It was a scary period full of doubt and uncertainty for everyone on Planet Earth.

Over the past 12 months we’ve learned a lot about ourselves as a people. We have come up with new ways to communicate and stay operational in our professional lives. We have learned ways to continue to educate the youth of this country as well as new innovative ideas to try and keep our populace healthy. We have learned to never underestimate ourselves when faced with adversity and regardless of the trials and tribulations we’ve gone through, we continue to endure and push forward.

March 2021 looks a lot different than March 2020 with a vaccine available and the darkest days now seemingly behind us. We’re not out of the woods yet, but brighter horizons are becoming more clear. One of those horizons is the return of youth basketball. For that reason, on behalf of everyone at the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, we would like to scream from the mountaintops…

WELCOME TO THE 2021 MYAS GRADE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS! The entire Minnesota youth basketball community should be commended for their vigilance and commitment to providing the safest environment possible for our youth basketball participants as we resumed competition in January. The unified effort of the 150+ Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance member associations and teams’ practices and competitions were conducted in a safe way during the abbreviated 2020-2021 community-based winter traveling basketball season.

The effort that so many made during the “pause” in November-December included the MYBA/MYAS Board of Advisors, the MYBA Return to Participation Task Force, Craig Perry from USCAH and the MYAS staff. The support

and guidance from the MDH, MNIT Commissioner Tarek Tomes, Jayme Murphy, and NSC staff have been outstanding and have helped get us back to competition. This has been a true team effort and we will be forever grateful for the opportunities that were created through our universal plan to create the MYBA manual and guide.

As we move into March Mayhem – Minnesota style, the entire MYAS internal/external staff and our wonderful host groups are committed to ensuring the highest quality of programming in a safe and healthy way at each playing site.

The MYAS wishes each of the participating teams nothing but the best as you begin your journey toward the elusive state championship title. We strongly encourage all of you to Be A Good Teammate and follow all requirements and COVID safety protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

Thank you for your time and dedication to youth basketball!

TABLE OF CONTENTS MYAS Grade State Welcome Letter……………………….. 3 Grade State Apparel……………………………………… 5 Divisions/Locations……………………………………… 6 Facility Info - Delano High School………………..………. 9 Facility Info - Farmington - Boeckman Middle School..….. 10 Facility Info - Farmington - Riverview Middle School…..... 11 Facility Info - Forest Lake Middle School……….………… 12 Facility Info - Fridley High School………………………… 13 Facility Info - Fridley Middle School……………..……….. 14 Facility Info - National Sports Center (Blaine)…...………. 15 Facility Info - Park/Cottage Grove High School……..……. 16 Facility Info - St. Michael-Albertville High School…...…... 17 Facility Info - Woodbury High School………..…………… 18 MDH Sports Quarantine Clarification…………………….. 20

Grade State Participation Manual………………………... 22 Back to the Hardwood Guidelines………………………... 42

GRADE STATE APPAREL ALL APPAREL IS SOLD ONLINE DUE TO COVID, NO APPAREL SALES AVAILABLE ON-SITE

APPAREL AVAILABLE AFTER EVENT IN LIMITED QUANTITIES

DIVISIONS Schedules & Brackets

GRADE

TIER

LOCATION

3rd

Schedule

Woodbury HS

4th 4th 4th 4th 4th 4th 4th 4th

Tier 1 - Schedule Tier 2 - Schedule Tier 3 - Schedule Tier 4 - Schedule Tier 5 - Schedule Tier 6 - Schedule Tier 7 - Schedule Tier 8 - Schedule

Delano HS/Activity Center Boeckman Middle School Forest Lake Middle School St. Michael-Albertville HS Fridley HS Delano HS/Activity Center Boeckman Middle School National Sports Center (Blaine)

5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th 5th

Tier 1 - Schedule Tier 2 - Schedule Tier 3 - Schedule Tier 4 - Schedule Tier 5 - Schedule Tier 6 - Schedule Tier 7 - Schedule Tier 8 - Schedule Tier 9 - Schedule Tier 10 - Schedule

St. Michael-Albertville HS Boeckman Middle School Fridley HS Park/Cottage Grove HS St. Michael-Albertville HS National Sports Center (Blaine) St. Michael-Albertville HS Woodbury HS Boeckman Middle School Park/Cottage Grove HS

Continued...

DIVISIONS Schedules & Brackets

GRADE 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th 6th

TIER

LOCATION

Tier 1 - Schedule Tier 2 - Schedule Tier 3 - Schedule Tier 4 - Schedule Tier 5 - Schedule Tier 6 - Schedule Tier 7 - Schedule Tier 8 - Schedule Tier 9 - Schedule Tier 10 - Schedule Tier 11 - Schedule Tier 1 2- Schedule

Boeckman Middle School Delano HS/Activity Center St. Michael-Albertville HS Forest Lake Middle School St. Michael-Albertville HS Park/Cottage Grove HS Park/Cottage Grove HS Woodbury HS Forest Lake Middle School Fridley HS Delano HS/Activity Center Delano HS/Activity Center

Don’t know what Tier your team is in?

All Teams and Tiers are listed on the website.

CLICK HERE

NEED TO REFUEL AFTER THE GAME? Take your Team to Buffalo Wild Wings during the Grade State Tournament!

