Dear Clubs and Schools,
In-line with the recent focus on Coronavirus, SFC would like to set out the organisation\’s position on the various issues that may arise.
The team would firstly like to reassure you that the number of cases in the UK remains very low, as does the risk of exposure. However, we appreciate that the situation has been developing quickly and have thus included some information that we hope will answer some of the questions you may have.
SFC Athletes – Taking Special Measures
The team will follow guidelines delivered by the World Health Organisation on infection control:
• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• When coughing/sneezing cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow/tissue – throw it away immediately and wash your hands
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
• No physical contact with any children/staff at schools
• Child and athlete photos – please just stand next to child, no contact, e.g. an arm around the child’s shoulder
• When arriving at schools explain you are unable to shake hands/high five and ask where you can wash your hands
• You are not to help put any school equipment away after you have completed the fitness circuit
• No medals/sporting equipment of your own is to be passed out to children
• Please carry hand sanitizer with you at all times and reassure/demonstrate the hygiene procedures set by SFC
• Please use sanitizer after leaving schools, as this will prevent the spread of any germs present on the door when exiting
SFC\’s Policy on Athlete Travel
We know that some athletes will have plans to travel in the near future, including pre-booked holidays. Certain countries have been identified as having been severely affected by the virus and we would ask that athletes consider, for their own health reasons, whether their travel is necessary. If they do travel, they let their SFC manager know of the countries to be visited so that we can manage their return appropriately. Additionally, we ask that they keep themselves up-to-date on the situation with health authorities within the respective countries, as some require self-isolation upon return.
Self-Isolation
The government is currently advising people to self-isolate if having recently returned from certain countries; even if they have no symptoms. Isolation literally means that people are to stay at home and not have any contact with other people for a set amount of time – unless there is a need/emergency. In the event that this applies to athletes, they will not attend schools during their isolation period. SFC will inform schools if this is the case and reschedule for a future date with the same athlete or keep the original booking with another.
Sending Athletes Home at Short Notice
If we are concerned that an athlete may have been exposed to the virus even though they are not displaying symptoms, we may take the decision to send them home immediately, which may effect school visits at very short notice, we ask for your cooperation should this unlikely scenario should arise and appreciate that schools welfare is just as important as our staff and athletes.
School Closures
If your school closes, we will do our best to reschedule for you and keep the original athlete, but this depends on the athletes availability so your event may be given to anther athlete to cover.
The team do not wish to cause any worry in sharing this letter and reiterate the very low risk of contracting Coronavirus here in the UK. We are monitoring developments to the situation and will provide updates where required. The wellbeing and safety of all at schools and in the community is of the utmost importance to Team SFC, our athletes, and especially myself.
If you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Darren Emmanuel
Founder & Managing Director
Sports For Champions UK (CIC)
