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2020 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND BEST PRACTICES and USEF WAIVER

i May 15th No Comments by

MSHS1

2020 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND BEST PRACTICES DOCUMENT

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and

USEF WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY DOCUMENT

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Greetings all,

Below, you will find the Protocols and Best Practices that have been developed for the 2020 Mid States Summer Series.  Please consider these policies as somewhat fluid and subject to change as the environment surrounding this pandemic changes.  Mid States will do our best to adapt to this rapidly changing environment and will strive to keep everyone a safe as possible.  Hope to see you soon!

2020 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND BEST PRACTICES

The following document outlines the protocols, guidelines, and best practices that will be in place during the Mid States Summer Series taking place June 3-7, 2020 and June 10-14, 2020 at the North Iowa Events Center.  These protocols have been developed based on the guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Unites States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and the governments of Iowa and Cerro Gordo County.  All persons involved in the shows including, but not limited to, staff, officials, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, trainers, grooms, parents/guardians, and other support staff must adhere to the protocols set forth in this document.  In accordance with GR702.1 and GR914 the competition organizer and/or a USEF Steward/Technical Delegate has the authority to remove from the facility any person who does not comply with the regulations and requirements in effect at the competition.  Removal of a person from the competition grounds must, and will be, documented by the USEF Steward/Technical Delegate in their report to the USEF.  Trainers will be considered responsible for the conduct and adherence to the protocols for all individuals associated with their entries.

Anyone interested in attending these horse shows must:

  1. Have not tested positive or has been presumed positive for COVID-19 at any time in the last 14 days.
  2. Have not come in contact with anyone who has tested positive or has been presumed positive for COVID-19 at any time in the last 14 days.
  3. Have not been recommended by a healthcare professional to self-quarantine or isolate in the last 14 days.
  4. Has not displayed the known symptoms of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, a fever of 99.5F (37.5C), cough, or shortness of breath, within the last 72 hours.

We at Mid States Horse Shows, LLC (MSHS) strongly request that if you are not feeling well in any capacity that you stay home and not attend our events.  It is everyone’s responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourself and others. 

 

Prior to Attending the Mid States Horse Shows Events

Planning:

In order to ensure a safe and quality product, MSHS requests that anyone interested in attending provide as much information to management as possible.  This includes:

  • Stall Counts.
  • Exhibitors in attendance.  Names and emergency contacts are preferred.
  • Horses in attendance.  Names and recording numbers are preferred, but at the very least a count is requested.
  • Classes and divisions that an exhibitor is interested in.
  • Shavings, Hay, and Feed estimations.
  • Paddocks or Golf Cart Rentals.
  • Signed USEF Release and Waiver.  Available for download on the MSHS website.  Digital submission to Patrice at purbs1@aol.com is preferred.
  • Proof of Vaccinations, Negative Coggins, and other Health Documents are requested to be sent digitally to Patrice at purbs1@aol.com prior to arrival.
  • Ensure that Safe Sport and Microchipping information is current.
  • Arrival and Departure estimations.

The most efficient way to provide this information is via the Entry Blanks, Stabling Reservation Forms, Waivers, and other applicable documents that will be available on the Mid States website: www.midstateshorseshows.com, and then submitting said forms directly to Patrice Urban at purbs1@aol.com.

Entries:

  • Electronic entries are the preferred method for entering these events.  The entries may be submitted in the following formats:
  1. Online via the horse show program: www.horseshowtime.com.  The show program will be set up so that trainers and individuals may enter the horse show digitally.
  2. Online via Equestrian Connect.  Entries may be submitted electronically by visiting our online entry partner www.equestrianconnect.com.
  3. Digitally, by filling out the entry hard copies and then submitting them electronically directly to Patrice Urban at purbs1@aol.com.
    1. Download the Entry Blanks from www.midstateshorseshows.com
    2. Print the Entry Blanks
    3. Fill the Entry Blanks out with all applicable information.
    4. Scan the completed Entry Blanks, OR, take a clear and legible picture of all sides of the Entry Blanks.
    5. Email the completed scanned or photographed entry blanks directly to Patrice at purbs1@aol.com
  • Complete entries are requested and include all applicable information and class entries.  If you cannot submit entries in the above mentioned formats please contact Patrice Urban directly at 402-689-0669 or purbs1@aol.com.
  • Due to the uncertainty of these times, late fees will be waived.  However, it is strongly requested that you provide as much information about your intention to compete and enter as early as possible.

