The University of Montana Western is an NAIA and NIRA institution and member of the Frontier Conference. Guidance for planning comes from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Frontier Conference, National Athletic Trainers Association, MUS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UMW Administration, and direction from campus and industry experts.
Key factors center on developing mitigation plans for return to practice and competition for student-athletes, best use of facilities, and protecting staff and coaches. Plans also provide guiding principles for mitigation and contact tracing.
MUS Healthy Fall 2020 Planning Guidelines for Campuses provides general planning guidelines for athletic departments. However, the MUS Athletics 2020 Advisory Group and future decisions from relevant governing organizations will heavily influence future decisions.
The Bulldog Athletic and Recreation Center (BARC)
The Bulldog Athletic and Recreation Center (BARC) is a multi-use facility which houses academic classrooms and faculty offices, all Department of Athletics operations, hosts campus and community activities and provides UMW students, staff, and faculty with access to resistance training and cardiovascular fitness equipment and gymnasium space for intramural and recreational activities.
In order to balance the needs of the many building constituents and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 disease transmission, additional procedures have been implemented for the 2021 Spring Semester.
Spring Semester Open Use Hours (Starting January 11, 2021)
The BARC fitness and recreation hours will be open for general student, faculty and staff use on Monday through Friday during the following times:
10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
BARC use hours will be adjusted for home athletic contests, scheduled campus activities/events, and academic course activities. Adjustments to BARC open use hours will be posted at facility and/or specific space entrances.
General Facility Guidelines
Entrance to the BARC is available only through the main entrance nearest the BARC parking lot.
Use of the facility for fitness and recreation is available only to UMW students, staff, and faculty. No community memberships are available.
UMW students, staff, and faculty must swipe their current Bulldog Card upon entrance to the facility.
All entrants to the BARC are expected to comply with the UMW Face Coverings Requirement.
Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to all fitness and recreation areas, users are encouraged to sanitize frequently while in the building.
Building staff will monitor use to ensure compliance with physical distancing and face covering polices; users are expected to comply with staff instructions and occupancy limits.
Physical distancing should be maintained in locker rooms and all common areas, please do not congregate in these areas.
Individuals with the following symptoms and circumstances should refrain from entering the BARC, stay home, and contact their healthcare provider.
Symptoms of COVID-19 including but not limited to:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Have a household member who is experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19.
Have been instructed by a healthcare professional to quarantine due to potential exposure to COVID-19.
Guidelines for specific BARC Areas
Weight Room
Occupancy restricted to 25 users during open use hours.
Patrons using free weights shall maintain six feet of separation except when a spotter is necessary. In this instance, workout groups shall be limited to two people.
All equipment must be wiped down by the patron when they are finished using the equipment. It is strongly encouraged that the equipment be wiped down prior to use as well. Cleaning materials are provided, please notify building staff if supplies need replenished.
Individuals engaged in strenuous physical activity may remove face coverings, but at all other times face covering compliance is expected.
Auxiliary (upstairs) Gymnasium
Occupancy restricted to 25 users during open use hours.
Open use equipment includes six basketball hoops. Users may bring their own additional sporting or fitness items for use. For COVID-19 safety purposes, individuals must supply their own basketballs, volleyballs, etc.
For scheduled activities, sponsoring department or organization will be responsible for supplying and cleaning necessary equipment.
Individuals engaged in strenuous physical activity may remove face coverings, but at all other times face covering compliance is expected.
Keltz Arena
Occupancy restricted to 50 users during open use hours.
Open use equipment includes resistance and cardiovascular fitness equipment and two basketball hoops. Users may bring their own additional sporting or fitness items for use. For COVID-19 safety purposes, individuals must supply their own basketballs, volleyballs, etc.
For scheduled activities, sponsoring department or organization will be responsible for supplying and cleaning necessary equipment.
All equipment must be wiped down by the patron when they are finished using the equipment. It is strongly encouraged that the equipment be wiped down prior to use as well. Cleaning materials are provided, please notify building staff if supplies need replenished.
Individuals engaged in strenuous physical activity may remove face coverings, but at all other times face covering compliance is expected.
For more information about the BARC and spring semester open use hours, please email william.wilson@umwestern.edu.