Valid at participating locations for dine-in and pay0in0store takeout from 2/26/21 through 3/21/21 on food and non-alcoholic purchases. Excludes tax and gratuity. No cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash, unless required by law. One time use only. Not for resale. Must present original coupon at time of use; no photocopies accepted. Limit one (1) per check, per visit. Not valid with any other discount, offer, Blazin’® Rewards, online ordering or third-party delivery services. Void where prohibited. Coupon Code: 237

FACILITIES Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 1

Boys - 4th - Tier 6

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Delano Basketball Association”

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Everyone 3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Boys - 6th - Tier 11

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Boys - 6th - Tier 12

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Boys - 6th - Tier 2

Entrance and Exit Locations

ENTER

MAIN ENTRANCE

EXIT

MAIN ENTRANCE

MAIN ENTRANCE SEPARATE DOORS

PARKING

FACILITIES Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 2

Boys - 4th - Tier 7

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Farmington Girls Lacrosse Booster Club”

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Everyone 3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Boys - 5th - Tier 9

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Boys - 6th - Tier 1

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon coach notification

Boys - 5th - Tier 2

Entrance and Exit Locations

PARKING EXIT

ENTER

NORTH DOORS

FACILITIES Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 2

Boys - 4th - Tier 7

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Farmington Girls Lacrosse Booster Club”

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Everyone 3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Boys - 5th - Tier 9

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Boys - 6th - Tier 1

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon coach notification

Boys - 5th - Tier 2

Entrance and Exit Locations

EXIT

ENTER

MAIN ENTRANCE

PARKING

FACILITIES Divisions at this location

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “MN Heat Events”

Facility Information Mask Policy :

Boys - 4th - Tier 3

Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Boys - 6th - Tier 4

Spectators/Team :

Boys - 6th - Tier 9

Everyone 3/1 12

Staging Areas? :

Yes

Exit after Final Game? :

Yes

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations

ENTER

DOOR 1 EXIT

EXIT DOOR

BY COURT

PARKING

FACILITIES Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 5

Boys - 5th - Tier 3

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Fridley Backcourt Club”

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper : Spectators/Team :

Boys - 6th - Tier 10

Staging Areas? : Exit after Game? :

Everyone 3/1 12 Yes - Near Concessions No

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations EXIT

PARKING

“Auditorium” Court 2

ENTER

Door 15

EXIT

Door 16 Court 1

FACILITIES

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Fridley Backcourt Club”

Fridley Middle School Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 5

Boys - 5th - Tier 3

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper : Spectators/Team :

Boys - 6th - Tier 10

Staging Areas? : Exit after Game? :

Everyone 3/1 12 Yes - Cafeteria No

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations

ENTER EXIT

Door 2 Cafeteria

Door 1 MAIN DOORS

PARKING

Door 1

FACILITIES

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “MYAS”

National Sports Center - Blaine Divisions at this location

Boys - 4th - Tier 8

Boys - 5th - Tier 6

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Everyone 3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations PARKING ENTER

Sports Expo Center Entrance EXIT

West End of Gym

FACILITIES

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Park Boys Basketball Boosters”

Park/Cottage Grove High School Divisions at this location

Boys - 5th - Tier 4

Boys - 5th - Tier 10

Facility Information Mask Policy : Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Boys - 6th - Tier 6 Boys - 6th - Tier 7

Everyone 3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations

EXIT

East End of each court

PARKING ENTER

ACTIVITY CENTER ENTRANCE

Activity Center Entrance

FACILITIES

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “STMA Boys Basketball”

St. Michael - Albertville High School Divisions at this location

Facility Information

Boys - 4th - Tier 4

Mask Policy :

Boys - 5th - Tier 1

Coaches / Scorekeeper : Spectators/Team :

Boys - 5th - Tier 5

Everyone 3/1 12

Boys - 5th - Tier 7

Staging Areas? :

Yes

Exit after Game? :

No

Boys - 6th - Tier 3

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Boys - 6th - Tier 5

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations

ENTER

Door B Main Entrance

PARKING EXIT

Activity Center Doors

FACILITIES

GATE FEE: $215 Make Payable to: “Park Softball Boosters”

Woodbury High School Divisions at this location

Facility Information

Boys - 3rd Grade

Mask Policy :

Boys - 5th - Tier 8

Coaches / Scorekeeper :

Boys - 6th - Tier 8

3/1

Spectators/Team :

12

Staging Areas? :

No

Exit after Game? :

Yes

Coach/Team Rep Entry :

20-30 mins before game

Team/Spectator Entry :

Upon Coach Notification

Entrance and Exit Locations PARKING

Everyone

ENTER

Players and Coaches ONLY Door 13

EXIT

Players and Coaches ONLY Doors 18 & 19

PARKING

EXIT

ENTER

Activity Center Spectators ONLY Door 16 Main Gym Spectators ONLY Door 5

2021

Grade State Participation MANUAL

Minnesota Grade State Basketball Championships February-March, 2021

MYAS Grade State Championship Participants: Welcome to the 2021 MYAS Grade State Championships. On behalf of everyone at the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services, I would like to thank you for participating in this premier event for Minnesota youth basketball. We have successfully administered the Grade State Championships since 1992. The MYAS staff and Board of Directors are so thankful and blessed to be able to provide the highest quality youth basketball state tournament for Minnesota’s young people. The 2021 version, more than any previous state tournament, adds an extra level of excitement because of what we have all dealt with as we navigated through this season.

The entire Minnesota youth basketball community should be commended for their vigilance and commitment to providing the safest environment possible for our youth basketball participants as we resumed competition in January. The unified effort of the 150+ Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance member associations and their teams’ practices and competitions were conducted in a safe way during the abbreviated 2020-2021 community-based winter traveling basketball season.

The effort that so many made during the “pause” in November-December included the MYBA/MYAS Board of Advisors, the MYBA Return to Participation Task Force, Craig Perry from USCAH and the MYAS staff. The support and guidance from the MDH, Commissioner Tomes, Jayme Murphy, and NSC staff have been outstanding and have helped get us back to competition. This has been a true team effort and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that were created through our universal plan to create the MYBA manual and guide.