 

Arrivals:

  • MSHS and USEF require anyone arriving on the grounds to self-monitor their temperature once daily prior to entering the competition grounds.  Anyone with a temperature below 99.5F (37.5C) may enter the grounds.  This will be required upon initial arrival.  Please act responsibly and comply.
  • All persons that are present on grounds will be required to have and wear a face covering of their preference at all times.  Exception:  An individual is not required to wear a mask when mounted, but will not be eliminated or otherwise penalized for wearing a mask while competing.
  • Please contact management directly with your estimated arrival time.  This will help facilitate an environment where we can limit person to person interaction and traffic during arrival.

 

During the Competition and While on Grounds

General:

  • MSHS will provide temperature checks for all staff and officials each day.  This will include the braiders on grounds and a separate temperature check will be arranged with them.  The braiders have developed additional protocol that will protect themselves, the exhibitors, and the horses.
  • MSHS and USEF require anyone arriving on the grounds to self-monitor their temperature once daily prior to entering the competition grounds.  Anyone with a temperature below 99.5F (37.5C) may enter the grounds.  This will be required upon initial arrival.  Please act responsibly and comply.
  • MSHS and USEF will require a signed USEF Waiver and Release of Liability document that includes providing emergency contact information to management.
  • These competitions will be open and accessible to Trainers, Riders, Grooms, Owners, a parent/guardian for minors, and Competition Staff.  Trainers are encouraged to limit the number of persons that are in attendance with your group.  These competitions will be closed to the public and outside spectators.  If you are not directly involved with an entry, you are not permitted to be on the grounds.
  • MSHS will attempt to provide reasonable amounts of cleaning and sanitizing products throughout the grounds to help mitigate the spread of disease and to promote a safe and socially responsible environment.
  • Everyone on the competition grounds will be required to wear a mask or face covering at all times, except when mounted.  The type of mask or face covering will be that of your own choosing and will be provided by the exhibitor.  If you are unable to provide a mask or face covering please contact management who will have limited supplies available for purchase.  No exhibitor will be eliminated or otherwise penalized for wearing a mask or face covering while competing.
  • Please practice social distancing while on the competition grounds.
    • All persons should try to maintain at least 6ft of separation from other persons.  Please do not gather in groups.
    • Wash your hands often!
    • Use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is strongly recommended.
    • MSHS encourages all participants to take responsibility for providing your own personal protective equipment (PPE) and general supplies.  This includes, but is not limited to water, food, cleaning products, and other supplies.  Barns should develop protocols that limit the communal use of grooming supplies, lead ropes, halters, and tack/equipment.  The best practice is to use your own!

 

 

Horse Show Office:

  • MSHS and USEF strongly encourage all exhibitors to complete their entry forms, in their entirety, including having all required memberships in place, prior to entering the competition office.
  • MSHS encourages our exhibitors to perform office duties digitally whenever possible.  The number of exhibitors allowed access to the horse show office will be limited and social distancing measures will be in place.  See below for daily Adds/Scratches.
  • MSHS requests that for each barn/trainer one person be designated as the official office liaison for any and all office business that must take place in person.  This will help reduce the number of persons that come in contact with the horse show office.
  • If entries are appropriately prepared and submitted in a reasonable timeframe prior to arrival, Mid States staff will try to prepare trainer/exhibitor packets that will include back numbers, number string, and any updated information for use during the show.
  • Protective barriers will be erected in the office to provide separation between the secretaries and the exhibitors who must access the office.
  • Check In:  Appointment times may be scheduled for Check In to help reduce the number of persons that will be attempting to access the office at one time.
  • Adds/Scratches:  Adds and Scratches MUST be completed by 5:00pm the night before the next day’s competition and must be performed via www.horseshowtime.com.  Time permitting, daily Adds/Scratches may be performed at the in-gate and may be charged a fee.
  • Check Out:  The MSHS office will try to organize show statements by Saturday to provide to trainers or the designated office contact person.  This will provide an opportunity to review the statements for accuracy before final checkout on Sunday. Appointment times may be scheduled for Check Out to help reduce the number of persons that will be attempting to access the office at one time.

