Disclaimer: This is a working document and will be updated as federal and state directives develop regarding a return to full business operations in the wake of COVID-19.
Thank you for your flexibility and discipline during this era of COVID-19.
While we’ve had to change the way we plan and execute all NFF Events, we continue to plan accordingly and make the safety of the athletes, staff and attendees our priority. As you know, Texas has an ongoing plan to safely and strategically open the state while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Taking our cue from state and local leaders, the NFF is also preparing to move forward with local business on re-opening and executing the remainder of the NFF Season. In aligning with the state and local municipalities, the NFF has methodically considered the best way to move forward with the goal of keeping staff, athletes, and the public as safe as we possibly can.
In that vein, we’ve developed a plan with the intent to re-establish safe and appropriate show operations. You should know that the ideas presented are taken from informed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health officials and leaders. And, equally important, the procedures are in line with venue and NFF rules. As conditions of this pandemic change, our response to it will also change. That means that we will continue to monitor our federation process and adjust as necessary.
Thank you,
NFF Administration
Natural Fit Federation COVID-19 2020 Show Operation Plan
This Plan provides specific policies and procedures to guide The Natural Fit Federation staff, athletes and attendees. It has been developed to protect the well-being of all those involved and those in attendance at an NFF Sporting Event. Furthermore, staff and athletes should reference COVID-19-related guidance and resources on the NFF Webpage. The NFF operations plan is based on The State of Texas phased approach for re-opening business operations. The phases are based on the most recent information and guidelines provided by state and federal authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These phases are condition-based to minimize athlete, staff and public exposure to COVID-19 as needed in response to public health conditions, which may differ by region of the state. Although the procedures in this document focus on the current State of Texas Phase, it is important to note that responding to COVID-19 will continue to be dynamic and require ongoing flexibility and adaptability.
Promoter/Staff/Volunteers/Athletes – Venue Capacity and Current Business Operation Phase is 50% (total of individual physical body capacity for the Dallas Showdown = 200 or no more than 200 allowed in venue space)
Contact Tracing: To provide an additional measure of safety, staff, athletes, and attendees should comply with contact tracing such as badging-in when arriving at the venue. Check in or Sign-in protocols may also be required. Contact tracing enables the NFF to identify and notify any individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Promoters must have a complete list of all staff who will volunteer and contact information PRIOR to event.
- This includes athletes and if possible attendees
- All athletes, staff, volunteers will be scanned via non-contact thermometers at check-in
- Attendees will be required to complete the contact tracing form and will be subject to temperature scan upon venue entry
Anyone attending an NFF Sporting Event (Physical/in person) Pre-Entry Considerations: Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Per the home screening checklist below, the self-screen should include attention to any of the following new or worsening signs or potential symptoms of COVID-19 as well as possible exposure to COVID-19:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
A measured temperature of 100.4F or higher or chills, known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID -19. According to the CDC, COVID-19 is spread primarily from person-to-person close contact, and individuals who are symptom-free (ASYMPTOMATIC -no signs of being sick) are able to spread the virus. Health officials are still learning how the virus spreads, so all should be vigilant about following social distancing practices, using personal protective equipment and proper cleaning protocols. Any person with these symptoms should not attend the NFF event and seek medical attention/or call your doctor. Anyone who have known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19 should not attend and should contact a medical professional if any of the symptoms above are present. These individuals should self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of exposure.
Venue Entry Requirements
• Entrances into the show venue will be specifically designated. When alternate exits are available, they should not be used for an entrance, if not designated as such.
• A single-entry location should be established to allow for touchless temperature screenings and monitoring of all entering.
• To assist with social distancing requirements, the venue will provide the proper floor markings, cones or signs to ensure 6-foot spacing between is in place.
• Individuals who are staffing entry points should have or be provided with appropriate PPE to accomplish assigned tasks that may include temperature screening or distributing face coverings.
- face coverings for athletes (required at check-in, venue entry)
- face coverings on stage are subject to venue and local government discretion.
- currently, NFF will not require athletes to wear a mask on stage
- NFF will maintain a stage that complies with all social distancing requirements for the safety of athletes and staff.
- face coverings will be required of all staff (including volunteers, judges, coaches, spectators)
- Temperature will be taken upon venue entry for all listed above
- Proper sanitizing protocols have been put in to place.
- Temperature check-in
- Proper sanitizing protocols for commonly touched surfaces
For the safety of all in attendance: Touch free temperature screening will be conducted at designated entry point by authorized personnel. Only one point of entry. Point of entry should NOT be a point of exit. And any point of exit SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A POINT OF ENTRY. No exceptions.
Physical Distancing Requirements
Personnel must follow social/physical distancing and related procedures while at an NFF Event. The following must be adhered to:
• Maintain at least 6 feet distance between individuals.
• No loitering or congregating in areas within the venue.
In keeping with federal and state recommendations, the NFF will request staff/volunteers to use personal protective equipment (face mask) while inside the venue during the event and a face covering should be worn when interacting with others where a six-foot social distancing cannot be maintained. In addition, according to the CDC, handwashing is one of the best ways to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Staff/Volunteers should also perform routine hand-washing protocols (of 20 seconds with soap) and only use hand sanitizing stations if soap and water are not available. Protective Equipment (face mask) also minimizes the risk of spreading the virus if no symptoms are noticeable, as with an infected asymptomatic individual.
General Safety Reminders
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, there are some simple safety reminders that everyone should follow, whether at an event, work or at home:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If soap and water are available, save hand sanitizer for when it is not.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• As much as possible, avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
Athletes: A gentle reminder. Being a bodybuilder is a tough sport. It test our ability to push ourselves beyond the morn. During prep and as we get closer to show day, its important to remember to stay healthy and stress free as low body fat and energy intake is associated with higher cortisol levels, which hamper the immune system, increasing the risk of bacterial infection or contracting a cold or flu virus.
Contact us with any questions.
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