This document sets out the COVID-19 policies and protocols applicable to the 2021/22 NLL Season (“Policy” or “Protocol”) and is intended to help protect against the contraction and spread of COVID-19. All individuals involved with the 2021/22 Season are expected to familiarize themselves with this document and maintain strict adherence to these policies and protocols.
While comprehensive, the measures outlined in this document cannot mitigate all risk. A range of clinical scenarios exists for those who contract COVID-19, from very mild to fatal. COVID-19 generally adversely affects older age groups and those with previously existing medical conditions, more so than younger, and otherwise healthy, individuals, and we recognize that Players and Club personnel have family and household members who may fall into these vulnerable categories. For these reasons, the NLL Medical Committee, the NLL and the NLLPA strongly recommend that any individual involved with the 2021/22 Season get fully vaccinated. As outlined in more detail below, more restrictive rules apply to any individuals who are not fully vaccinated. Being unvaccinated puts you and others in the NLL ecosystem at increased risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. For more information about getting vaccinated, please contact your Team Physician.
Adherence to the provisions in this Policy is important both during Training Camp and throughout the NLL Season for the purpose of maintaining the health and safety of the Players and Club personnel, as well as to maintain the integrity of competition among the Clubs. This Policy sets forth a layered approach: no one aspect can stand on its own. Violations of, and/or lack of compliance with, the NLL COVID-19 Policy will result in significant Club and individual sanctions, including potential forfeiture of games, fines and reimbursements of expenses, loss of draft choices, and/or ineligibility for participation in Training Activities and/or NLL Games. Concerns regarding compliance with the Policy requirements shall be reported directly to Jessica Berman or Brian Lemon. Players may also contact the NLLPA and/or their NLLPA Player Representatives if they have concerns regarding compliance with the provisions of this NLL COVID-19 Policy.
This document was established by the NLL Medical Committee in coordination with the NLL, NLLPA, as well as best practices from other sports organizations and federal, local and provincial Health Authority guidance. This protocol is subject to change.
In the event your Club home market, or travel domestically or internationally, requires stricter guidelines than what is set forth in this document, those will apply. Nothing herein supersedes any government restrictions related to COVID-19.
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact any of the following: (i) your Team Physician, (ii) your Club Compliance Officer, (iii) Marcus Robinson, (iv) Brian Lemon, or (iv) Jessica Berman.
Marcus Robinson, Chair, Medical Committee ([email protected])
Brian Lemon, EVP, Lacrosse Operations ([email protected])
Jessica Berman, Deputy Commissioner ([email protected])
The situations that pose the greatest risk of infection are social gatherings and in-person interactions. It is critical for all individuals participating in the NLL’s 2021/22 Season to adopt preventative measures during their time away from the Club’s facilities, in addition to the measures adopted while in the more controlled environment of the Club facility. The following is strongly recommended for your health and safety and to minimize risk of transmission:
“Fully Vaccinated” is defined as an individual who is at least 14 days past their final vaccination dose.
“Unvaccinated” is defined as anyone who: (i) is not 14 days past their final vaccination dose, or (ii) does not disclose their vaccination status.
For the sake of clarity, someone who has had COVID-19 within 90 days but has not received their complete vaccine course of an authorized vaccine will still be considered Unvaccinated.
There are three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States:
There are four COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in Canada:
Booster shots are now available in nearly all jurisdictions. These vaccinations will help restore fading immunity and are strongly recommended.
To learn more about available COVID-19 vaccinations visit:
Vaccines for COVID-19 – Canada.ca
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC
Upon request of the Club, and to the extent permissible under state or provincial laws, members in the Club’s Group 1 (see below in Participant Group) shall provide the Club with vaccination cards or other documentation verifying their vaccinated status. Please note that players will be asked to upload that information into Privit. For Officials, this information will be provided to the League. Individuals who fail to provide such information shall be considered Unvaccinated for the purposes of this Protocol and shall be subject to the provisions applicable thereto as set forth in this Protocol.
Please be advised that travel restrictions for unvaccinated individuals and/or arena/facility requirements prohibiting entry for unvaccinated persons may make you unable to perform your job duties and those matters may be addressed by the League or the Club, as appropriate.
Vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask, unless required by a facility or government body. Unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask at all times while in confined areas or not physically distanced (less than 6 feet) with others for extended periods of time (greater than 15 minutes), except while playing, practicing, or exercising.
Fully Vaccinated individuals require testing when: a) required for travel; or b) if symptomatic. If symptomatic, molecular testing (e.g., PCR, LAMP) is preferred.
Unvaccinated players are required to have a PCR test twice per week, with one of the tests occurring within 72 hours of any team gathering.
In this Protocol, participants assigned to Group 1 are required to be provided access to Player areas (hereafter, “Restricted Areas”), which include without limitation, locker rooms, team benches, penalty benches, on-floor, training rooms, rehabilitation areas, exam/procedure rooms, weight rooms, equipment rooms, coaches’ rooms, strength and conditioning areas, laundry rooms, dressing rooms, areas of ingress and egress into the Club Facilities (including to and from the parking area), General Managers’ work spaces and seating areas, On-Floor Official rooms, Off-Floor Officials work spaces and seating areas, and the corridors and paths of travel connecting each of the foregoing (to the greatest extent practicable).
