Fall 2021 Mask & Spectator Policy

Updated: August 18, 2021

In a continued effort to combat COVID-19 and the DELTA variant, so Avalanche can keep our doors open and your athlete on the court as safely as we can, we have had to update our mask policy. It’s a bummer that we’re still at this point as I’m not sure any of us enjoy wearing a mask; however, we should all be able to agree that trying to keep athletes and children safe and healthy should be a top priority.

Effective tonight, Thursday, August 19, all athletes, staff, and spectators regardless of vaccination status are

• Required to wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose to enter the facility.
• Spectators can continue to stay and watch practices and matches; however, face covering must remain on.
• We ask that you try to limit spectators to only 2 per athlete if possible.
• Once athletes are “actively” engaged in practice, face coverings may be removed. (On the court “ball in hand”)
• Athletes must put their face covering back on prior to leaving the court and exiting the facility following practices and matches.
• Coaches and spectators must keep their face coverings on throughout practices and matches.
• Avalanche Staff, unless on the Ref Stand officiating a match, must keep their face coverings on.
• If your athlete is having to quarantine from school, then they are not allowed to participate in volleyball during their “quarantine period.”

POSITIVE COVID TEST

Should an athlete or coach test positive for COVID-19 during the season, these are the immediate protocols that must and will be followed with no exceptions.

1. Player or Coach test Positive: Immediately notify Avalanche Athletics. Avalanche will then notify his/her team. The team (athletes & coaches) must either/or:
   1. Quarantine for 10 days before you’re allowed back into the facility for practices or matches
   2. Get tested and you may return to practices and matches with proof of negative test results
2. Player or Coach Cautionary Test: Should a player or coach deem it necessary to go get a COVID test out of a precaution, regardless of the reason why, they will need to sit out until a negative test is returned.
3. Time missed due to COVID are not eligible for refunds or credits.

Avalanche is committed to moving forward with our fall 2021 season. With masks, I feel we’ll be able to keep the athletes, coaches, and staff safe to the best of our ability. Should I feel that Avalanche is unable to keep everyone safe, for any reason, I will immediately stop and suspend all programming. I have time built in if we do need to take a short break to get through the season. Overall, the health and safety of our athletes, staff, and their families need to come first, regardless of what others may or may not be doing.

I know that masking has become a hot topic in our community again and I would ask that you please be respectful. With the delta variant and cases on the rise, masking is the best option to continue to provide activities and outlets for our kids in a safe way. Thank you in advance for helping keep our athletes on the court and the Avalanche doors open!

Thank you,

Avalanche VBC