The University of Montana Western Athletics Department completed a COVID-19 Social Distancing Training on June 5, 2020 to address the MUS guidelines. The training content is listed below:
The University of Montana Western Athletics COVID-19 Social Distancing Training
The University of Montana Western Athletic Department recommends the following (click to expand) for use of the all athletics facilities (practice fields on campus, Vigilante Field & Track, BARC). With the slowing of COVID-19 spread and relaxation of Stay at Home Orders, there is an increased risk to everyone who uses our facilities and we ask that everyone adheres to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups over 10 people. (subject to change as Montana progresses through each phase.)
In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.
Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Why practice social distancing?
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.
Tips for social distancing
Follow guidance from authorities where you live.
Keep 6 feet between all student-athletes:
Social distance in workout and conditioning lines.
Social distance while standing around between sets and or conditioning.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others unless involved in rigorous physical activity. This includes pre and post workouts, coaches or uninvolved student-athletes should wear them whenever possible
Cloth face coverings should NOT be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
Examples of face masks include but aren’t limited to:
The University of Montana Western Athletics Department has also created a three stage protocol to address the MUS guidelines. The stages are listed below:
The University of Montana Western Athletics COVID-19 Plan Athletics Stage One (June 1) The UMW Athletics Guidelines for Outdoor Activities (Revised 6/11/20)
The University of Montana Western Athletic Department recommends the following guidelines for use of the outdoor athletics facilities (practice fields on campus, Vigilante Field & Track) by UMW student-athletes only. These guidelines are subject to change as new information is available. With the slowing of COVID-19 spread and relaxation of Stay at Home Orders, there is an increased risk to everyone who uses our facilities and we ask that everyone adheres to the new guidelines. These guidelines follow CDC recommendations.
Pre-screening
Coaches/athletic trainers will present the Safe-Start procedures to each of our student-athletes. Coaches and athletic trainers will also train our student-athletes on proper social distancing and safe procedures while using the Bulldog Athletics and Recreation Center (BARC). As a part of their supervision of student-athletes, coaches will ensure that these procedures are being followed.
Self-screening should take place prior to outdoor facility usage.
A person should not be present or active on the allowed facilities if they present with any of the following signs and symptoms:
Fever > Temperature over 100 degrees.
Flu-like Symptoms (any combination of the following: chills, repeated shaking chills, feeling hot/cold, muscle aches, headache, fatigue)
New onset of shortness of breath
New onset of cough
New onset of sore throat
New onset of loss of smell
New onset of loss of taste
If a person answers positively to any of the above he/she will not participate and should contact his or her primary care provider, Community Health Center or Barrett Hospital and Healthcare.
COVID-19 Positive Case Response
If we have a student-athlete that tests positive, we will follow the guidance from the medical provider.
If the athlete can go home, we will encourage them to do so. If they do go home, we will work with the Dean of Students to make sure this will not harm the athlete in their current class.
If going home is not an option and they live off campus, they will isolate/quarantine at their home in Dillon and we will work with the Dean of Students to prevent harm in their current class.
If they need to be isolated from their Dillon home, we will work with Residence Life and follow their guidelines and possibly be able to stay in the designated isolation places on campus.
The student would not be permitted to participate in any athletic related activity until they are cleared by the medical provider(s).
What is most important for the athletic department is to follow the guidance from the medical provider.
The day a student-athlete is symptomatic, two days prior to the symptoms they are considered contagious (by CDC guidelines).
UMW athletic staff will turn over the COVID-19 daily log of activity to Public Health so they can conduct their contact tracing procedures.
Work with local public health officials to determine cancellation of classes and closure of BARC facilities. UMW administrators should work closely with their local health officials to determine if a short-term closure (for 2- 5 days) of BARC facilities is needed. In some cases, UMW administrators, working with local health officials, may choose to only close facilities (i.e. weight room, athletic training clinic, gym) that had been entered by the individual(s) with COVID-19.
Local health officials’ recommendations for the duration and extent of class suspensions, building and facility closures, and event and activity cancellations should be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the community.
Clean and disinfect thoroughly
UMW administration working with public health officials will determine the best form of proper cleaning and disinfecting of the BARC.
Close off areas used by the infected person. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area and then begin cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the COVID-19 patient focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
Social Distancing
Social distancing is defined as keeping a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
Until further notice, UMW student-athletes may only work out in groups of no more than 10. Students, coaches and staff should stay at least 6 feet apart from each other.
