COVID Protocols Announcement (UPDATED FEBRUARY 28TH, 2022)
The health and safety of our teams is our top priority. We all know that there are many opinions on the COVID pandemic. In order to make it possible for participation, we graciously ask that everyone follows these requests and has as much fun as possible. Information will be updated as it becomes available, but this is the information we have at this time. Please check back for updates.
Your participation in this event is dependent upon your compliance with the protocols below. Directly from FIRST HQ on February 2: “Verbal abuse is never ok – all FIRST participants (adults and youth) are expected to follow the FIRST Code of Conduct. If someone is unable to act with Gracious Professionalism at all times, then they may be asked to leave the event and an incident report may be forwarded to FIRST HQ.”
Gracious Professionalism® is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. These policies may be more stringent than the precautions that your team or family observe, but the large number of attendees at the competition requires a higher level of mitigation measures. Showing respect for the health and safety of all participants at the event – team members, volunteers, event staff and visitors – exemplifies the spirit of Gracious Professionalism®.
In line with the recent CDC guidelines and this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html for events in medium to high areas, and since this is a privately organized and contracted event, we have chosen to enforce the following based on the location of the event:
At the present time, masks are required for ALL PARTICIPANTS WHILE INDOORS: teams, volunteers, judges, spectators AT ALL TIMES (except when eating or drinking, then please do this away from others maintaining at least a 6-foot, social-distancing arc).
THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO PROVIDE WHAT TEAMS NEED TO PARTICIPATE.
Face masks should be worn correctly, covering both the nose and mouth and end under the chin. These masks may be KN95; 3-ply filter-protection disposable; or 2-layer cotton fabric (A minimum of two layers is required if handmade).
Mesh or any fabric that is see-through will not be accepted. Teams must bring an adequate supply of masks for all participants. All other attendees must bring their own supply of face masks sufficient for the duration of the event.
Face shields, bandanas, single-layer gaiters and masks with exhalation valves are NOT considered effective PPE for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. These items will not be allowed at the event.
Guidelines:
· Attendees must have no contact with someone with positive COVID in the last 5 days.
· Please DO NOT attend if you are exhibiting any of the following: 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.
· Team coaches/mentors will be required to verify DAILY the health (in line with HIPAA and PII) of their students, mentors and traveling guests prior to checking in. (Consent and Release with Health Verification sheet attached.) The lead mentor must not allow anyone who fails this daily health screening to enter the event venue. Coaches, please have a plan in place to take care of those who aren’t able to join us, such as: quarantine room with 2 adults, call to the parent/guardian for picking up, plan for immediate care, etc.
· Water bottles are fine and allowed in the Pits. Please limit the snacks to areas outside of the match-playing area of the venue and away from others.
· No eating will be allowed in the match-playing area of the venue to encourage continuous mask wearing.
· All meals shall be organized and consumed in tight teams away from other teams in a separate area in the building or preferably outside if weather permits.
· Public participation will be based on local health department guidelines and is subject to change.
· Temperature checks at the door may be included, again based on local health district guidelines.
· There will be hand sanitizing stations around the venue for hand sanitizing.
· Cleaning supplies will be available at the field for high-touch areas.
· For events requiring safety glasses and personal protective equipment, all participants are expected to bring their own personal safety glasses; a very limited supply may be available onsite. Every team should bring their own safety glass cleaning supplies and anti-fog spray to prevent fogging of glasses.
All participants and visitors are expected to follow all event signage regarding entry into the team pit area, spectator spaces, or other areas of the venue. We reserve the right to restrict entry into the pits or other areas as needed to reduce crowding and maintain proper social distancing.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, or it’s variants, exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting our establishment, you agree to the Consent and Release policy and voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and its variants, and hold harmless FIRST, FIRST Idaho, Idaho Regional Robotics, Inc. and the venue in which the event is held.
FIRST IDAHO ROBOTICS 