NOTE: Due to recent changes to the health and safety regulations for the state of California, the acceptable window prior to arrival at the venue for COVID-19 tests to be administered has been reduced. Be sure to read the full announcement below to ensure you meet all requirements for attendance.
(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – The following COVID-19 protocols will be in place for the January North American Cup held January 7-10, 2022 in San Jose, California.
General Statement
In light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases nationally, we would like to formally state that by observing or participating in any USA Fencing national tournaments, you are acknowledging that attendance is voluntary and assume all risks associated with your participation and/or attendance. We would also like to remind participants and spectators of their duty to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and to stay home if you are not feeling healthy or test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of the start of the tournament. While vaccinated attendees are not required to provide a negative PCR or antigen test result, out of an abundance of caution, USA Fencing would also like to encourage all attendees to take an antigen or PCR test prior to traveling.
Mask Mandate
As announced at the beginning of the season, all participants in USA Fencing sanctioned events, including coaches, athletes, spectators and staff, MUST wear a facemask that covers mouth and nose at all times, including competition.
Proof of Vaccination
Individuals who have completed a COVID vaccine series (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Novavak, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Covaxin, or CoronaVac) 14 days prior to arrival at the venue will NOT need to obtain a negative PCR or antigen test result.
For participating athletes, all fencers must have uploaded their vaccination cards onto their membership profile for approval from the national office. Please reach out to nationalevents@usafencing.org if your vaccination verification is still pending or if you have any questions on why your vaccination entry was denied.
Parents can either submit their vaccination card onto their own membership profile and scan their membership ID at registration, provide the official USA Fencing approved email, or bring a physical copy or a clear picture of the vaccination card. All spectators who are interested in attending must provide physical copy of vaccination or clear picture of the vaccination card.
COVID-19 Testing for Medical or Religious Exempt Individuals
All attendees of the tournament who have been approved for a medical or religious exemption must provide their approval email received from the National Office, as well as a negative COVID test result, to enter the venue. This includes athletes and staff, as well as all coaches and spectators. NOTE: For the January NAC only, USA Fencing will accept an antigen test result, due to recent changes in local regulations that impact testing timelines. For antigen tests, results must be from a test administered no more than 24 hours prior to arrival at the venue. For PCR test results, the PCR test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival at the venue. For more information, click here. Proof of your negative COVID-19 test result and exemption must be presented to a USA Fencing staff member at registration for verification.
Social Distancing
Everyone should practice proper social distancing measures at all times while in the venue.
Handshakes
Athletes are to salute at the conclusion of a bout in lieu of shaking hands with each other, the referee or coaches.
Awards
Athletes who finish in the top eight will receive a medal for individual events. Awards ceremonies will be returning starting the January NAC but will include added safety protocols. Athletes who win a medal can pick up their medals at the awards area. Group photos in front of the backdrop will be permitted. Athletes and coaches should practice social distancing whenever possible and must wear masks.
Bout Committee
No more than one fencer will be permitted at the table at which each Bout Committee official is stationed. All other fencers for that event should wait behind the line until called by the officials’ member to come forward. Athletes should ensure six feet between themselves and any others waiting in line.