As a guiding principle, the greater the number of persons permitted in the Restricted Area, the greater the risk of possible infection and the potential for an outbreak.
In order to limit the possible exposure and risk of transmission, staff should be limited to the minimum number of people who are necessary and essential to carrying out the planned activities, and to having in-person interactions with Players. The Club should maintain a list of individuals in each of the Groups below.
Group 1 individuals include: (a) Players; and (b) other personnel whose job function requires them to have access to Restricted Areas and be in close proximity to Players on a frequent and extended basis. Efforts should be made to limit the number of individuals in Group 1 to essential personnel only.
Group 1a individuals could include:
Group 1b (Club) personnel may include:
Anyone else with frequent or prolonged contact with Players (to be approved by the Club Compliance Officer on a case-by-case basis and then disclosed to the League Office).
Credentials shall be produced for all individuals in Group 1 and that credential must be color-coded as “green” to identify the individual’s authorized access to Restricted Areas. The credentials must be worn around the neck, and exposed, at all times when in the Club facility (and for Club personnel, during travel for away games) other than when individuals are in their own hotel room or while practicing and playing in games.
Each Club shall appoint a Club Compliance Officer, who will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the Club’s compliance with the following aspects of the Protocol:
List N Advanced Search Page: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) | US EPA
Any change in the Club Compliance Officer must be reported to the League immediately.
All travel in connection with the 2021/22 NLL Season shall be pursuant to, and in accordance with, the provisions of the travel regulations outlined below. Nothing in this 2021/22 Season Protocol shall supersede the requirements for domestic travel within Canada or the US and/or international travelers to Canada or the United States. Relevant links with more information can be found below:
Orders In Council – Search (canada.ca)
List of Acts and Regulations (Canada)
Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel | The White House
PRE-DEPARTURE/POST-ARRIVAL MONITORING
Individuals remain subject to all monitoring and reporting requirements set forth by the federal/state/provincial/local health authorities both prior to departure and upon arrival.
If someone tests positive for COVID-19 in Canada, they must remain in isolation pursuant to local and/or provincial laws. A person in isolation is not allowed to leave Canada before the expiration of the isolation period, unless authorized by a quarantine officer or by local public health official.
The CDC recommends that you self-isolate and delay travel until it is safe to break isolation. According to the CDC, it is safe to break isolation and be around others after:
If someone tests positive for COVID-19 and is asymptomatic, it is safe to break isolation and be around others after 5 days have passed since you had a positive molecular test for COVID-19.
A non-U.S. citizen who tests positive for COVID-19 in Canada may not enter the U.S. until it is safe to break isolation. Once isolation has ended, a non-U.S. citizens may travel to the U.S. and must provide documentation of recovery from COVID 19 (only if flying).
A U.S. citizen who tests positive for COVID-19 in Canada, may return to their home in the U.S. during the isolation period, but he or she must drive, and the following conditions must be met:
See https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/isolation
Please note that all individuals travelling into Canada or the U.S. could be subject to a review of COVID-19 symptoms, arrival COVID-19 testing, and temperature screening (anyone with a temperature over 38°C will result in immediate quarantine/isolation) when arriving at the airport or the land border.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES (BY LAND OR BY AIR TRAVEL) – FULLY VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED INDIVIDUALS
For current border restrictions and requirements, visit:
Canadian Border: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
United States Border: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
As of November 30, 2021, all air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions.
Clubs shall establish operational processes for all Club travel to facilitate safe, clean, and hygienic travel, and to reduce interactions and maintain appropriate distancing as much as possible.
When travelling domestically by air, individuals should maintain hand hygiene and wear a mask at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. On buses, the number of passengers in the Travelling Party shall be limited to only those in Group 1. When on the road, individuals in the Club’s Travelling Party shall adhere to the local public health regulations of the market being visited.
For commuting in ride-share situations, particular consideration shall be paid to the following additional precautionary measures:
All Players must undergo a Pre-Participation Medical Examination (PPME) prior to participating in any Training Camp activities, after which the Club doctor will issue a medical clearance if the Player is “fit to play”. Medical histories should be submitted by Players electronically via PRIVIT, in advance of the PPME in-person evaluation in order to reduce the in-person time needed during a PPME with Players.
Players who have tested positive for COVID-19 with at least moderate severity symptoms and have not yet had their post-COVID cardiac screen with ECG, echo and high-sensitivity troponin, should endeavor to have such testing prior to coming to Training Camp. The provision of these materials, however, does not replace the requirement for Players to undergo a PPME at the start of Training Camp.
Every player must receive a negative PCR test within 72 hours of his PPME (if traveling internationally to the PPME or if unvaccinated). Members of the Club in the building during PPME examinations, including Team Physicians performing the examinations, must perform a temperature and symptom check upon arrival at the Club facility.
