• Return to Activities Plan UPDATED 9/24/21
• Return to Activities Appendix UPDATED 8/9/21
• Return to Activities Abbreviated Plan 8/5/21

Protect Yourself Against the Flu:

• Flu Vaccine Information and Resources

Mask Wearing:

• Common Mask Mistakes Video
• How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings

Hand Washing:

• When and How to Wash Your Hands
• Fight Germs. Wash Your Hands Video

Social Distancing:

• How Far Is 6 Feet?
• Keep a Safe Distance to Slow the Spread
• Key Times to Practice Social Distancing Video

• Commit To Fit: Commit to Fit is an overarching campaign for the three fitness and training opportunities that Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) athletes can participate in this season and beyond.
• School of Strength: Jumpstart your 2021 fitness routine with the brand-new Special Olympics School of Strength workout featuring WWE superstar Drew McIntyre. It launched January 28 at the Virtual WWE Royal Rumble Special Olympics event headlined by a dozen star athletes from both sides held exclusively for Special Olympics athletes with nearly 200 attending live.
  • Visit https://www.specialolympics.org/school-of-strength/class-is-in-session to see the new video workout and download the Unified Fitness Kit Cards for even more exercises. And don't forget about the previous School of Strength video resources which now include balance exercises in addition to endurance, strength and flexibility.

• Athlete Engagement Ideas: Ideas to help ensure that we stay connected via efficient communication, daily communication, fitness/wellness, healthy eating and more!

• Fall 2021 Return to Activities Webinar
  • Fall Webinar PPT Slides
• Preparing the Venue
• Travel to Activity and Onsite Screening
• Examples of Coaching Adjustments

• COVID-19 Coordinator Responsibilities 
• Site Registration Form
• Fact Sheet on Who is at Higher Risk from COVID-19
• BMI Calculation Graphic
• PPE Fact Sheet UPDATED 11/27

• COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER

• This waiver must be electronically signed and submitted via Google Forms: https://bit.ly/31zr5S7 by every participant (Athletes, Unified partners, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers, HODs, SO Staff, and families/caregivers if they will not exclusively be in spectator only spaces).

• If a participant does not have access to submit electronically or ability to send a photo of the completed form to the site COVID-19 Coordinator, participant must schedule a call with the site COVID-19 Coordinator at least 24 hours prior to the first in-person activity to verbally provide their answers to the site COVID-19 Coordinator.
  • Site COVID-19 Coordinator will enter form electronically based on information provided.
  • Participant must bring a completed paper form to the first in-person activity and provide to the site COVID-19 Coordinator upon arrival at first practice.

• Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
• COVID-19: What You Need To Know, Training In a Safe Environment
• Honor Code
• Fundraising Activity and Mitigation Form
• Social Media Templates - Sample messaging/a social media template that can be used when communicating to your local program constituents. This template is for programs that will be conducting at-home training.
  • General Social Media Template
  • Customizable Social Media Template (via Canva)

• Fall 2021 Return to Activities Webinar
  • Fall Webinar PPT Slides

• Preparing the Venue
• Travel to Activity and Onsite Screening
• Examples of Coaching Adjustments

• Coach Return to Activities Webinar

• At-Home Training and Competition Webinar

• How To Use Zoom

IN-PERSON TRAINING

• COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER

• This waiver must be electronically signed and submitted via Google Forms: https://bit.ly/31zr5S7 by every participant (athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, family members, caregivers, or others in attendance of an activity) prior to the start of the in-person activity. This form has 3 sections (Risk Assessment, Code of Conduct and Waiver) and must be completed in one-sitting as you cannot return to the form.
• If a participant does not have access to submit electronically or ability to send a photo of the completed form to the site COVID-19 Coordinator, participant must schedule a call with the site COVID-19 Coordinator at least 24 hours prior to the first in-person activity to verbally provide their answers to the site COVID-19 Coordinator.
  • Site COVID-19 Coordinator will enter form electronically based on information provided.
  • Participant must bring a completed paper form to the first in-person activity and provide to the site COVID-19 Coordinator upon arrival at first practice.

• Fact Sheet on High Risk Participants UPDATED 3/10/21
• BMI Calculation Graphic

• Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
• COVID-19: What You Need To Know, Training In a Safe Environment
• Coaches Honor Code UPDATED 8/19/20

AT-HOME TRAINING

• At-Home Coaches Preparation Checklist

• At-Home Training Video with Amanda Knauss

• Engaging Athletes Virtually
• Engaging Athletes without Computers/Internet
• At-Home Training and Competition Webinar PPT Slides
• Video Conferencing Recommendations

• Travel to Activity and Onsite Screening

• Fact Sheet on High Risk Participants UPDATED 3/10/21

• COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER

• This waiver must be electronically signed and submitted via Google Forms: https://bit.ly/31zr5S7 by every participant (athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, family members, caregivers, or others in attendance of an activity) prior to the start of the in-person activity. This form has 3 sections (Risk Assessment, Code of Conduct and Waiver) and must be completed in one-sitting as you cannot return to the form.
• If a participant does not have access to submit electronically or ability to send a photo of the completed form to the site COVID-19 Coordinator, participant must schedule a call with the site COVID-19 Coordinator at least 24 hours prior to the first in-person activity to verbally provide their answers to the site COVID-19 Coordinator.
  • Site COVID-19 Coordinator will enter form electronically based on information provided.
  • Participant must bring a completed paper form to the first in-person activity and provide to the site COVID-19 Coordinator upon arrival at first practice.

• Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
• COVID-19: What You Need To Know
• Athlete Practice Checklist
• Athlete and Family Return to Activities Webinar PPT Slides
• What to Expect: In-Person Training
• Athlete Guide for Video Conferencing

Q: Who must complete the COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER?

A: Every participant (athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, family members, caregivers or others in attendance of an activity) is required to complete the COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER prior to the start of an in-person activity.

Q: How do people without a computer complete the COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER?

A: The COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER must be electronically signed and submitted via Google Forms.
If a participant does not have access to submit electronically or ability to send a photo of the completed form to the site COVID-19 Coordinator, participant must schedule a call with the site COVID-19 Coordinator at least 24 hours prior to the first in-person activity to verbally provide their answers to the site COVID-19 Coordinator.
Site COVID-19 Coordinator will enter form electronically based on information provided by participant.
Participant must bring a completed paper form to the first in-person activity and provide to the site COVID-19 Coordinator upon arrival at first practice.

Q: What happens if a participant refuses to sign the COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER?

A: This participant would not be able to participate in any in-person activities. Prior to returning to any in-person SOPA activities in Phases B through E, all participants are required to complete and return a COMMUNICABLE DISEASES PARTICIPANT (ATHLETE AND VOLUNTEER) RISK ASSESSMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, AND WAIVER.

Q:  Who do I contact with questions?

A: For local athletes and volunteers, contact the site COVID-19 Coordinator or Local Program Manager. For Local Program Managers, contact your Field Director or SOPA’s COVID-19 Coordinator. 

Q: Can I wear a face shield instead of a facemask to Special Olympics Pennsylvania in-person activities?

A: No. Special Olympics Pennsylvania requires face masks. The CDC has advised there is currently not enough evidence to determine how much protection a face shield provides to individuals around the person wearing the face shield, because of gaps where respiratory droplets may escape. 

Q: Can I wear a gaiter to Special Olympics Pennsylvania in-person activities?

A: If you wear a gaiter to a Special Olympics Pennsylvania in-person activity, you must wear one with two layers, or fold it to make two layers. 

Q: How do I wear my facemask correctly?

A: The CDC has advised the facemask must cover your nose, your mouth and fit under your chin. The facemask must be snug on your face.

Q: When answering the questions on the Screening and Tracking Report Form, what type of contact should be considered when it asks if you have had contact with someone who has been sick with COVID-19?

A: Only report if the participant has had direct contact with someone who has had COVID-19, not that someone has been in contact with a friend who had another friend that had COVID-19.

Q: What if the COVID-19 Coordinator does not have a computer to complete the Screening and Tracking Report Form? 

A: The COVID-19 Coordinator will have the option of a paper version for tracking onsite if they do not have digital access to the electronic version. If the COVID-19 Coordinator completes a paper version, they MUST transfer that data to the electronic form within 48 hours of the end of the activity.

Q: Does a caregiver count in the count if they are leaving after assisting with answering the screening questions with their athlete?

A: If participants need assistance, caregivers may come on-site of in-person activity. Caregivers are included within the person count. Caregivers are considered participants and must follow all applicable requirements. They must maintain distancing, hygiene, use PPE, including face masks and they too must go through the screening protocol if on-site of in-person activity. It is recommended that if able to, caregivers remain in their vehicles during the screening protocol. If an athlete needs assistance, the COVID-19 Coordinator calls the caregiver to assist with the questions as a part of the screening protocol.

Q: Will there be DQ's if not following the honor code?

A: The Honest Effort Rule (HER) will not be in effect, but it is expected that coaches and athletes are abiding to the Virtual Competition Honor Code.  If it appears that event entry information does not the honor code, the Virtual Competition Review Committee (comprised of SOPA competition staff, local program leaders and the respective Sport Director) will review the information and have a follow up conversation with that coach and local program manager.

Q: Could you clarify “indirect contact” and “direct contact”?

A: In this context, “indirect contact” is considered an activity where a ball or equipment is touched or in contact with one individual and then directly touching another individual without disinfection. An example of indirect contact would be a basketball or football being passed around between participants. “Direct contact” is one individual touching another directly.

Individual drills for those sports with disinfection of equipment/ball in between uses is permitted. For example, an individual practices dribbling and then the ball being disinfected before being used by the next individual to practice their skills.

Q: What if it is not possible to have a separate exit and entrance to the field?

A: If a site does not allow for separate entrance and exit spots, ensure that physical distancing is being maintained at the point of entry/exit. 

Q: How do you handle a situation where first aid must be administered during an activity?

A: First aid should absolutely be provided by coaches, volunteers, or staff if required during an activity, even if physical distancing is not feasible during the aid. If it is a medical emergency, call the local emergency medical services. If it is a non-medical emergency, but basic first aid is needed, individuals providing care should follow proper hand hygiene and wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer and put on a surgical facemask and disposable gloves prior to administering first aid. If the athlete is breathing and conscious, they should also be wearing a face covering. Administer the first aid and then properly dispose of all supplies and gloves. After care is provided, ensure individuals follow proper hand hygiene and wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. All activities should have a basic first aid kit on site which should also include a surgical facemask, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer/disinfectant. A face shield or protective eye wear may also be useful.