MONMOUTH, IL – As the college sports scene prepares to reopen this fall, Monmouth College head athletic trainer Bob Foster has been busy this summer preparing for a new protocol to keep Fighting Scots student-athletes safe in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been in contact with the NCAA through a number of webinars and Zoom calls,” explained Foster, who is entering his 22nd year at Monmouth. “In order to make sure our students are safe, we’ll be following the best practices for our student-athletes and teams laid out by the NCAA and by state and local officials.”
Foster highlighted four main points in the protocol changes for student-athletes when using the Scots’ training room: 1) make an appointment to see a trainer, 2) temperature checks and a brief screening will be conducted each day prior to practicing, 3) hand washing is required, and 4) face coverings over the nose and mouth will be required in all treatment areas.
Student-athletes will also be required to bring their own water to practices, as shared coolers and water fountains will no longer be available under the new COVID protocol.
“Some athletes already do this, but for some it’ll be new,” said Foster. “We want to avoid the use of common water fountains and coolers. The student-athletes will need to bring their own bottle and the water they’ll need for practice or a game.”
New guidelines will also be in effect for anyone seeking water therapy treatment.
“Water therapy will be available for injury use only,” stressed Foster. “The tanks will not be open for recovery use. The amount of students using this type of treatment dictates this policy.”
Perhaps the biggest change in the training staff’s routine will be the routine task of taping prior to practice and games.
With social distancing protocols in place, Foster has adjusted not only the distance of the separation of the taping tables, but the locations, as well. When weather permits, taping will be done outdoors with trainers and student-athletes required to wear face coverings. On days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, taping will be moved indoors using the training room and expanding into the lobby space between Glennie Gymnasium and the equipment room.
The lobby area will be equipped with extra treatment tables to be used primarily for icing and hot pack treatments, but will be used for taping when the need arises. All tables used for treatment, regardless of their location, as well as any rehab equipment that may be used, will be wiped down between appointments.
The number of student-athletes using the training room at any one time is also being adjusted in order to maintain social distancing. A maximum of five student-athletes at a time will be permitted in the actual training room, provided they’re wearing the proper face coverings. Once inside, student-athletes will be directed to a specific table. Foster emphasizes the new training room protocol should not impact the amount of time student-athletes need to prepare for practice and games.
“It won’t take us any longer to tape, it’s just the athletes are going to have to maintain social distance while they wait,” said Foster. “They’ll also have to wait for the staff member to wipe the table down each time and to hand sanitize, but otherwise, there shouldn’t be any real change in the amount of time it takes to actually get taped.”
Foster and his staff regularly keep up-to-date with continuing education classes, but this summer has been a whole new ball game implementing new policies and reconfiguring the workspace. Student-athletes will be returning to campus in just a few weeks and Foster is ready to resume treating his Scots.
“I’ve missed our students,” he admitted. “I’m hopeful and excited for the start of our school year and to see everyone again. I’ve never been more ready to get back to work.”
***Report courtesy of Monmouth College***
