GULF COAST DIVISION

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The National Office has issued guidance with respect to the coronavirus and we wanted to share that guidance with you.

With respect to events, the National Office has declared that no sanctioned competitions will be held prior to April 6 and any competitions scheduled prior to that date must be postponed until after that date. In addition, we would recommend that all events outside of regular practices be postponed, sanctioned or otherwise. The suspension of sanctioned events obviously affects fencers' ability to qualify for Summer Nationals and so the National Office has extended the deadlines for that event. In particular, the submission deadline for results from the division qualifier is now June 1. Our qualifier is scheduled for May 2, so hopefully it should remain unaffected. The regular fee deadline for Summer Nationals is June 3 and the withdrawal deadline in June 12. Other dates can be found on the USFA website.

To assist fencers, coaches, club owners, tournament organizers and other individuals with maintaining a healthy environment for all, the National Office has passed on a series of tips, which we pass on to you.

Tips for Fencers, Coaches, Staff, etc.

Stay home from practice or competition if you feel sick.
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer with 60-90% alcohol when restrooms are unavailable.
Avoid direct physical contact with others (keep a six-foot distance when possible).
Salute or elbow bump competitors, coaches and referees rather than shaking hands.
Do not touch your face during a bout or training session.
Do not share water bottles.
Do not put your mouth on water fountains.

Tips for Club Owners and Tournament Organizers

Make sure to have hand sanitizer and tissues in high traffic areas throughout the training or competition space, including near bout committee tables, water dispensers, score tables, etc.
Wash all shared gear and use sanitizing wipes on weapons in between uses. Read tips on how to wash masks.
Keep sanitizing wipes near reels and other frequently touched equipment.
As always, make sure restrooms and locker rooms are properly cleaned on a frequent basis.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.

The CDC recommends preventative actions regarding respiratory illnesses, including:

Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Everyone is encouraged to seek further information using the CDC and the WHO websites:

Questions or personal concerns regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) should be directed to your local healthcare provider.
This remains a dynamic situation and we will update our decisions and recommendations on a regular basis both via email and at www.usafencing.org/coronavirus.