This Participation Manual was created by the MYAS, in collaboration with the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health, to lay out a framework of the requirements and recommendations established for the 2021 Grade State Championships. The MDH has reviewed this manual and acknowledged that the state tournament requirements are necessary to provide the best opportunity to sustain healthy and safe participation for grades 3-8 during the three weekends of competition.

As we move into March Mayhem – Minnesota style, the entire MYAS internal/external staff and our wonderful host groups are committed to ensuring the highest quality of programming in a safe and healthy way at each playing site.

The MYAS wishes each of the participating teams nothing but the best as they begin their journey toward the elusive state championship title. We strongly encourage all of you to Be A Good Teammate and follow all requirements and COVID safety protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

Thank you for your time and dedication to youth basketball!

Dawson N. Blanck MYAS Executive Director

Message from MDH February-March 2021

To all MYBA Member Associations and their Teams, This basketball season has been extremely challenging. I want to thank you all for adhering to the guidelines, recommendations, and requirements that have been set by MDH. We know that these measures have not been easy to comply with – but you have.

MDH and MYAS has developed a strong, positive partnership over the last several months to get our young athletes back to playing sports. In particular, the MYBA has been a tremendous partner with MDH in developing and promoting a uniform and clear set of standards and protocols for returning to play basketball amidst this pandemic. We have been even more impressed, however, by the willingness of association directors, coaches, managers, parents, and players to adhere to these protocols – to keep yourselves and each other safe throughout this basketball season.

I know that it has been hard – so thank you. Together, we’ll get through the final period of this pandemic. Good luck to all of the teams in the 2021 Grade State Championships!

Sincerely,

Albert W. Tsai, PhD, MPH Minnesota Department of Health Epidemiologist, COVID-19 Sports Team

Message from U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health

February-March 2021

To all MYBA Member Associations and their Teams, Providing healthy and safe participation opportunities at the 2021Grade State Championship tournaments is the goal of the Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance (MYBA) member associations participating in MYBA member association sponsored invitational tournaments and MYAS sponsored tournaments.

The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health continues to collaborate and partner with the MYAS to ensure the Grade State Championships guidelines and protocols in this manual provide participation that is as healthy and safe as possible.

These protocols are based upon research, review, and modification of and in alignment with the requirements, recommendations, and best practices for a safe and healthy return to participation from the following organizations: •

Minnesota Department of Health—Guidance on Youth Sports

•

Minnesota Department of Health Preparedness Plan template and instructions

•

Minnesota Department of Education—Use of School Facilities

•

Minnesota State High School League—Return to Participation Guidelines for Basketball

•

Minnesota Youth Athletic Services—Back to the Hardwood

•

National Collegiate Athletic Association

•



Guidance and Recommendations for Game Day Operations-Basketball



Developing Standards for Practice and Competition

U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health—Return to Sport for Youth Sport Guidelines

Links to the resources of the listed above organizations can be found in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX. MYBA protocols must be implemented for all youth basketball related activities prior to the first allowable date for the season to resume and must be maintained through the remainder of the 20202021 season.

Sincerely, Craig Perry USCAH Vice President

Welcome Letters Introduction COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Impact •

COVID Transmission & Impact

•

Statewide Monitoring

•

Recognition

Mitigation Strategies •

Symptom Screening

•

Universal Masking - Required

•

Mask/Face Covering Enforcement Requirements

•

Education to Participants

•

Physical Distancing and Facility Access

•

Proper Hygiene

Compliance •

Grade State Non-Compliance

•

Anonymous Compliance Reporting

Facilities and Game Operations •

Communication

•

Tournament Personnel

•

Physical Distancing/PPE/Masks/Face Coverings

•

Cleaning and Disinfecting

•

Hydration

•

Team Bench Layout

•

Scorer Table Layout

•

Handling Equipment

•

On-Court Operation

•

Competition Site Protocols

•

Policies and Procedures

•

Concessions/Drinking Fountains

•

Contactless Admissions - Entering and Exiting

•

Team Rosters and Waivers

•

Officials

•

Youth 1st Instructions & Recognition (Sportsmanship & Compliance)

•

Grade State Rules & Points of Emphasis

Additional Competition Guidelines •

Safe Play: Back to the Hardwood

Participants Responsibilities

MYBA/MYAS COVID Care Toolbox Links to MYBA Return to Participation documents, MDH and CDC guidance, other organizations resources, and best practices can be found by clicking the link below.

VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX

COVID Transmission As per the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. We are still learning how the virus spreads and the severity of the illness it causes. For the most up to date information on the transmission of COVID-19, please consult the CDC webpage “How to Protect Yourself and Others”.

Links to the CDC resources can be found in the: VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX. The MYAS is committed to working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to ensure that participation guidelines and requirements meet the most current standards of the MDH.

Statewide Monitoring As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in Minnesota, regions may see unanticipated spikes in cases and a reduction in overall public safety.

The MYBA/MYAS has and will continue to work directly with state government and health officials to continue to monitor the pandemic and its effects on MYBA member associations and any MYAS administered tournaments, leagues and special events.

State Recognition The 2021 Grade State Participation manual has been reviewed by members of the Minnesota Department of Health, who acknowledge the state tournament requirements are necessary to provide the best opportunity to sustain healthy and safe participation for grades 3-8 during the three weekends of competition.

