Association for promotion of sports and organization of sports events "Sports Bridges" - Struga prepared the following
PROTOCOL FOR ORGANIZING AN ATHLETIC RACE DURING A PANDEMIC
The purpose of this protocol is to provide guidance and rules to ensure that the health of participants, staff, medics and volunteers is protected throughout the event. The current protocol includes rules and regulations governing the organization of racing events as well as health measures and procedures to be followed during, before or after the event. This protocol is regularly reviewed in consultation with relevant medical scientific staff and is based on current epidemiological data.
GENERAL RULES
The maximum number of participants in any race is set at 500. In case of an event with more than one race, the above maximum number applies to each individual race (not the whole event), provided that each race starts at a different time.
All staff members, volunteers, judges and partners involved in the event will wear a protective mask throughout the event.
Until they are placed on the Start Line, from the moment they arrive in the preparation area and during each warm-up, runners are advised to wear a protective mask.
BEFORE THE RACE (BEFORE THE DAY OF THE RACE) REGISTRATION CENTER - EXPO (if applicable)
1. The Registration Center (Center for picking up numbers and starting packages) will work at different hours and / or days, in order to serve different groups of runners.
2. It is planned that the Registration Center will be located outdoors, as long as the weather conditions allow it.
3. The registration center has a number of stands where runners will pick up their own starter package, which is important for the total number of runners to be welcomed. No booth may serve more than 500 runners per day. Each stand should be placed in such a way that there will be an empty space of at least 1.5m to the left and right of the adjacent stands, while the space between two different stands is at least 6m if they are placed opposite each other.
4. When in line, participants should stand in designated areas that allows at least 1.5 meters of free space around each person (in each direction).
5. There will be markings on the floor to indicate to runners the exact place where they should stand while waiting to be served. A rule of 1.5 meters is applied in each direction.
6. Participants will receive a personalized email or text message (SMS) informing them for the exact day and hour when they will need to visit the Registration Center to pick up their own starter pack, so that any overcrowding will be avoided.
7. Each runner must pick up his starting pack no later than one day before the start of the race.
8. In case the Registration Center is located indoors, then only a certain number of persons will be allowed to be in the room at the same time. The rule that applies in order to identify the allowed number of people in a room is one (1) person every five (5) square meters.
9. Officials responsible for the implementation of the protocol will be placed at the entrance, will record the number of persons inside and will immediately terminate the entry, in case the maximum number is met.
10. All runners and participants who will visit the Event Registration Center will be notified in advance of the procedure they need to follow by the time they arrive at the Registration Center.
11. Officials and volunteers at the Registration Center always wear a protective mask.
12. Antiseptic hand gel will be available at each booth to be used by staff, volunteers and runners / participants.
13. All areas and premises of the Registration Center should be regularly cleaned and ventilated regularly during the day and at the end of it.
RACE DAY - START SYSTEM IN INTERVALS (WAVES)
1. The runners are arranged in several different blocks, each of which includes up to 100 participants. In each block, there is plenty of room for runners to follow the rule of social distance of 1.5 meters in each direction. Based on that rule, each runner has a space of about 2.5 square meters. This means that a block of 100 runners covers an area of 250 square meters (100 runners X 2.5 square meters).
2. In the block immediately behind the Start Gate (block ready to start) there will be a specific signal on the floor that will indicate to each runner where to stop and how to move forward. The rule of social distancing always applies. That way, each block will have a specific number of lines created with certain places, which will indicate where the runner can stand.
3. Each line of runners should start separately, with a time difference between the lines that allows the previous runners to run a distance of about 6m to 8m before the next line crosses the Start.
4. Runners are assigned to a specific block depending on the starting number.
5. The first line of the block will start with a time gap of two (2) minutes in relation to the last line of the previous block.
6. All participants are advised to wear a protective mask until the moment they start the race, which means until they are in one of the standing places in the two blocks in front of the starting line. A significant number of trash cans will be available on the sides of these two blocks, where runners can throw their masks.
7. Runners can leave their clothes in the designated area after putting them in plastic bags. The designated area should be as large as possible, in relation to the number of runners and the race itself. As the runners hand over their bags, the volunteers will spray the bags with antiseptic gel or liquid before coming into contact.
RACE DAY - DURING THE RACE
1. During the race, runners are advised to keep as much distance as possible and follow the following tips:
a) Running side by side is considered safe only when there is a safety distance of 1.5 m between the runners.
b) Running in X format (one in front, the other from behind and left or right) is considered safe only when a distance of 1.5 m can be imagined between the runners on each side.
c) Running in groups without maintaining the above distances should be avoided from the beginning.
2. The start of the wave, as described above, prevents congestion during the race.
3. Each runner is placed in one of the starting blocks available. This means that they start and run the race at a specific pace. Such a distribution also helps to avoid crowds during the race.
4. All runners should run wearing equipment that they must never remove before, during or after and until they have returned the bag.
RACE DAY - END
1. As mentioned above, applying a wave start system prevents crowds during the race and to the finish line.
2. The volunteers leave the bag together with the medal for the finished race and the runner takes them himself. In case bananas or other fresh food is offered, they are also placed on the table for the runner to pick up on his own.
3. Relevant medal awarding ceremonies are conducted in full compliance with the rules of social distance, avoiding any unnecessary contact and with the presence of an absolutely minimal number of persons.
RACE SUPPORT
1. Officials and volunteers will be well trained and fully aware of the procedures, rules and regulations to be followed during the event, as well as the existing protocol in place.
2. Everyone will wear a protective mask during the entire employment relationship during the event. Masks are changed regularly according to the instructions of the National Center for Public Health.
3. Trash cans, where masks and gloves can be thrown away, will be available in all areas.
4. During Race Day, there should be strict control of access to each event support area and body temperature will be measured at each entry point.
5. Among the areas to support the event, a certain isolated room will be provided, where potential health problems (one or more) will be treated, whether they concern runners, volunteers, staff and / or partners.
6. All medical areas will be managed according to the instructions of the National Center for Public Health and will be fully and properly equipped.
7. All support areas will be cleaned regularly during Race Day, while extensive decontamination will be performed before use.
INFORMATION FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
1. All participants will be kept informed of all aspects of the event, rules, regulations and procedures to be followed.
2. In order to inform the runners, the organizing committee will send regular newsletters and personalized e-mail. As we approach Race Day, such communication will become more common. We will make regular audio announcements during Race Day, reminding runners of the rules, procedures to be followed, instructions and assignments issued by the National Center for Public Health and the race organizing committee.