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Health and Safety Updates for the July Challenge and Parafencing National Championships

07/16/2021, 10:15am CDT
By Kristen Henneman

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – USA Fencing has made several modifications to the health and safety protocols for the July Challenge and Parafencing National Championships taking place in Salt Lake City from July 22-25.

Key changes areas follows:

  • A negative PCR test or proof of vaccination will no longer be required for attendees to enter the venue.
  • There will no longer be onsite health checks.
  • There will no longer be a restriction on the number of individuals who can attend with a fencer.

A summary of COVID-19 protocols is as follows:

Mask Mandate

As announced in October 2020, all participants in USA Fencing events, including coaches, athletes, spectators and staff, MUST wear a face mask that covers mouth and nose at all times, including competition.

Health Checks

No onsite health checks will be required by event attendees. Attendees are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Test to enter the venue.

Equipment Check

All events will have a scheduled equipment check time. A schedule will be posted in on the Athlete Information Page (https://www.usafencing.org/2021-july-challenge-athlete-info) once these times are finalized. Fencers will not be permitted to check equipment any earlier than the scheduled time. All armorers will be required to wear masks.

Credential Access

There will no longer be a restriction on the number of individuals who can enter the venue with a fencer. Clubs will no longer need to register the coaches they are sending to the tournament.

Venue

Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies will be available throughout the venue for use. The competition hall will be closed and cleaned overnight after each competition day.

Tournament participants are encouraged to bring their own water to the venue. There will be drinking fountains available throughout the venue.

Screaming

Warnings and penalties will no longer be issued for competitors who scream during the bout unless the fencer is in violation of another rule, such as refusal to obey the referee, anti-sporting behavior, offense against sportsmanship, etc.

Awards

Athletes who finish in the top eight will be receive a medal for individual events, and teams that finish in the top three will receive medals. A coach’s medal will be awarded to the coach of the gold medalist in all national championship events.

Awards ceremonies will take place for the Parafencing National Championships. Before and during ceremonies, athletes and coaches should practice social distancing whenever possible. Handshakes and hugging are discouraged, but group photos in front of the awards backdrop will be permitted. Athletes and coaches must wear masks on the awards podium.

For July Challenge events, athletes who win a medal can pick up their medals at the Satellite Bout Committee in the finals area.

Handshakes

Athletes are to salute at the conclusion of a bout in lieu of shaking hands with each other, the referee or coaches.

Social Distancing

Everyone should practice proper social distancing measures at all times while in the venue. Floor decals and signage will be placed around the venue as reminders.

Officials

All tournament officials will be placed in single hotel rooms for the 2020-21 season unless otherwise requested.

In rest and meal areas, best practices for serving food will be determined by local venue protocols. Meals will be prepackaged or served by venue staff to minimize the need for shared serving utensils. Disposable sets of napkins and silverware will be provided in officials’ meal rooms. Community games and other shared items will be removed from officials’ break areas until further notice.

Tag(s): Updates