The MYAS wants to ensure that the Minnesota youth basketball community has a successful and safe conclusion to their abbreviated 2020 -2021 winter traveling basketball season. In order to accomplish this, the MYAS is strongly recommending that all MYBA member associations and their participating teams review the following mitigation strategies that have been established for our premier event, the 29th Annual Grade State Championships. The MYBA COVID-19 Return to Participation Task Force developed these strategies as part of their work in November 2020January 2021. All Task Force member recognize that some of the strategies are not necessarily relevant during state competition.

These Mitigation Strategies are Required while others are Highly Recommended. For the mitigation strategies that are not required but are highly recommended, we encourage all participating teams to adopt these strategies, including the strategies that stretch outside game competition.

For example, to reduce close contact risks, carpooling to and from games is not recommended.

Each MYBA member association is placing trust in their MYBA partners assurance that everyone is doing their part to decrease the risk for virus transmission.

Self Assessment Symptom Screening - Highly Recommended Every youth athlete, coach, official, and event staff should practice daily self-evaluations before participating in any aspect of in-person activities.

The following are examples of daily screening tools available to assist with monitoring if desired, but such tools are not required: •

Recommended Daily Screening Options 

•

USCAH COVID Care Package Education and GameDay Ready App (Endorsed by MYAS) 

From specialized COVID-19 education and a Game Day Ready App, to tailored support & consultation from USCAH experts, USCAH is dedicated to providing customized solutions to youth sports associations.



The Game Day Ready App provides your institution the ability to screen every individual involved in your association with daily screening at your fingertips.



Game Day Ready—a simple measure aimed at ensuring staff, coaches, and athletes are safe and healthy.



With the touch of a device, an administrator can ensure all participants have completed the assessment and are cleared for the daily activities and events.



Sports Engine Education and Screening App



Team Snap Education and Screening App



League Athletics

Consideration should be given to daily screening platforms that also provide attendance tracking.

Universal Masking - Required Universal use of masks/face coverings is required whenever youth athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and tournament staff are in the basketball facility.

•

Required  

•

Masks/face coverings must be worn indoors at all times.

During the game, masks/face coverings are required at all times for youth athletes, coaches and officials.

Highly Recommended 

Whenever feasible away from the facility, especially when travelling or gathering for team meetings, masks/face coverings should be worn.

Mask/Face Covering Requirements reflect updates of MN EO 20-103, related to youth sports.

MYBA/MYAS Mask/Face Covering Guidance is available in the

VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Mask/Face Covering Enforcement Requirements Adopted from MSHSL Mask Face Covering Enforcement Requirements •

Players 

Must wear a mask/face covering as required by MN EO 20-81 Must have a mask/face covering that fits appropriately for the contest  Should adjust and properly secure mask/face covering during breaks in competition Coaches/Scorekeepers 

•



•

Must wear a mask/face covering as required by MN EO 20-103  Must continuously address those players whose mask/face covering has come down or been pulled down, to secure their masks properly  Should direct players participating in the game to properly wear their mask/face covering Officials      

Must wear a mask/face covering as required by MN EO 20-103 Should address players in the contest to properly secure their mask/face covering Should give reminders to the group or individual player to “mask up” Should request that coaches enforce the mask mandate with their players May wait until all players are properly masked to allow contest to continue May request a sub for any player who is not/will not mask(ed) properly

Continued on next page

Mask/Face Covering Enforcement Requirements Continued from previous page •

MYAS Tournament Director/Host Group Personnel:   

•

Must wear a mask/face covering as required by MN EO 20-81 Must ensure coaches are properly enforcing mask/face covering with participants May stop a game to address improper masking

For Further Assistance: 

  

Coaches, players, and others should work through the designated MYAS Tournament Director or Host Group Personnel Coach or Team Manager should complete a Game Incident Report found on back of scoresheet or at Tournament HQ Officials may complete an Official’s Incident Report, found on back of scoresheet or at Tournament HQ Submit an MYBA Anonymous Report through U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health found in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Education - Highly Recommended Education of our youth athletes, coaches, spectators, tournament staff and host group personnel will play an integral role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Specific education and special instructions for each location of COVID-19 safety protocols for the Grade State Championships will be disseminated to all participating teams before and during the state tournament.

Physical Distancing and Facility Access - Required • •

•

Physical distancing is expected and encouraged whenever possible.

Only essential team personnel, including youth athletes, coaches (3 per team), scorekeeper and medical personnel (when present) will have access to team spaces.

Spectators attending games are always required to wear a mask/face covering when they are in the facility.

Proper Hygiene - Required Ensuring that proper hygiene requirements are practiced is a shared responsibility of participation. These strategies reduce the risk of exposure and must be followed at each facility.

• •

•

Hand washing stations and other sanitization supplies are to be widely available, and utilization of them routinely emphasized and reinforced.

Cough and sneeze etiquette will be routinely emphasized and reinforced.

If you are sick, stay home.

The Grade State Participation Manual identifies the requirements, recommendations, and best practices for safe and healthy participation during a pandemic.

Any item identified as “Required” is mandatory, and failure to comply with any mandatory requirement can result in a penalty or suspension. Each non-compliant situation will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the MYBA Health and Safety Compliance Committee (representatives from U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health, members of the MYBA/MYAS Board of Advisors, and MYAS staff).

Examples of non-compliance are listed (but are not limited to) the following: •

A coach not wearing a mask/face covering while coaching a game

•

Allowing a player with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result to participate in a game, prior to their isolation period expiring

•

Failure to promote COVID-19 requirements

MYBA Anonymous Compliance Reporting The MYBA has established an anonymous reporting page for health and safety compliance. The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health has partnered with the MYAS and the MYBA to provide an external, independent, and unbiased health and safety compliance reporting process. USCAH staff will work with MYAS staff to review and resolve health and safety compliance concerns.

