I offer this for discussion and would value people identifying items which I should have covered. Has to be best to adopt a constructive approach.
#DRAFTY (NOTAUDAX UK) - COVID19 – Event Guidelines & Risk Management - England These guidelines have been based on the advice issued by the UK government guidelines and apply to events wholly in England. There are 3 more sets of guidelines for the other nations.
The guidelines will be reviewed and where necessary updated as more information comes to light regarding the restrictions. The complications of 'cross-border routes' will be addressed once the relevant nations guidelines are more closely aligned.
Our priorities remain to protect the health of our members and volunteers, and to help to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Guidance for events Organisers need to ensure people are advised of the following restrictions on who may attend any event. This should be communicated prior to any event (eg website or promotion) and displayed at registration/brevet pick-up/start/finish.
People (includes organisers/volunteers) should NOT attend any Audax UK registered cycling event:
- If they are unwell with a cough, fever or other respiratory symptoms.
- If they have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 until they have completed the prescribed quarantine period, even if they are completely symptom free.
- If they have returned from any overseas country until they have completed the self-quarantine period for 14 days, even if they are symptom free
- If they are undergoing COVID-19 testing, until they have received negative results and are symptom free
- If they have been asked/told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace because they are a contact of a known COVID-19 case.
- If they have been advised to stay at home by a health professional.
- We also advise [EDIT] riders/volunteers who fit within the higher at risk groups to take particular care and/or make decisions on attendance with due consideration to the risks associated with COVID-19.
- The above information should be clear on the Entry Form and that if any rider is displaying symptoms, they will not be allowed to participate.
Risk Management During Event Event organisers should identify opportunities to reduce the risk to riders and volunteers (organising and helping) through: taking sensible precautions and implementing practices which reduce the chance of infection and which support social distancing (SDing). These include:
Volunteer Plan - A clear volunteer event plan is in place. This is to ensure that all volunteers are comfortable and fully understand their roles and timings for the event, that measures are taken to maintain the welfare and safety of volunteers, and to ensure they can comply with all social distancing requirements.
Event Promotion - With event size likely to be limited, events should only be promoted to Audax UK members. This can be through newsletters, social media and emails. Organisers should avoid publicising events externally (eg to clubs not on the Audax UK list).
Entry Forms - Pre-entry forms should require entrants to tick a box to acknowledge that they must not attend if they or a member of their household has COVID-19 symptoms.
Limited number of Entries - There may be a government limit on the number of people who can safely attend an event. Local restrictions may also apply. You must have measures in place to ensure you comply with these requirements, such as only allowing pre-entries
Start times - Giving each entrant an allocated window to arrive at the event and to start may help to spread out riders and avoid large gatherings of people
Start time - May need to express this as a 'window' to allow small groups to be set off at intervals, to spread riders out and support social distancing at the start and in any groups early on.
Refunds - Organisers should offer a refund to anyone who needs to withdraw their entry for health reason.
Registration - default to siting this outside. Consider arrangements where no volunteer is needed and facilitates social distancing during brevet pick-up. If a volunteer manning any desk is necessary, consider their need for access to PPE (glasses and mask) and hand sanitizer.
Personal Responsibility - Ensure that all riders are directed to the “Participant Code of Conduct” document.
Brevets - Cards can be individually bagged (by the organiser with washed hands) folded to display the rider's name, prior to issue at the event. A number of spare brevets should be prepared as a back-up.
Start Area - Starts will need to be chosen to support any social distancing requirements with sufficient space for riders.
Arrivee - Location needs to be chosen to support any social distancing requirements with sufficient space for arriving riders. Consider siting location for handing in brevets outside while observing any social distancing requirements. Encourage people to move away from that area.
After Event Cleaning - Materials must be cleaned before and after use.
Toilets - If, given lack of access to eg community centre or pub 'facilities', mobile toilets are used, the units should be spaced out and the queue structured to comply with any social distancing requirements. Handles should be disinfected frequently.
Pre- and Post- Ride Socialising - Organisers should not promote or encourage pre- or post-ride socialising.
Hand Cleaning Facilities - If practicable provide hand washing or sanitising facilities at start and finish.
Participant Hygiene - Asking all that attend to follow good hygiene practices and maintain physical space between each other.
Whoever is leading on producing the Audax UK Risk Assessment is welcome to ask for a copy of this. There'd be a quid pro quo.