[SBU Board] Fwd: Next Steps for Face-to-Face Tournaments

Thu Apr 15 18:36:12 PDT 2021

FYI and for discussion.

Most notably, this adds site space requirements to our docket (though we
can likely reclaim some hospitality space, especially when you consider
that players can't eat or drink within the play area). We are nowhere close
to 8' of space between tables at most of our venues.  We also will have a
new volunteer area we need to staff re: safety coordination and monitoring.
__
JC Chupack (she/her)
* Seattle ACBL Unit 446 <http://www.bridgeinseattle.org> President &
Web/Email Admin
* Associate Director, Product Management at Chewy <https://www.chewy.com>

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: American Contract Bridge League <emailservices at acbl.org>
Date: Thu, Apr 15, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Subject: Next Steps for Face-to-Face Tournaments
To: <jc.chupack at gmail.com>

Requirements and Procedures
<https://acbl.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0a09fd687ebd2b74a40bba3c4&id=55c8107adb&e=70fa6a488a>
Dear District and Unit Presidents and Tournament Chairs,

As we move further into 2021, we wanted to update you on the requirements
for face-to-face tournaments and the procedure for event approval.

Below is a description of policy, and you may click here
<https://acbl.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0a09fd687ebd2b74a40bba3c4&id=98ad006138&e=70fa6a488a>
for an accompanying breakdown of information.

*Beginning on August 1, 2021, the following sanctions will be allowed to
move forward:*

   1. STaCs
   2. Intermediate/Newcomer Sectionals and Downgraded Sectionals (i.e.,
   Sectional Tournaments that do not require ACBL staff)

*For all other tournament sanctions, our team will review each event and
give approval on a case-by-case basis. Please note:*

   - The ACBL will evaluate each tournament at the 100-day, 60-day and
   30-day marks (before the tournament start date).
   - In order for the tournament to be held, all criteria will need to be
   in the green zone (see PDF for details
   <https://acbl.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0a09fd687ebd2b74a40bba3c4&id=113783f6c0&e=70fa6a488a>)
   by the start of the tournament. Therefore, the status needs to be trending
   to that by the 30-day mark.
   - These evaluations will help decide if/when you will need to cancel
   your venue, or in extreme cases, where ACBL will decide they will be unable
   to staff the event.

You will note that some of the criteria to be used for the team’s decisions
are subjective. This is done intentionally as we know there are many unique
situations around the League. Also note that the size of a tournament and
the breadth of the projected attending geography will also be a major
factor.

The final decision rests with ACBL. Our primary concern and overriding
principles will be based on the safety of our players, staff and volunteers.

*For tournaments that do proceed, the following will be MANDATORY:*

   1. Vaccination: All staff, players and volunteers must be fully
   vaccinated and provide proof of such upon arrival.
   2. Face masks: All staff, players and volunteers must wear approved face
   masks at all times when within the playing area.
   3. Table spacing: Tables must be set at a minimum of 11’ centers, in
   other words, at least 8’ apart.
   4. No food or drink may be distributed except for individual “grab and
   go” types of servings that are covered and can be taken without contact
   from others. (Example: Individual servings are allowed. Having coffee with
   communal cream containers and sugar is not allowed. A volunteer or paid
   assistant may serve coffee such that only one person is handling these
   items.)
   5. Exceptions may be made to the vaccination and face mask mandates due
   to qualifying medical conditions or firmly held religious beliefs. These
   exceptions will be determined by ACBL in conjunction with the tournament
   sponsor on a case-by-case basis, and accommodations may be made if they do
   not create an undue hardship on ACBL and/or the sponsor or pose a threat to
   others in the playing area.

*Local organizers MUST supply the following:*

   1. Face masks for those who neglect to bring one (note: you may charge a
   nominal fee for these)
   2. Hand sanitizer available throughout the playing area
   3. An “Event Safety Coordinator” who shall be responsible for ensuring
   all these measures are met. Please note that this will include coordinating
   the effort of checking proof of vaccination and monitoring such that
   players exhibiting signs of illness are not admitted.

*Please note that all the above is subject to change at any point during
these uncertain times.*

Regards,
Greg Coles
Director of Operations

CC: ACBL Board of Directors
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