USCAH Anonymous Reporting

Several sample guidelines and best practices from MYBA member Associations and the MYAS are provided to best ensure facilities for the Grade State Championships meet the local, state, and federal regulations and requirements.

Items to consider include: •

Safe Play: Back to the Hardwood - Safety Requirements and Recommendations

The above resources can be found in the: VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Facilities may have requirements that are more restrictive than those found in the guides above. In those situations, the facility requirements must be applied and will be made available on the Grade State Championships home page– CLICK HERE.

Communication Every youth athlete, coach, official, and event staff should practice daily self-health evaluations before participating in the Grade State Championships.

Required Personnel at each Tournament Location •

MYAS Tournament Director (Tournament Headquarters)

•

Host Supervisor

•

Host Representatives for team check-in (Gate Fee collection & wristband distribution)

•

Door Ushers at Entrance & Exit

•

Court/Hall Monitors (this includes management of score table for each round of games by designated scorekeepers from each team)

•

Sanitizing/Cleaning Crew

Physical Distancing/PPE/Masks/Face Coverings The following represent the mandatory requirements: •

• • • •

All participants—players, coaches, officials, staff, spectators, and game personnel—will be required to wear a mask/face covering.

Disposable masks/face coverings should be available if needed for unique circumstances; otherwise, a person without a mask/ face covering is responsible for locating one before being admitted into the facility.

Players and officials must wear masks/face coverings at all times when inside the tournament site.

Coaches are always required to wear a mask/face covering.

Individuals without a mask/face covering will not be allowed to enter the facility.

Individuals inside a facility who choose not to wear a mask/face covering will be removed from the facility.

Mask/Face Covering Requirements reflect updates of MN EO 20-103.

MYBA/MYAS Mask/Face Covering Guidance is available in the

VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Please follow the guidelines identified in the Safe Play: Back to the Hardwood—General COVID Safety found in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Hydration Each youth athlete, coach, official, tournament director, host group personnel, or attendee is responsible to bring their own water/water bottle.

Team Bench Layout When space allows, chairs used for the team bench should be spaced 6 feet apart to observe social distancing. The reality is this may not work in every gym. In those circumstances, extending the bench area to maximize spacing is recommended.

Competition Site Protocols The following protocols must be applied at competition locations.

•

Prior to the tournament, participating teams should set up a text string or some way to communicate or correspond to all members of the team and parents during the Grade State Championships.

•

All participating teams and their spectators must wait inside their vehicles until the teams from the previous games or session have left the building and the courts have been sanitized. At that time, the coach/ team manager will be notified by Host/MYAS Tournament Director that it is safe to enter the facility and proceed to their specific court.

Congregating outside the building is strictly prohibited!

•

A coach or designated team manager is required to enter the building 30 minutes prior to their team’s game time in order to submit their gate fee check and collect their team’s wristbands from a Host Representative (must distribute them to their spectators outside the building). They will also check in with the MYAS Tournament Director at Tournament Headquarters.

•

MYAS Tournament Director/Host Representative will verbally notify the coach/team manager when they are ready for their coaches, players, scorekeeper, and spectators to enter the facility. Note: The coach or team manager is expected to stay inside the facility, near check-in, in order to notify their team (via text or app) when they may enter.

•

All attendees must immediately leave the facility once their team completes their scheduled game (no post-game meetings inside the building). Note: At some locations, a designated “staging” area inside the facility will be made available before games or during a game break. **Please see special instructions** for each playing location on the

Grade State Championships home page– CLICK HERE.

On-Court Operations Several documents are available to assist you with on-court operations and game management. Please review the following documents in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Scorers’ Table All scorekeepers (one from each team) must maintain six feet of distance from anyone outside their household. All scorekeepers are required to wear a mask/face covering.

Handling Equipment Best practice for the handling of equipment and sanitization of the equipment and court can be found in the Safe Play: Back to Hardwood— General COVID Safety in the COVID Care Toolbox.

Concessions/Drinking Fountains Requirements indicate concessions must not operate during games and events.

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Concessions will not be allowed in order to minimize opportunities for crowding.

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Drinking fountains will be turned off. At some locations, a drinking fountains equipped with a bottle filler, may be available.

Teams/spectators should be sure to bring their own water.

Contactless Admissions - Entering and Exiting The admissions process is contactless in order to further reduce the risk of exposure.

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Coach or designated team manager will receive their allotted wristbands (three coaches, scorekeeper, and 12 spectators) when they check in with Host Representative and after submitting their gate fee check, payable to host, at the facility entrance. This should be done no earlier than 30 minutes prior to game time.

Wristbands will be a designated color, specific to the weekend of play, and will bear the official Grade State logo. Coach or designated team manager must distribute wristbands outside the facility (i.e., in the parking lot).

Spectators must not have access to youth athletes, coaches, game officials, or event staff once arriving to their designated court. Spectators must also be restricted to areas outside of the competition area.

Players and officials will NOT need a wristband to enter the facility.

Three coaches, scorekeeper, and all spectators will need a wristband in order to be admitted into the playing location (no exceptions).

Specific facility requirements take precedence in the admissions process and the allowance of spectators.

The Tournament Host representative must verify the proper distribution of wristbands.

Special instructions applicable to your playing location (if any) will be posted on the Grade State Championships home page.

MDH Practice and Game Guidance

Team Rosters and Waiver •

Electronic rosters and waivers/acknowledgments must be completed prior to your designated Grade State weekend.

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Site/Facility protocol must be followed in order to satisfy their occupancy waiver requirements.

