COVID-19
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION
Updated: 9/8/2021
Required Use of Mask or Face Covering for Participation in Wisconsin Interscholastic Cycling League Events, under direction of NICA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the use of face masks or cloth face coverings as part of a comprehensive plan to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Face masks should be worn when employees or visitors will interact with other people. They are not the only method, but they are one of the strategies recommended by experts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Beginning Sept 7, 2021, and until further notice, all employees, participants, spectators, volunteers and other attendees are required to wear a mask or face covering upon entering and remaining within the establish perimeter of the event venue defined by the “Infield” and consisting of the Pit Zone, Start/Finish Area, Staging and Feed Zone. Areas excluded from this requirement are the parking lot(s), camping area(s) and any location outside of the above-named areas where a minimum of 6-feet distance can be maintained between persons.
- The mask or face covering must cover the nose, mouth and chin.
- The following persons are exempted from the requirement to wear a mask or face covering and will not be required to provide proof of such exemption:
a. Children under two years of age, or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask or face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
b. Persons with medical conditions who cannot safely wear a mask or face covering (e.g. due to breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties);
c. Persons who cannot wear or remove a mask or face covering without assistance, including people who are accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
c. Employees who are in an area of the premise that is not designated for public access, or who are within or behind a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglass). - Temporary removal of the mask or face covering is permitted where necessary for the following purposes:
a. Actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity including races and warm-ups;
b. Consuming food or drink;
c. For any emergency or medical purpose;
d. For temporary ventilation, only when able to maintain 6-feet of distance from any other person. - This policy will be implemented and enforced in “good faith” to reduce the risk of COVID-19
transmission throughout the duration of the NICA event.
a. Signs about the requirement to wear masks or face coverings shall be posted at all public entrances.
b. Persons entering or remaining without a mask or face covering will be given a verbal reminder of the policy’s masking requirement. Continued refusal to comply may result in disqualification from the event and/or future events.
c. Employees will be trained on the policy, including where and how to properly wear a mask or face covering, and how to help and respond to customers who do not have a mask or face covering.
d. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
WE’RE RETURNING TO A SEASON THAT’S CLOSER TO NORMAL!
COVID-19 case rates continue to fall and vaccination rates continue to increase, allowing us to return to a season that’s a little closer to normal.
Practices may look a bit different. Please talk to your coaches and find out what their new plans are—they’ve got a lot more freedom this year so they don’t have to use a pod structure.
WE WILL STILL HAVE SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE
It’s important to remember that COVID’s still not gone and we still are in this pandemic. Therefore, we still have some policies and procedures to keep the health and welfare of our student-athletes, our coaches and their families safe.
Season-long precautions:
- You’ll need to wear a mask if you’re less than 6 ft. away from others
- We recommend you use this Symptom Screener any practice or event if you feel your health may have been compromised.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and seek appropriate medical care.
Race Day Precautions:
We’re still going to have some COVID protocols in place to reduce the amount of time that people from around the state congregate in a single area:
- Awards ceremonies will be dispersed throughout the day to alleviate large crowds where we can.
- Everyone should bring a mask to race weekends to have available if/when they are in a situation where they are 6 feet or closer to another person.
- Yes, we will require athletes to wear masks in the start gate until just prior to the start of their wave send off.
Aside from these few restrictions, races are going to look a lot like those of years past, and we’re very excited!
As always, this is subject to change, pending state, local or federal guidance changes or a rise in COVID-19 rates.
We’re excited to welcome you back and look forward to having another fantastic season!
NICA COVID-19 Coach Safety Message
- Keep clear
- If you or anyone in your home have any symptoms of Covid or any similar symptoms in the past 14 days, do not come to practice. If you develop symptoms at practice or any time, let your coach know.
- Keep away
- Practice physical distancing- stay 6 feet away from coaches and teammates. Give plenty of room when passing or allowing others to pass. Plan ahead for stopping areas to maintain distance.
- Keep it chill
- On the trail, stay within your limits. Have fun but save the gnar for another time. Get rad later.
- Keep covered
- If they ask, wear a mask.
- Keep it to yourself
- Be prepared, you will not be able to share equipment– make sure your bike is working properly, bring all the water, tools, pumps, tubes, snacks and anything else you need to be self-sufficient on the trail.
- Keep it small
- Ride in small groups of no more than 10 including coaches
- Keep it quick
- If you need to use a public restroom or other public facilities, be quick.
- Keep it clean
- Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer often, avoid touching your face, keep your bike and other equipment clean and sanitized.
Federal Resources
City & School District Resources
For local guidance, please refer to the policies of your specific municipality and school district. Additionally, be sure to know and follow the policies and procedures of your practice venue.