Each participant should wear a mask unless involved in rigorous physical activity. The mask/facial cover should cover the nose and the mouth. Possible option if person does not have a mask include not but are not limited to:
Procedure Mask
Cloth Masks
Homemade cloth mask
Bandana
Scarf
Neck gaiter with face cover or balaclava
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Hygiene
Hands should be washed for 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer prior to and following all activity.
Towels, clothing or other items used for cleaning or drying should not be shared
Hydration
Everyone is required to use their own hydration bottle. NO SHARING!
If any equipment is used (i.e. football, weights) they should be cleaned at the beginning and end of each session.
Miscellaneous
Student-athletes can ONLY enter the BARC during Stage One for COVID-19 screening & to use the restroom
BARC Restroom Access
Restroom access is limited to the restrooms in the main hallway next to the Straugh Gymnasium only. No access to the Straugh Gym, Auxillary Gym, Keltz Arena, locker rooms, showers, or classrooms during Stage One.
Athletics Stage Two (June 15) The UMW Athletics Guidelines for Indoor Activities (Revised 6/11/20)
The University of Montana Western Athletics Guidelines for the Bulldog Athletic Recreation Center (BARC). The University of Montana Western Athletic Department recommends the following guidelines for use of the BARC by UMW student-athletes only. These guidelines are subject to change as new information is available. With the slowing of COVID-19 spread and relaxation of Stay at Home Orders, there is an increased risk to everyone who uses our facilities and we ask that everyone adheres to the new guidelines. These guidelines follow CDC’s recommendations.
The University reopened the Bulldog Athletic Recreation Center on June 15, 2020, for use by student-athletes. The facility is spacious and allows for social distancing while student-athletes train under the supervision of certified athletic trainers and strength coaches.
Pre-screening
Coaches/athletic trainers will present the Safe-Start procedures to each of our student-athletes only. Coaches and athletic trainers will also train our student-athletes on proper social distancing and safe procedures while using the BARC. As a part of their supervision of student-athletes, coaches will ensure that these procedures are being followed.
Student-athletes must schedule work-out times in the BARC. NO walk-ups.
Screenings will take place for each scheduled work-out.
A person should not be present or active in the allowed facilities if they present with any of the following signs and symptoms:
Fever > Temperature over 100 degrees.
Flu-like Symptoms (any combination of the following: chills, repeated shaking chills, feeling hot/cold, muscle aches, headache, fatigue)
New Onset of shortness of breath
New onset of cough
New onset of sore throat
New onset of loss of smell
New onset of loss of taste
If a person answers positively to any of the above he/she will not participate and should contact his or her athletic trainer, primary care provider, Community Health Center or Barrett Hospital and Healthcare.
COVID-19 Positive Case Response
If we have a student-athlete that tests positive, we will follow the guidance from the medical provider and Public Health.
Once a positive test is confirmed the lab will inform public health who will in turn inform the student athlete. It is the student-athletes instruction to inform the athletic department. Public Health will inform the athletic training staff. (This is directly from public health)
If the athlete can go home, we will encourage them to do so.
If they do go home, we will work with the Dean of Students to make sure this will not harm the athlete in their current class.
If going home is not an option and they live off campus, they will isolate/quarantine at their home in Dillon and we will work with the Dean of Students to prevent harm in their current class.
If they need to be isolated from their Dillon home, we will work with Residence Life and follow their guidelines and possibly be able to stay in the designated isolation places on campus.
The student would not be permitted to participate in any athletic related activity until they are cleared by the medical provider(s).
What is most important for the athletic department is to follow the guidance from the medical provider.
The day a student-athlete is symptomatic, two days prior to the symptoms they are considered contagious (by CDC guidelines).
UMW athletic staff will turn over the COVID-19 daily log of activity to Public Health so they can conduct their contact tracing procedures. The athletic training staff will assist public health with contact tracing and follow-up care of the student-athlete.
Work with local public health officials to determine cancellation of classes and closure of BARC facilities. UMW administrators should work closely with their local health officials to determine if a short-term closure (for 2- 5 days) of BARC facilities is needed. In some cases, UMW administrators, working with local health officials, may choose to only close facilities (i.e. weight room, athletic training clinic, gym) that had been entered by the individual(s) with COVID-19.
Local health officials’ recommendations for the duration and extent of class suspensions, building and facility closures, and event and activity cancellations should be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the community.