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Below are links to the MYAS electronic waivers: 

MYAS General Waiver

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MYAS Tournament Waiver

Trusted Game Officials: Youth 1st Sportsmanship & COVID Game Compliance General COVID safety protocols for game officials can be found in the Safe Play: Back to the Hardwood — COVID-19 Competition Safety Requirements and Recommendations document found in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX. Prior to the start of each Grade State Championship game, please: • • •

Make sure that the official MYAS score sheet has each player’s first initial and last name listed.

The team on the top of the bracket is home team. The home team scorekeeper with operate the score clock. The visiting team scorekeeper is responsible for filling out the official MYAS scoresheet..

A referee will hand one MYAS/Youth 1st Pocket Reminder card to the head coach from each team during the pre-game meeting, reminding all participants that they are coaching in a Conduct 1st Environment.

After the completion of each game, the game officials will: •

Check the box on the official MYAS score sheet (found at the score table) for the team or teams (players, coaches, parents, and spectators associated with the team) that display positive conduct, good sportsmanship, and compliance with COVID safety protocols and facility requirements (masks/face coverings properly worn and other actions to mitigate the spread of the virus. PLEASE assist in creating a Conduct 1st environment (Sportsmanship & COVID Compliance)!

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Sign the official MYAS score sheet (check to verify final score with score keeper) to make the game official.

Conduct 1st Environment Instructions Please do your part in creating a Conduct 1st Environment during the MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships by working with the game officials, Tournament Host, and MYAS Tournament Director to implement these simple steps.

Referees will receive two Pocket Reminder business cards from the scorekeeper for each of the first two rounds of games of the tournament.

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The referee will hand one Pocket Reminder card to the head coach from each team during the pre-game meeting, reminding them of the emphasis on Conduct, Sportsmanship & COVID Compliance and to share the card with other coaches and team parents.

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After EVERY GAME, the referees designate their vote on the official MYAS score sheet (found at the score table) for the team or teams that display COVID compliance, positive conduct, and good sportsmanship.

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The referees may select “one,” “both,” or “none” for each game played.

PLEASE VOTE AFTER EVERY GAME DURING THE ENTIRE TOURNAMENT.

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Please thank the officials for working the MYAS Grade State Basketball Championships! We greatly appreciate them staying involved with sports and providing an invaluable service to youth basketball!

Grade State Rules & Points of Emphasis 2021 Minnesota Grade State Rules & Points of Emphasis FOUND HERE 1. Daylight Saving Time begins on March 14 during the 7th-8th Grade Boys’ Grade State Championships.

2. Technical Fouls are not shot; two points and the ball will be awarded to the opposing team.

3. 3rd-4th Grade: Free throw line is set at 12 feet. No jumping over the line.

Ball Size - 27.5” 4. Defense/Pressing: •

3rd-4th Grade: Person to Person/NA

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5th Grade: Person to Person in FC & BC

5. A game should not begin earlier than the posted game time.

However, if an opportunity exists, both teams must agree on an earlier start time. Be respectful of the limited fans planning to arrive for games at the posted game time. Teams and spectators are allowed into the facility no earlier than 10 minutes prior to game time.

The next sections will walk you through the responsibilities of participants and associations when there is a positive COVID19 case within your program, and will explain the tools and resources available to associations for completing the necessary steps. This section also serves to identify how you can use the various tabs in the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (xlsx file). Each tab in the guide is referenced in this section.

Grade State Participant Responsibilities •

It is a requirement that a parent/guardian report any positive case or close contact exposure (for their child who is a player in a youth basketball association) to the association’s COVID Compliance Manager (CCM) and their child’s school district.

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It is a requirement that a coach for an association report any positive case or close contact exposure (for themself) to the association’s COVID Compliance Manager (CCM).

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Many children who test positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Some children have experienced significant medical issues during or after their COVID-19 illness. If a youth athlete has been diagnosed with or has tested positive for COVID-19, medical evaluation by a qualified medical provider is highly recommended prior to returning to physical activity and team training. Parents of youth athletes should consult with their child’s medical provider to determine if they feel this is necessary for their child.

To aid parents and families in reporting positive cases and close contact exposures to their association, it is recommended that the association create a “form” that can be submitted. This could be done by creating a “$0 registration” in the registration system or using a survey website. Data submission should be done in a manner so that each submitter cannot see information submitted by others.

The recommended information to collect from families (in addition to contact information) is shown in the “COVID Forms” tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide. One form can be used to report symptoms, positive cases, or close contact exposure. Not all fields in the form will be applicable in all situations.

Actions and Notifications for a Positive Case When a youth athlete or coach tests positive for COVID-19, appropriate quarantine measures must be taken for that individual.

Local public health officials must be notified, and contact tracing protocols must be implemented. Further, in conjunction with local public health officials and contact tracers, member Associations must follow the mandatory reporting protocols for notifying other Associations should a youth athlete or coach from one team: •

develop symptoms within 48 hours after a competition with another team and then subsequently test positive; OR

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take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours after competition with another team and receive a positive test result (even if asymptomatic).

Details regarding actions and notifications are available in the “MDH” and the “Decision Tree for Youth Sports” tabs of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide. High level steps include the following: 1. The CCM should remind the parent/guardian to notify the child’s school (including the child’s name).

2. The CCM is strongly encouraged to contact the MDH via Red Cap Reporting of a positive case.

MDH COVID-19 Red Cap Case Reporting Form (Updated upon recommendation by MDH on 1/8/2021) 3. The CCM should refer to the “MDH” tab and the “Decision Tree for Youth Sports” tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide to determine the appropriate quarantine measures for the positive case individual and communicate it to that individual (or their parents); the CCM can work with MDH, the school district, and local health officials if the situation is unclear.

