COVID-19 Protocols
NSAF USA MEET OF CHAMPIONS @ MYRTLE BEACH
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Covid-19 has drastically changed the way track and field events can be contested and, it is the goal of the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation to provide a safe environment for athletes, coaches and spectators at this event. The protocols that are outlined below have been designed to keep everyone as safe, comfortable and Covid-19 free as possible. They are based on the recommendations of Center for Disease Control (CDC), USA Track & Field, which is sanctioning this event, and requirements of the State of South Carolina, the City of Myrtle Beach and the facility.
Facility Information:
The Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium sits on 15 acres with throwing and warm-up areas outside of the track. Current Covid-19 protocols in Myrtle Beach require limits on the number of participants, coaches and spectators inside the facility at any given time. We have created two sessions a day and spread the competition over four days to allow for a safer and healthier competition. Additionally, the combination of the sessions structure and the size of the facility permits us to have 1,000 spectators per session, in addition to athletes, coaches and event staff, so parents and families can enjoy watching and supporting their athletes in person.
Covid-19 Testing - REVISED
All athletes, coaches and spectators, as well as meet staff, volunteers, officials and media personnel WILL be tested for Covid-19 each day of the event that they will either attend or participate in order to receive credentials and enter the facility. This includes athletes, coaches, spectators, volunteers, staff and officials. There are no exceptions to this requirement. The requirement of a negative test 4-6 days before the event is therefore eliminated, although we do suggest it for those traveling into South Carolina.
Testing will be FREE to all and will be done at the facility site. It will be a Rapid Result Antigen test and results will be available within 15 minutes. VHS Hearing Solutions is the company we have chosen to handle all testing for us and they have established an unblemished and professional record of service and accuracy. They will have approximately 15 testing stations set up so the wait will be minimal each day.
All paid entrants and ticket-holders have or will soon receive an email (to the entrant's account-holder on AthleticNET) with a LINK to the document package that must be brought with you to the event. This document package includes a testing permission waiver that must be signed (by parents if a minor). Everyone should also bring their Medical Insurance Coverage (ID) card or a photocopy of the same. Your insurance company will not bill you for the test. If you do not have insurance you will not be turned away and will still be tested for free.
Everyone will receive a daily color coded wrist band once they have received their negative Covid-19 test results. Those testing positive will be taken aside and given a second test to eliminate the possibility of a false positive. If that test is negative they will receive their wristband and can continue into the facility. If the second test is also positive, they will be required to leave.
Covid-19 Vaccinations
Even if you have received a Covid-19 vaccination you will still be required to follow the testing procedure outlined above in order to enter the facility.
Self-Assessment
In addition to showing proof of a negative Covid test everyone is expected to self-assess for symptoms on a daily basis. Anyone with a temperature, experiencing Covid-19 related symptoms or not feeling well the day of the event will be expected to stay at home. You can learn about the most common Covid-19 Symptoms here.
At-risk Persons
Anyone considered at-risk because of age or pre-existing conditions or who is immunocompromised in any way is encouraged not to attend even if they have tested negative.
Face coverings
We realize that South Carolina has lifted its mask mandate, however, in an abundance of caution and concern for everyone’s well-being, face coverings will be required at all times by spectators, event staff, officials, and coaches. Athletes must wear face coverings except when warming up, competing, and warming down. We will provide face coverings for anyone who does not have one.
Social Distancing
All persons inside the facility must practice social distancing.
Enhanced Sanitation & Event Sessions
Sanitation stations will be setup throughout the facility and we encourage you to use them.
The meet is arranged with two sessions each day to minimize the number of people in the facility at any given time. At the end of each session everyone must leave the facility so that it can be cleaned and sanitized as needed before the next session.
Other Safeguards
• Only one coach or parent per team will be allowed into the packet pickup area.
• Only athletes will be allowed in the warm-up area and only during their competition session.
• No team tents will be permitted.
• No tailgating or post race meals or picnics inside the facility or parking lot.
• There will be no gathering or grouping of athletes at the finish line.
• Athletes must bring and compete only with their own throwing implements.
• Relay teams must provide their own relay batons.
• Unopened bottled Gatorade will be available to athletes but no water will be provided. Coaches and athletes can bring their own water or other preferred hydration.
• Athletes are asked to leave the facility immediately after competing as they cannot be included in the total number of spectators permitted.
Failure to comply with these Covid-19 requirements and restrictions will result in revocation of credentials, bib numbers or admission tickets and privileges.
Let’s all do our part and keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy!
