A Message from NXT Safety
                                    NXT Measures for Summer 2020 Events

Conshohocken, PA (Last Updated July, 6 2020) NXT is excited to get back on the field and host our events this summer. As our communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to recognize that this summer is going to look different than previous years. In order to operate a safe event, we will be adhering to all local, state, and federal guidelines.  

Below is a summary of the safety measures that we’ll be taking this summer. Please be sure to read this document thoroughly. Please also be sure to read the pre-event email as some venues may have additional policies in place that would supersede anything in this document. 

We all must work together as a group to create and maintain a safe environment. This includes myself, our tournament staff, coaches, parents, and officials. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding our safety policies, please feel free to reach out!

Thank you,

Ian McGinnis MS, LAT, ATC
Director, Participant Health & Safety
NXTsports
ian.mcginnis@nxtsports.com

Vulnerable Populations

There are certain segments of the population who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 including individuals who are 65 years of age or older, those with heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, those with diabetes, and those with immunodeficiencies (4). These individuals should not attend NXT events this summer.

If You are Sick (5)

If you become ill on the day of the event, please stay at home. If you have had close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, please stay at home. Please view these CDC guidelines on what quarantine and isolation, what they mean, and when you should use them. 

If NXT becomes aware of a COVID-19 infection within our events community, we will send out a communication to coaches whose teams have played against the infected individuals’ teams and therefore may have been exposed to COVID-19. Within this communication, privacy will be protected, and no identifying information will be used. Once informed, it is the coaches’ responsibility to communicate this to the members of their team / club and should instruct them to self-monitor for symptoms. 

Symptom Screening

Coaches must screen and monitor athletes for symptoms before and during games. Athletes should be screened in the morning prior to participating in any games. If any athletes show symptoms of COVID-19, they should be sent home and instructed to contact their primary care provider. Coaches can use this form as a template for screening their athletes, or use the screening form provided in the US Lacrosse Return to Play Recommendations. 

Parents, officials, coaches, and staff will be responsible for screening themselves for COVID-19 related symptoms prior to attending or participating in any NXT events. Please use the following graphic as a guide for self-screening:

Water Availability

• Water will not be made available at each field.
  • Athletes, spectators, and coaches will be responsible for bringing their own water bottles and should not share with others. 
• When possible, NXT will provide water stations at which athletes can refill their water bottles. These stations will be monitored by events staff to ensure their proper use and regular sanitization.

Social Distancing Measures (5)

• We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE only one parent / spectator per player attend our events. 
  • At some venues this summer, due to state and county restrictions, this will not just be a recommendation but will be enforced by police and private security. If you are at a venue where it will be enforced, you will receive additional specific information in advance of the event. 
• All players, coaches, staff, and spectators should practice social distancing of six feet when feasible including, but not limited to:
  • On the sidelines
  • In common areas
  • When entering and leaving the facility.
• All athletes, coaches, and spectators should maintain a distance of four feet from the sideline when not actively participating in a game. 
• No tents / team tents / tailgating will be permitted except for personal shade tents or umbrellas. 
• Players and coaches must refrain from handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, or any group celebrations.
• In the event of a lightning delay, athletes, spectators, and coaches will be asked to seek shelter in their cars and not in any buildings at the venue. 
• This is to avoid overcrowding in the venue and allow for the maintenance of safe distancing.

Competition Structure Changes

• Until further notice, all NXT team events will not be played to a championship.
• Teams will play two games Saturday and two games Sunday (some events may see a slight variance). 
• Teams will play their games back-to-back with a built-in rest period. 
• Face-offs / draws will remain in place for high school boys, but will change for all other divisions. Our full rules for face-offs and draws can be found here. 

Cloth Face Coverings (5, 6)

• All tournament staff will have face coverings.  
• All attendees including staff, players, coaches, spectators, and officials must have a cloth face covering with them. 
  •  ​​​​All attendees will be responsible for bringing their own cloth face covering. A guide for making your own cloth face covering at home can be found here. 

• Players and officials are not required to wear cloth face coverings when actively participating in a game. 

Everyday Preventative Actions (5,6)

• All attendees should practice every day preventative actions - including, but not limited to: 
  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available 
  • Abstain from touching their face (mouth, eyes, or nose)
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw tissue in the trash or use the inside of your elbow
  • Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces (railings, doorknobs, countertops etc...)
• NXT will work with all host venues to provide hand washing and hand sanitizer stations.
  • In addition to what may be available on site, you should bring your own hand sanitizer.  
• NXT will have hand sanitizer available at tournament headquarters and will attempt to have hand sanitizer available at each field.
   

Additional Resources
Please view these resources for more information on COVID-19 from reputable sources. 

• CDC - How does COVID-19 spread?

• CDC - How can you protect yourself and others?

• CDC - What do I do if I am sick?

• CDC - What does quarantine and isolation mean?

• CDC - How to wear a cloth face covering

• State and Territorial Health Department Directory

References

1. Eime, R.M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A  systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(98).

2. Donnelly, J. E., Hillman, C. H., Castelli, D., Entier, J. L., Lee, S., Tomporowski, P., ... Szabo-Reed, A. N. (2016). Physical activity, fitness, cognitive function, and academic achievement in children: A systematic review. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(6); 1197-1222.

3. Erickson, K. I., Hillman, C., Stillman, C. M., Ballard, R. M., Bloodgood, B., Conroy, D. E., ... Powell, K. E., (2019). Physical activity, cognition, and brain outcomes: A review of the 2018 physical activity guidelines. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 51(6); 1242-1251.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019: People who are at a higher risk for severe illness. (2020, March). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019: Get your mass gatherings and large community events ready. (2020, March 14) Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019: How to protect yourself and others. (2020, March). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html