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The “Example Scenarios” tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide also provides an explanation of the necessary actions for a variety of situations you may encounter.

4. The CCM must also provide notification to individuals who are determined to be in close contact to the positive case (see below).

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The “Standard Messages” tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide includes notification templates you can use for a variety of notification situations.

For youth basketball situations, close contact among participants is defined in the "Close Contact Definition" tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide. This guide can be found in the VIRTUAL MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX.

Close Contact Definition* - Youth Basketball Events In a practice: •

All team members and coaches are in close contact to each other

In a game: •

All players on both teams are in close contact to each other

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Coaches are in close contact to the players on their own team

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Coaches are NOT in close contact to opposing team’s players

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Coaches are NOT in close contact to opposing team’s coaches

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Referee(s) are NOT in close contact to players and coaches (see note below)

Note: Each situation may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis under consultation with MDH. 

Note: the timing for a close contact exposure includes contact after the positive case has developed symptoms or taken the COVID-19 test, as well as in the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms (symptomatic) or in the 48 hours prior to the time the test is taken (if asymptomatic or if symptoms develop after being tested).

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For clarity, at a youth basketball practice within the exposure time window, all coaches and players on the team are considered in close contact to each other, even if they have attempted to maintain 6' separation during the practice.

To ensure that all close contacts can be accurately identified, coaches are required to keep an attendance record for all players and coaches for all practices, games, and basketball events. A sports team app that allows for attendance recording can serve this purpose or there is a template in the “Attendance Tracker – Coach Use” tab of MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide to keep a separate record.

To simplify the identification of opposing teams’ deemed close contact exposure, it is recommended to keep a record of the tournaments in which each of your teams plays in your copy of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide. A sample is shown in tab “Master Schedule.” * MYBA Close Contact Definition has been updated by MDH on 1/8/2021.

Actions and Notifications for Close Contacts •

After identifying close contacts to the positive case, the CCM should follow the "Decision Tree" and “MDH” tabs in the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide to determine the appropriate actions and notifications for the individuals who were close contact to the positive case. (“MDH” tab information is also available at MDH COVID-19 Decision Tree.) 

All individuals who have been identified as having close contact exposure to a positive case should be placed in quarantine per MDH Guidance & CDC Guidance. a. When the MDH and CDH updates the length of time spent in quarantine for an identified close contact, the MYAS will contact all MYBA member Associations.

Additionally, the MYBA and MYAS will support updated recommendations from local county health departments. b. Consult with MDH if a close contact has already had a

positive case within the last 90 days in order to determine if quarantining is necessary. Email: health.sports.covid19@state.mn.us

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The CCM should notify the parent/guardian of the close contacts to a positive case. Note: The parent/guardian needs to notify their child's school.

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To ensure you have immediate access in case you need to provide exposure notification to teams in your own association, it is recommended to save player and coach contact information (for your own association) into your copy of the Preparedness Guide (a sample template is included in the “Player Contact Info” tab).

To protect privacy, the CCM from an opposing team’s association is only informed that a member of a specific team may have exposed their team to the virus; they are not told the identity of the individual who may have exposed their team to the virus.

Record Keeping Details for Positive Cases and Close Contacts The CCM must keep a record of the details of positive cases and close contact exposures for players and coaches within their association.

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A template for recording this information for all cases in your association is available in the “Case Tracking” tab of the MYBA Comprehensive Preparedness Guide.

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Given the personal information collected in the “Case Tracking” file, access to it should be limited to the association’s COVID response team.

Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance Covid-19 Competition Safety Requirements and Recommendations Powered By: Requirements

FACILITIES

• Please follow COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Guidance: Requirements for Indoor Seated Venues • Areas must be defined by distinct separation, having their own • • • • • • •

ARRIVING AND LEAVING THE FACILITY

COMPETITION

COACHES & TEAM MANAGER

entry/exit.

Total capacity is 250 but cannot exceed 25% of maximum capacity.

Whenever possible, everyone should enter and exit through separate designated areas.

Identify all Essential and Non-Essential Staff roles to ensure comprehensive COVID-19 plan can be followed.

All participants (players, coaches, officials, staff, spectators, and game personnel) will be required to wear face coverings.

Masks/face coverings must be worn by all persons at all times, including practices and games (see MYBA/MYAS).

If consecutive competitions between different teams are taking place in the same facility, the scorer’s table and every seat in the team bench area should be cleaned and sanitized.

Concessions are discouraged at this time in an effort to minimize opportunities for crowding.

Revised on 2/15/2021

Recommendations/Guidance • If 12 feet cannot be maintained between the participants in the game (athletes, coaches, student managers, timekeepers) and the spectators, participants must be included in the total capacity count.

• Leave some open court space in the facility to make it easier for spectators to practice social distancing from others.

• Operator should have hand sanitizer disinfectant available throughout the venue.

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• As a general rule, follow the guidelines outlined by the hosting facility in terms of capacity and other social distancing measures.

• Additional signage will be necessary to identify spectator flow, seating areas, entrances, and exits.

• All attendees must, whenever possible, maintain six feet of distance from anyone outside their household.

• Participants must enter and exit the facility in a timely fashion and not congregate outside or inside facility.

Following competition, participants must leave the facility immediately.

• Establish staggered entrance and exit protocols.

• Team meetings are strictly prohibited inside the facility.

• No carpooling to and from games to reduce close contact risks.

• On-court competition will remain the same.

• No handshake lines after games; this will be replaced with a Sportsmanship Salute.