Clean and disinfect thoroughly
UMW administration working with public health officials will determine the best form of proper cleaning and disinfecting of the BARC.
Close off areas used by the infected person. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area and then begin cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the COVID-19 patient focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
Social Distancing
Social distancing is defined as keeping a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
Until further notice, UMW student-athletes may only work out in groups of no more than 10. Coaches and staff should stay at least 6 feet apart from each other.
Each participant should wear a mask if possible unless involved in exertional physical activity. The mask/facial cover should cover the nose and the mouth. Possible option if person does not have a mask include not but are not limited to:
Procedure Mask
Cloth Masks
Homemade cloth mask
Bandana
Scarf
Neck gaiter with face cover or balaclava
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Hygiene
Hands should be washed for 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer prior to and following all activity.
Towels, clothing or other items used for cleaning or drying should not be shared
Hydration
Everyone is required to use their own hydration bottle. NO SHARING!
Drinking fountains use is limited to fill water bottle only.
If any equipment is used (i.e. football, weights, basketball, volleyball) they should be cleaned at the beginning and end of each session.
Cleaning of doors and heavily trafficked areas will be done frequently.
Access to BARC
BARC Entrance
Entry to the BARC is limited to student athletes and staff.
Door entry and exits are limited to specific doors.
Laundry Room
Laundry room access is limited to staff.
Ice machine usage is prohibited until further notice.
Washer and dryer use is limited to staff and proper PPE (gown and gloves) must be used.
Dave Kendall Athletic Training Clinic
Student athlete and staff usage by appointment only.
Mask should be worn.
Ice machine is limited to athletic training staff only.
Weight Room
Weight room is limited to student-athletes and staff. Social Distancing must be practiced.
Mask should be worn unless rigorous physical activity is being performed.
Drinking fountains limited to water bottle filling only!
Cleaning of Equipment
Each piece of equipment must be wiped down by the person who used it. Cleaning materials will be provided.
Racquetball Courts use is prohibited.
Straugh Gymnasium, Keltz Arena, and Upstairs Gymnasiums
Mask should be worn unless exertional physical activity is being performed.
Social distancing must be practiced.
Drinking fountains use is limited to water bottle filling only.
Proper cleaning of any equipment used must be done before and after each session.
Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms
Mask should be worn at all times
Social distancing must be practiced at all times.
Locker use is prohibited. Must bring all items in personal bag.
Shower use is prohibited until further notice.
Bathroom usage in locker rooms is prohibited. Please use bathroom in main hallway.
Bathroom Access
Bathroom access is limited to the bathrooms in the main hallway next to the Straugh Gymnasium.
Athletics Stage Three (August 15) The UMW Athletics Guidelines for Practices, Contests, and all other Participation Events
The University of Montana Western Athletics Guidelines for all practice venues, game venues, and participation venues. The University of Montana Western Athletic Department recommends the following guidelines for practices, games, and all other participation events. These guidelines are subject to change as new information is available. With the slowing of COVID-19 and relaxation of Stay at Home Orders, there is an increased risk to everyone who uses the facilities and we ask everyone to adhere to these new guidelines. These guidelines follow CDC recommendations.
Pre-screening
Coaches/athletic trainers will present the Athletics COVID-19 procedures to each of our student-athletes. Coaches and athletic trainers will also train our student-athletes on proper social distancing and safe procedures while using the BARC. As a part of their supervision of student-athletes, coaches will ensure that these procedures are being followed.
Screenings will take place each day through the athletic training staff app DragonFly Max.
A person should not be present or active in the allowed facilities if they present with any of the following signs and symptoms:
Fever > Temperature over 100 degrees.
Flu-like Symptoms (any combination of the following: chills, repeated shaking chills, feeling hot/cold, muscle aches, headache, fatigue)
New onset of shortness of breath
New onset of cough
New onset of sore throat
New onset of loss of smell
New onset of loss of taste
If a person answers positively to any of the above he/she will not participate and should contact his or her athletic trainer, primary care provider, Community Health Center or Barrett Hospital and Healthcare.
COVID-19 Positive Case Response
If we have a student-athlete that tests positive, we will follow the guidance from the medical provider and public health.
Once a positive test is confirmed the lab will inform public health who will in turn inform the student athlete. It is the student-athletes instruction to inform the athletic department. Public Health will inform the athletic training staff. (This is directly from public health)
If the athlete can go home, we will encourage them to do so.
