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COVID-19 Protocol for National Championships

Updated: 4/14/21

As we get ready to see you at this year’s National Championships, we will be implementing an on-site COVID-19 protocol to ensure the safest event possible under these extraordinary circumstances. Things will look and be different this year, and despite that, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome you back to our National Championships after a year of canceled events and other life-altering situations across the country.

The information below is a broad summary of our COVID-19 protocols, including definitions, key staff, staff commitments, participant requirements, the review process, and event cancellation parameters. More detailed information will be available on each event website, and there will be a virtual pre-event meeting to inform riders about each event’s specific protocol. As the pandemic continues to change, this protocol may also vary with fewer or additional restrictions and requirements.

While we can put procedures in place, it is up to all involved to follow these procedures to keep themselves and others safe.

2020 MTB Worlds Masked up 500x500 padding
Anyone not following the detailed event protocol will be asked to rectify the situation. If the person or group refuses or blatantly disregards safety protocols, we will ask the person or group to leave the venue and potentially be subject to the suspension of their USA Cycling membership.
Participant and Participant Supporter Requirements

The below represent safety measures that all attendees of the event must comply with. While the below is specific, common sense should be applied to keep everyone safe and healthy. This list is by no means exhaustive, and anyone looking for loopholes that create an unsafe situation will be asked to leave the venue.

  • Do not participate if you feel sick or ill, have a fever or experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.
  • As of April 14, 2021, you must obtain a COVID-19 PCR test within three days of arrival at the event, no matter where you live. You must receive a negative test result to participate, regardless of whether you’ve previously tested positive for COVID-19 and are now testing negative or have had a COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement may change dependent upon the future progression of the pandemic.
  • Must sign participant COVID protocol agreement.
  • Will complete a daily self-health check and temperature scan where required at the venue.
  • Should minimize community contact for 14 days before travel.
  • Must wear a mask at all times except when actively eating/drinking, training, or competing.
  • Practice social distancing outside of the actual training or competition.
  • Practice team and family bubbles, and if possible, stay in lodging with only those in your traveling group.
  • Must adhere to the no contact policy on-site, aka no hugs, high fives, etc.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after using the restroom, coaching/sneezing, blowing your nose, eating, or when required on site.
  • Do not share water bottles, hydration packs, helmets, etc.
  • Cover your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze, do not spit around others, and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Each event-specific COVID-19 protocol will identify a local testing location if participants cannot receive a test in their home state. Receiving a negative test is still required before participation in the event.

It is also recommended that you follow all local, state, and CDC guidance after traveling.

Face Coverings

Participants are responsible for providing their own face coverings, though if someone forgets their mask, additional masks will be available at multiple locations at the venue.

The following are acceptable face coverings:

  • Fabric face coverings that cover both the nose and the mouth
  • N95 or KN95 mask that covers both the nose and the mouth
  • A medical mask that covers both the nose and the mouth

The following are not acceptable face coverings:

  • Masks with valves, mesh, or holes of any kind
  • Neck gaiters
  • Open-chin triangle bandanas
  • Face shields without additional nose and mouth coverings
  • Approved face coverings that do not cover both nose and mouth
Review Process

If anyone receives a positive COVID-19 PCR test result while remaining asymptomatic, on route to the event, they will have the opportunity to test out with two negative COVID-19 PCR tests one day apart, before training or competition. Before receiving two negative results, that individual must quarantine and forfeit the ability to compete if they do not quarantine.

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