June 3, 2020 letter to junior programs

ECSA is closely monitoring health and official guidance as they relate to junior sailing programs this season. Below is a summary of rules and guidance so far – we anticipate more information soon.

The information below is pulled from the American Camp Association, CDC, and US Sailing.  Every club’s situation /configuration is different and should carefully determine their best course of action.

Summary Information for opening yacht clubs in CT & RI for junior sailing:

Opening dates for classes: 6/22/20 for CT; 6/29/20 for RI

Groups must be organized so that the total numbers of sailors and instructors does not exceed a total of 10

Social Distancing Requirements: in CT face coverings must be used by all whenever the 6 foot distance is unavoidable; in RI coaches and staff must use face coverings if the 6 foot distance is unavoidable

Hand washing/hand sanitizer stations should be accessed before and after classes; boats should be sanitized after each use (Spray Nine or equivalent).

Dollies, as opposed to wooden racks, are optimal for storing and moving boats.

Classes should be held outside whenever possible—this may mean rain day classes might be cancelled altogether; the indoor limit of 10 people is in effect at all times.

Regattas: under the constraints placed on camps, it would seem improbable to hold a regatta until such time as social distancing guidelines end.

If a yacht club postpones or cancels a regatta, please let me know immediately so I can update the website.

From the CDC:

There are a number of actions youth sports organizations can take to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and reduce the spread during competition and practice. The more people a child or coach interacts with, the closer the physical interaction, the more sharing of equipment there is by multiple players, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. Therefore, risk of COVID-19 spread can be different, depending on the type of activity. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases in youth sports settings as follows:

Lowest Risk: Performing skill-building drills or conditioning at home, alone or with family members.
Increasing Risk: Team-based practice.
More Risk: Within-team competition.
Even More Risk: Full competition between teams from the same local geographic area.
Highest Risk: Full competition between teams from different geographic areas.
 

From the State of Connecticut re opening summer camps:

Coronavirus Memo #18   Youth Camp Guidance   REVISED

These protocols are ECSA’s understanding of some of the currently published guidelines from local, state, national and insurance authorities. Each ECSA club needs to come to their own understanding and act accordingly.

Hope you are safe and well—

Ted Sherman

ECSA Junior Chair

ted_sherman@watkinson.org