If they do go home, we will work with the Dean of Students to make sure this will not harm the athlete in their current class.
If going home is not an option and they live off campus, they will isolate/quarantine at their home in Dillon and we will work with the Dean of Students to prevent harm in their current class.
If they need to be isolated from their Dillon home, we will work with Residence Life and follow their guidelines and possibly be able to stay in the designated isolation places on campus.
The student would not be permitted to participate in any athletic related activity until they are cleared by the medical provider(s).
What is most important for the athletic department is to follow the guidance from the medical provider.
The day a student-athlete is symptomatic, two days prior to the symptoms they are considered contagious (by CDC guidelines).
UMW athletic staff will turn over the COVID-19 daily log of activity to Public Health so they can conduct their contact tracing procedures. Athletic training staff will assist with all student-athlete contact tracing and follow-up care.
Work with local public health officials to determine cancellation of classes and closure of BARC facilities. UMW administrators should work closely with their local health officials to determine if a short-term closure (for 2- 5 days) of BARC facilities is needed. In some cases, UMW administrators, working with local health officials, may choose to only close facilities (i.e. weight room, athletic training clinic, gym) that had been entered by the individual(s) with COVID-19.
Local health officials’ recommendations for the duration and extent of class suspensions, building and facility closures, and event and activity cancellations should be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the community.
Clean and disinfect thoroughly
UMW administration working with public health officials will determine the best form of proper cleaning and disinfecting of the BARC. The athletic training staff will assist public health with contact tracing and follow-up care of the student-athlete.
Close off areas used by the infected person. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area and then begin cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the COVID-19 patient focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
Athletic Participation
The positive student athlete will be removed from all practice, games, film study, or any other athletic related event until the athlete has received clearance from a medical official.
If deemed appropriate by the health care team cardiovascular testing will be done.
Social Distancing
Social distancing is defined as keeping a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and another person.
Until further notice, UMW student-athletes may work in groups of any number. The coaches and staff should still practice social distancing when possible.
Masks
Masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible to achieve.
Each participant should wear a mask if possible unless involved in exertional physical activity. The mask/facial cover should cover the nose and the mouth. Possible option if person does not have a mask include not but are not limited to:
Procedure Mask
Cloth Masks
Homemade cloth mask
Bandana
Scarf
Neck gaiter with face cover or balaclava
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Hygiene
Hands should be washed for 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer prior to and following all activity.
Towels, clothing or other items used for cleaning or drying should not be shared.
Every student-athlete must go through hygiene training from athletic training staff.
Hydration
Everyone is required to use their own hydration bottle. NO SHARING!
Drinking fountains use is limited to fill water bottle only.
If any equipment is used (i.e. football, weights, basketball, volleyball) they will be cleaned at the beginning and end of each session.
Cleaning of doors and heavily trafficked areas will be done frequently.
Access to BARC
BARC Entrance
Entry to the BARC is limited to students and staff.
Door entry and exits are limited to specific doors.
Laundry Room
Laundry room access is limited to staff.
Ice machine usage is prohibited until further notice.
Dave Kendall Athletic Training Clinic
Student athlete and staff usage by appointment only.
Mask should be worn.
Ice Machine is limited to athletic training staff only.
Cold Tubs are limited to two people per tub.
The tubs will be cleaned by use of bromine tablet.
Tables will be cleaned after every appointment
Social distancing will be expected in the Clinic
All AT equipment will be cleaned after every usage
Weight Room
Weight Room is available to all students during specific times scheduled by the BARC athletic staff. Social distancing must be practiced.
Mask are to be worn unless rigorous physical activity is being performed.
Drinking fountains limited to water bottle filling only!
Cleaning of Equipment
Each piece of equipment must be wiped down by the person who used it. Cleaning materials will be provided.
Signage will be posted at each station encouraging students to clean each piece of equipment after they finish their workout.
Racquetball Courts use is prohibited.
Straugh Gymnasium, Keltz Arena, and Upstairs Gymnasiums
Mask are to be worn unless rigorous physical activity is being performed.
Social distancing must be practiced.
Drinking fountains use is limited to water bottle filling only.
Proper cleaning of any equipment used must be done before and after each session.
Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms
Mask should be worn at all times
Social Distancing must be practiced at all times.
Locker use is prohibited. Must bring all items in personal bag.
Shower use will be allowed with as long as social distancing is practiced
Shower usage will be limited to every other nozzle
Contest Protocol
Vigilante Stadium (Football, Cheerleading)
The University of Montana Western will ask all fans to socially distance as long as the State of Montana is still in Phase II.
Fans will be asked to wear masks if social distancing can’t be practiced.
Limited fans on the sideline. Must be screened prior to access to the field.
Concessions workers will use proper hygiene and PPE.
Signage about high risk individuals and proper PPE usage.
The University of Montana Western will ask all fans to socially distance as long as the State of Montana is still in Phase II.
Fans will be asked to wear masks if social distancing can’t be practiced.
Limited fans on the sideline. Must be screened prior to access to the field.
Concessions workers will use proper hygiene and PPE.
Signage about high risk individuals and proper PPE usage will be posted.
Beaverhead Golf Course (Cross Country)
The University of Montana Western will ask all fans to socially distance as long as the State of Montana is still in Phase II.
Fans will be asked to wear masks if social distancing can’t be practiced.
Limited fans on the sideline. Must be screened prior to access to the field.
Concessions workers will use proper hygiene and PPE.
Signage about high risk individuals and proper PPE usage will be posted.
Rodeo Grounds (Rodeo)
The University of Montana Western will ask all fans to socially distance as long as the State of Montana is still in Phase II.
Fans will be asked to wear masks if social distancing can’t be practiced.
Limited fans on the sideline. Must be screened prior to access to the field.
Concessions workers will use proper hygiene and PPE.
Signage about high risk individuals and proper PPE usage will be posted.
Gameday Staff and Athlete Protocol
Pre-Screening
All gameday staff must complete Pre-Screening.
All UMW student-athletes will complete Pre-Screening performed by UMW athletic trainers no more than 6 hours prior to the contest.
All visiting teams will be sent these guidelines. All visiting teams must complete the Pre-Screening no more than 6 hours prior to the contest by the visiting team’s athletic trainer. If no visiting team athletic trainer, then the UMW athletic training staff will complete the Pre-Screening.
Positive COVID-19 Symptom Screening
Positive COVID-19 Symptom Screening will be deemed positive by the healthcare team which includes but is not limited to: athletic trainers, team physician and Beaverhead County Public Health.
If positive COVID-19 symptoms are present the following team will meet and decide on a case by case basis if the contest can continue. The team is as follows:
Athletic Directors from both schools
Athletic Trainers from both schools
Beaverhead County Public Health
Board of Beaverhead County Public Health (if necessary)
Head Coach from each team
UMW Administration
School Administration
Team Physicians
The University of Montana Western Athletics COVID-19 Campus Visit Guidelines
The following plan for athletics campus visits is largely based on the approved UMW Admissions campus visit plan with a few recommendations specific to athletics.
Admissions Campus Visits COVID-19 Policy
Out-of-state student visits will be scheduled in compliance with any quarantine requirements enacted by the governor.
Only one family will be allowed to tour campus at a time unless the families arrange the visit together.
Social distancing guidelines will be used during the campus tour to make sure there is six feet between the tour guide and the family. Additionally, tour guides will keep social distancing guidelines in mind when touring families around campus to make sure they stay six feet away from faculty and staff when on the tour.
Admissions presentations will be delivered in rooms that allow for social distancing. Information about campus tours and the location of these rooms will be communicated with Facilities Services to ensure they are disinfected on days with visitors on campus.
Athletics Considerations
No tryouts during the campus visit may occur at this time.
Coaches should only meet with Prospective Student-Athletes (PSA) in a classroom, gym or larger space while in the BARC. Coaches’ offices are too small to maintain proper social distance.
Coaches should communicate the requirement of facial coverings to PSA’s and their guests prior to the visit.
Following the visit, coaches should disinfect any meeting rooms that were used during the visit.
Coaches will be trained by Admissions on proper social distancing techniques during tours/visits.
UMW COVID-19 Athletics Coordination Team:
Bill Wilson, Director of Athletics
Kaleb Birney, Head Athletic Trainer
Nicole Hazelbaker, Dean of Students
Zach McCarthy, Athletic Trainer
Russ Richardson, Director of Student-Athlete Health and Wellness NAIA