 

Stabling:

  • Management will make a concerted effort to stable exhibitors in an way that promotes as much social distancing as possible, however, it is expected that each barn/trainer will develop policies that create an environment that promotes social distancing, sanitization/cleaning, and is socially responsible in their own stabling location.  Trainers will be considered responsible for the conduct and adherence to the protocols of their clients and staff.
  • MSHS encourages trainers and exhibitors to limit the number of persons allowed in the stabling area.  Consider designating specific persons that have access to the stabling area (trainers, grooms, or specific exhibitors), and encourage exhibitors to meet their mounts outside the stable or at the schooling ring.

 

Competition Format:

  • The number of persons allowed access to the schooling rings will be limited.  MSHS will attempt to take the necessary steps to inform exhibitors of the progress of the show, when it is possible to access the schooling areas, and to alleviate ring conflicts.
  • Posted orders of go, and a priority ring may be enacted to help expedite the show and limit the number of persons accessing the competition area at one time.
  • Please limit the number of persons accompanying an exhibitor to the ring to the rider, trainer, and groom or support staff member.  Some flexibility may be afforded here to encourage efficient showing, but all members of the team are expected to adhere to social distancing policies.
  • Sanitizer products will be available in the schooling areas to sanitize the jumps.  Exhibitors are required to sanitize the jump cups and rails following each use, and MSHS crew will sanitize during break downs for drags other available moments.
  • Please allow flexibility during the show to these policies so that adjustments can be made as needed.
  • A schooling procedure is still being developed.  As always, MSHS will try to allow an environment that is schooling friendly, but please understand that due to the situation schooling may be limited.

Departures:

  • Please contact management directly with your estimated departure time.  This will help facilitate an environment where we can limit person to person interaction and traffic during departure.

 

Emergency Plan

In the event that there is a medical emergency the following measures will followed:

Sport related injury:  All normal protocols will be taken.

  • On-site Medical personnel will attend to and assess the injured person.
  • If the on-site medical personnel determines that medical transport is needed, then management will call for transport from the nearest medical facility.
  • If the on-site medical personnel determines that medical transport is not needed, then management will follow the recommendations of the on-site medical personnel, and all other rules set forth from the USEF.

COVID-19/Illness related incident:  If someone on grounds displays signs of illness or symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19 the following procedures will be taken.

  • Consult with the on-site medical personnel.
  • Determine whether or not immediate isolation is needed.  In such a case the person will be moved to a separate indoor room on the grounds and will be tended to accordingly until further plan is determined.
  • In consultation with the on-site medical personnel, if transportation to the nearest medical facility is required, then it will be arranged.
  • Ultimately, the person in question will be encouraged to check in at the nearest medical facility for evaluation and potential testing.
  • In the event of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, all individuals associated with entries in the horse show will be notified.

 

MSHS would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who in interested in our events and has continued to support us in these difficult times.  By enacting these policies, we are hoping that we all can get back to what we love doing and can begin to enjoy our sport again.

Please continue to be conscious of the seriousness of this situation.  This return to competition is not an instantaneous jump back to normal conditions, but a first step towards a return to normalcy.  We at Mid States understand these times are difficult and uncertain, but hope that we can provide a product that is as safe and socially responsible as possible until we things can truly get back to normal.

 

Sincerely,

Dan Urban and all at Mid States Horse Shows, LLC

www.midstateshorseshows.com

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