• Game ball sanitized before, during, and at the completion of each game.

• Each team is responsible for bringing hand sanitizing products.

• Any bench personnel must wear face coverings.

• Huddles during pre-game, halftime, and timeouts must be properly distanced.

• Each team must sanitize the bench area before, during, and after each game.

• Bench seating must allow for social distancing to take place.

• Hand sanitizing is strongly recommended before, during, and after all games.

• Repeatedly remind players not to touch their faces.

• Maximum of three coaches and team manager allowed on or near the bench for each team.

• Must conduct a daily symptom assessment and stay home if experiencing symptoms.

• No touch rule – coaches must refrain from high fives, handshake line, and any other physical contact with fellow coaches, opposing coaches, players, referees, and spectators.

• Coaches must wear masks/face coverings at all times.

• Coaches should track and manage all rostered players and spectators present at competition (s) for contact tracing.

• Each team is responsible for bringing hand sanitizing products. Using sanitizer before, during, and after competition is strongly recommended.

• Hand washing or hand sanitizing is strongly recommended when arriving at and leaving the venue.

• Host should consider staggering game start times or clearing out the facility after each set of games.

• When contact takes place during a game, players and officials should resume physical distancing as soon as possible following a play.

• Work with game officials and tournament personnel on compliance of mask mandate and other required COVID protocols

Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance Covid-19 Competition Safety Requirements and Recommendations Powered By: Requirements

ATHLETES

• Outside of your game-time, you must maintain six feet distance, whenever possible, from any person outside of your household.

• No sharing of food, drinks/water bottles, or towels.

• Players must refrain from high fives, handshake line, and (outside of game-play) any other physical contact with teammates, opposing players, coaches, referees, and spectators.

Revised on 2/15/2021

Recommendations/Guidance • Whenever possible, equipment (including balls, pads, etc.), and personal items should have proper sanitation and should not be shared. If equipment must be shared, proper sanitation should be administered between users.

• Hand sanitizing is strongly recommended when you come off the floor during games.

• Athletes must wear masks/face coverings at all times.

PARENTS/ SPECTATORS

• Spectators must not have access to youth athletes, coaches, game officials, or event staff. They must also be restricted to areas outside of the competition area.

• Masks/face coverings must be worn indoors at all times.

• Limited spectators are allowed inside the facility and may only enter with advanced reservation/ticketing through organizers.

• If spectators and participants can be clearly separated by at least 12 feet, then participants do not need to be included in the total capacity count (see MDH Guidance).

• Hand washing or hand sanitizing is strongly recommended during the games.

• If allowed, spectators must conduct a daily symptom assessment and stay home if experiencing symptoms.

OFFICIALS & GAME PERSONNEL

• All officials & game personnel must maintain six feet distance, whenever possible, from other persons.

• Electronic whistles permissible.

• Conduct a daily symptom assessment and stay home if experiencing symptoms. Organizers/Officials’ Assignor must track and manage all officials present for contact tracing.

• Officials may wear gloves including medical non latex work gloves and gloves designed specifically for officiating.

• Must avoid exchanging documents or equipment with any other person.

and

whistle

covers

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• Hand washing or hand sanitizing is strongly recommended during the games.

• No touch rule – referees must refrain from physical contact with coaches, players, and spectators.

• Officials & game personnel must wear masks/face coverings at all times.

COMMUNICATION & CONFIRMED CASES

• Each team must keep an accurate log of their rostered players, spectators, and opponents, including opposing coaches’ contact information. In the case of someone being infected, this document will be necessary for MDH to perform contact tracing.

• MYBA member association COVID Compliance Managers are strongly encouraged to submit their association data into the #COVID19 Data Tracker (MYBA portal) every 14 days.

• Organizers must post these guidelines at their facilities, where applicable, and disseminate them to all coaches, officials, players, and parents.

• Organizers must contact the MDH about any suspected case of COVID-19 or known exposure.

• These requirements/recommendations must be communicated to all organizers for dissemination to coaches, officials, and parents, and posted at facilities.

• Facility operators should post signage promoting physical distancing, including directing foot traffic and outlining spectator areas.

• Organizers should regularly communicate to their coaches, referees, players, and parents that they should stay home if/when they are experiencing any symptoms.

Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance Covid-19 Competition Safety Requirements and Recommendations Powered By:

Revised on 2/15/2021

Screening Assessment

Symptoms & Screening Assessment

Recommendations/Guidance

• Do you have temperature of 99.5 (F) or higher?

• Conduct a screening assessment prior to arriving at the facility.

• Do you have a new or worsening cough today?

• If you answered “Yes” to having any of the symptoms listed, you must stay home.

• Do you have any of these other symptoms?  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing  Fatigue  Muscle or body aches  Headache  New loss of taste or smell  Sore throat  Congestion or runny nose  Nausea or vomiting  Diarrhea

USCAH COVID Care Package (COVID Education & GameDay Ready App) is recommended for all competition in order to verify completion of daily screening assessment and to maintain accurate attendance.

When to start and end quarantine when exposed to a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past 3 months.

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again. People who develop symptoms again within 3 months of their first bout of COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

What counts as close contact?

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MDH Guidance

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COVID-19 Sports Guidance

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COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Guidance: Requirements for Indoor Seated Venues

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COVID-19 Decision Tree

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RedCap Case Reporting: COVID-19 Case Reporting Form.

Minnesota Youth Basketball Alliance

MYBA COVID CARE TOOLBOX

CDC Guidance

COVID-19 Playing Sports

Anonymous Compliance Reporting: mybacompliance@myas.org

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You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19 You had direct physical contact with the person You shared eating or drinking utensils They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you