Dear Coaches,
Thank you for your patience, really thank you. We have been working hard on getting our Return to Ride Policy and Procedure approved, launching registration, and working with land managers on ride permits.
We want you to know that we knew it was going to be a push to get students riding this early given our new-to-us way of doing things. But we know how beneficial outdoor physical activity is now to our students, so we really wanted to make it happen.
Positivity is key, it makes any situation better, so let's all remain positive and look on the bright side - we navigating our way back to the trails. The students are stoked to get riding and we hope you are too, no matter the circumstance.
PLEASE READ THIS COMMUNICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY ABOUT SPRING LEAGUE SESSION 1.
Practices and Communication
All coaches are receiving this to allow for a clear understanding as we move forward with the 2021 season. We are doing everything we can to proceed with this season, recognizing that beyond the inherent risk of mountain biking there is a new risk with disease transmission. We believe that the WSCL is an important part of the health and well-being of each of our community’s youth and that with careful planning and frequent communication, we can mitigate risks while continuing to have fun developing youth and building community.
Registration and SIPlay Logistics
- The League has asked coaches to respond to the survey regarding session availability.
- The League will distribute the registration code to head coaches.
- The League will work with Head coaches to determine the ride schedule for permitting purposes (in those areas that require them) and also to avoid large group gatherings.
- The League will open student registration for each team based on registered coaches and availability. Registration codes will not be distributed by the League. Head coaches will provide the registration code to riders.
- An enrollment cap will be set based on the required 1:5 ratio (1 coach = 5 riders).
- For fairness, a “wait list” will be kept; waitlisted students will have first priority for later sessions.
- Coaches’ children will not be waitlisted and will be accommodated for all sessions that their parent volunteers. Coaches will receive registration codes for their children one day prior to open registration earlier.
- WSCL will distribute team rosters to the Head coaches; Head coaches will determine group placement and schedule groups evenly (e.g. 3 groups ride Mon/Wed, 3 groups ride Tues/Thurs) in order to mitigate the impact on the trails.
- King and Snohomish County Head coaches will need to coordinate with League Director, Lisa Miller to create a master trail use schedule.
- Head coaches/Team Managers will communicate group placements to the WSCL.
- WSCL will assign registered riders to the group roster provided by the Head coach. On SI Play, coaches will see the roster with their 5 riders only.
- We recognize that after riding a student may be more suited for a different group. We will allow minor group changes at the end of week 2. Head coaches need to communicate to WSCL any roster changes before the student switches to the ride group, as well as the team "COVID Manager”. Remember, if a student is not on your team roster in SIPlay, they are not allowed to ride.
Head coach/Team Manager Communications and Planning
Communication with Coaches
- Reach out to your coaches and ask for their session and days of week availability.
- Encourage Coaches to complete WSCL survey regarding availability.
- Ask Coaches to read through the Return to Play Policy.
- Consider having a virtual team meeting or outdoor meeting in groups of 5.
- Make a list of coach substitutes and share with coaches.
- Remind each coach that they are their groups “Covid Manager.” They are responsible for enforcing self-screening compliance, attendance tracking, communicating with families, and reporting to the league. See Screening and Attendance Tracking Form.
- Remind coaches to register with the league.
- Sign up for online American Red Cross first aid/CPR, as needed.
Communication with Riders and Families
- Communicate the positives of being able to ride together.
- Reset expectations. The magic happens at the team level, not at state-wide races.
- Consistent attendance will be more important than ever. Keep in mind that some kids may be on a wait list.
- Ask Parents to read through the Return to Play Policy.
- Be prepared to minimize contact in parking lots.
- Be respectful of other trail users -trail use is at record highs.
- Many of our kids and coaches will be struggling with de-conditioning. Coaches will be careful to build slowly and avoid injuries.
Venue and Safety Considerations
- Trails - Avoid overcrowding. Consider using different trailheads, even for the same trail system.
- Safety – Run 2 + groups in the same trail system for cell phone communication. Set unique ringtones for coaches.
- Emergency Plan – Make sure coaches have maps and phone trees. Determine entry points for emergency vehicles.
- Communicate with land managers – maintain positive relationships via social media, emails, and/or word of mouth.
Team Meeting
A good idea would be to host a virtual meeting with all families before the 1st day of practice to establish procedures and introduce groups.
Review with parents and coaches the expectations for pre-screening before coming to practices.
Each coach is the contact person for screening, reporting, and contact tracing.
Review Covid Protocols with families, highlighting the behaviors directly related to them.
Non-negotiable: if a coach or rider is not feeling well, they should stay home. We are loving and protecting our families, those that may come in contact with those that are vulnerable, our coaches and riders that have asthma, diabetes, and other health concerns.
Long Term Procedures
We will continue to watch the trajectory of the virus as we continue into the spring and be vigilant about our guidelines. Cycling is a low-risk sport, but as a statewide organization, we feel that it is logistically necessary to follow the requirements of our league’s highest transmission region. While we are optimistic about the vaccine, we recognize that distribution is complicated, students 16 and younger are low priority, and that a more contagious strain is expected to be in widespread circulation by March. Be mindful of NOT relaxing WSCL protocols until directed by official WSCL communication.
Any opportunity for riders and coaches to interact and have a community is successful, no matter how small. We are thankful for all of our Washington League staff, coaches, riders, and families that make this program so special to us all. We are so grateful that the magic is not in a one-hour event but in the time and care you all put into your teams. We can’t wait to hear and see all of the fantastic things that are accomplished in our 2021 spring sessions.
COVID-19 SCREENING; ISOLATION; QUARANTINE; CONTACT TRACING
COVID-19 SCREENING:
Before riding, all coaches and riders must ask themselves, “Are you feeling sick,” and have you been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
They must SELF-SCREEN for the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, 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.
If a coach or student is experiencing any of these symptoms, or answers “yes,” do not come to practice until seen by a medical provider, and if recommended, testing, isolation and/or quarantine.
ISOLATION: If a coach or student tests positive for COVID-19, they must not come to practice, and they must isolate per CDC guidelines:
With Symptoms Present: Isolate at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication AND Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.
QUARANTINE: If a coach or student was in close contact with a positive case, as defined by the CDC, they must stay home for 14 days.
Close Contact Includes:
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes of more.
- You provided care at home to someone sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.
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