COVID-19 Protocol

The guidelines for COVID-19 exposures and established response protocol for when a coach and/or player tests positive has been established for our organization based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health as well as in conjunction with Agawam Board of Health and other health care professionals.  Return to play guidance can sometimes differ from guidelines related to return to work or return to school so it is imperative that you follow the protocol outlined here as well as the direction of the organization’s Safety Officer.

What is an exposure:

• Being in close proximity (less than 6 ft for 15 minutes or longer) from 48 hours prior to or up to 10 days after that person tests positive for COVID-19;
• Being near (less than 6 feet for even less than a minute) someone who coughed, sneezed, sang or engaged in any activity that may spread respiratory droplets from 48 hours prior to or up to 10 days after that person tests positive for COVID-19 and the exposed person was not wearing a mask.

What do I do if I am exposed:

• Monitor yourself (coach) or the exposed individual (player) for 10 days following the exposure incident for the development of any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, which may include, but not limited to, fever or chills, new onset of cough, short of breath, sore throat, headache, new onset of loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or general fatigue or body aches.
• If an exposed individual becomes symptomatic within 10 days of exposure, the individual must stop participating in team activities (games, practices, social events, etc) and conduct a COVID-19 test (rapid antigen test is acceptable) and notify the team coach of the exposure, symptoms and COVID-19 test results.  The team coach will then notify the Association Safety Officer of the exposure incident and test results.  Based on this information, the Safety Officer may provide additional direction regarding team/player/coach involvement and activities.  If the exposed individual who is symptomatic is showing a negative test result, the exposed individual should test again 3 days after the initial test even if symptoms do not persist.  The individual must stay away from team activities during this time until they are feeling better and produce the 2nd negative test.  Additional testing may be necessary as outlined by the Safety Officer.  If the individual tests positive, please see the section below.
• If a knowingly exposed individual is not symptomatic or does not become symptomatic, the individual must wear a mask when around others indoors even during activity for 10 days post exposure.  If the exposed individual develops symptoms as outlined above, follow the steps noted.  If the exposed individual does not develop symptoms and has not been positive for COVID-19 in the previous 30 days, the individual should still test on Day 5 and Day 10 to assure that they are not infected with COVID-19.  The individual may continue to be involved in Team activities during this period so long as they are masked.  If the individual tests positive, please see the section below.

What to do if I test positive:

• Notify your Team coach within 24 hours of testing positive for COVID-19.  The coach must then notify the Safety Officer within 2 hours of being notified of a positive test result.
• Immediately cease all team activities (practices, games, social engagements, etc) and begin isolating from the team by staying home.  Individuals that test positive are not permitted to attend team events even with a mask.  The positive individual should wear a mask when around others in their household during the 10-day isolation period.
• The day of the positive test or symptom onset is considered Day 0.  That being said, an individual that tests positive for COVID-19 is able to attempt to test off isolation on Day 6 by conducting another test.  Day 6 would be as follows:
  • Sunday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Saturday
  • Monday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Sunday
  • Tuesday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Monday
  • Wednesday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Tuesday
  • Thursday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Wednesday
  • Friday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Thursday
  • Saturday (positive test or symptom date) – Test Date = Friday
• If the symptomatic or positive testing individual feels better or symptoms improve AND has no fever without the use of fever reducing medication AND tests negative for COVID-19 AND clearance is given by the Safety Officer, the individual may return to team activities WITH A MASK ON until day 10 unless directed differently from the Safety Officer or the individual’s primary care physician.  PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY POSITIVE TEST LINE REGARDLESS OF HOW FAINT IS CONSIDERED A POSITIVE TEST.
• If the symptomatic or positive individual continues to positive, the individual must remain away from team activities and may continue to test on Day 7, Day, 8, Day 9 and Day 10 following the symptom date or positive test date.  If the criteria noted in the previous bullet is satisfied, the person may return to play wearing a mask as noted above.
• Once the individual completes 10 days of isolation, the team coach must contact the Safety Officer for clearance to return to play.  Once permission is granted by the Safety Officer, the individual may return to playing.  Please note that return to play clearance may or may not mimic other guidance provided for returning to school or other activities, so it is essential that individuals remain in contact with the Safety Officer.

What Happens to the rest of the team if a coach or player is knowingly exposed or a player/coach on the team tests positive:

• Unless directed otherwise by the Safety Officer, the team will continue their team activities

What if I have any questions:

• Any questions regarding ABA protocols related to COVID-19 should be directed to the Association Safety Officer.