Clubs shall arrange PPME appointment times for each Player so as to limit the number of individuals in the Club facility at any one time. The PPME shall include, at a minimum:
During the PPME it shall also be determined whether persons sharing a home with the person being evaluated currently have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 or are otherwise at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
All Players, Medical Staff, and other Officials present during the PPME are required to maintain appropriate preventative measures including masking, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection, and hand hygiene.
Given recognition of the mental health stresses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Players and Club staff shall also be reminded of, and encouraged to access mental health and wellness resources available to them.
Players are reminded that any third-party wellness services providers (e.g., physiotherapists, athletic therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists) must maintain infection control measures at consistent standards to those outlined in this document and by the local health authorities.
Monitoring and testing by their nature are for the purpose of early detection of infection and are not replacements for the hygiene, distancing, and cleaning methods outlined in this Protocol that can help prevent infection in the first instance.
Everyone in Group 1 is expected to self-monitor, complete symptom screening reporting, and test as per this section of the Policy. Symptom screening must occur three times weekly. Vaccinated individuals need only test if required to travel or if symptomatic. Unvaccinated individuals in Group 1 must undergo two molecular tests per week.
If someone makes a mistake in reporting their symptoms (via Privit or Jotform), please ask that person to send an email to the Club Compliance Officer explaining the circumstances. If the Club Compliance Officer is satisfied with the response, no further action is required in terms of reporting to the League.
SYMPTOM MONITORING:
Symptom screening is a critical tool for early identification of possible COVID-19 infection and remains an important step for all members of Group 1. The following are common symptoms of COVID-19:
Whether you are self-monitoring or reporting your symptoms, you will be asked to answer these questions on a daily basis:
If you answered “YES”: Follow the Government of Canada Travel, Testing, Quarantine
and Borders instructions, including any requirements for exempt travelers related to attending high-risk environments. Proceed to question 2.
If you answered “NO”: Proceed to question 2
Close Contact: Face-to-face contact within 2 meters for 15 minutes or longer, direct physical contact such as hugging or contact with infectious body fluids.
If you answered “YES” and:
If you answered “NO” or if you have symptoms, proceed to question 3
Players are required to complete this questionnaire on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays via Privit. Other Group 1 members (non-players) are required to answer these questions via a Jotform link which will be provided to your Club Compliance Officer. Each team has a dedicated Jotform link for its staff to record the necessary information as directed by the League. The forms are set up such that each submission will be e-mailed to the respective Club Compliance Officers upon completion. If necessary, the League is able to provide each Club Compliance Officer a record of all completed submissions from their Club upon request.
Vaccinated individuals are required to test if: a) required for travel; or b) experiencing symptoms. If experiencing symptoms, a molecular test is the diagnostic gold standard and must be used in all cases except when unavailable by reasonable means.
Unvaccinated individuals will be required to take a Rapid or Standard molecular test (also known as a PCR, NAAT, or LAMP). Rapid/Standard molecular tests can be accessed at major airports or local pharmacies, for example Walgreens in the United States, and Shoppers Drug Mart, SRx Health Solutions, or CVM Medical in Canada, or may be administered via telehealth (e.g., Switch). These establishments will provide documentation (either electronic or hardcopy) to show proof of negative test results at the US-Canada border.
All test results must be shared with the Club Compliance Officer.
Teams may elect to test their players above and beyond the NLL testing protocols outlined above. Any positive test results from these additional tests must then follow the protocol outlined in the NLL Policy with appropriate confirmatory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and notification to the League.
Any individual with COVID-like symptoms must report the symptoms in PRIVIT, begin isolation immediately, and obtain a confirmatory molecular test.
Any individual with a positive molecular test must begin isolation immediately.
Any individual with a positive antigen test must begin isolation immediately and obtain a confirmatory molecular test (or confirmatory antigen test 24 hours after the first positive antigen test).
DEFINITION OF COVID-19 POSITIVE
An individual is considered to have active COVID-19 infection if they have:
DEFINITION OF A NEGATIVE TEST
A negative test pursuant to this policy is defined as:
A person whose COVID-19 positive status has been confirmed shall remain in isolation and shall not have any contact (other than remotely) with any other personnel for the duration of their isolation.
How to Isolate:
During such period, the person shall be in daily contact with and receive remote care from Club medical staff or such other physicians as considered appropriate.
Players or Club personnel whose test has been confirmed positive, but remain ASYMPTOMATIC, shall remain in isolation until all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
Players whose test has been confirmed positive, and have MILD SYMPTOMS* shall remain in isolation until all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
Players whose test has been confirmed positive, and have MODERATE SYMPTOMS* shall remain in isolation until all of the following conditions have been satisfied:
Return to training and game play will follow the algorithm below.
*To distinguish between mild vs. moderately symptomatic: moderate is defined as having any of: fever, chest pain/palpitations, shortness of breath, myalgia, or persistent cough lasting longer than 72 hours.
* Note: symptoms must be reported in PRIVIT as soon as they are noted, and cannot be retrospectively assessed to determine the first day of isolation.
Upon completion of the period of isolation, any Player who has been characterized as moderately symptomatic must have cardiac testing and consultation (see Section 1.7, JAMA Cardiology: A Game Plan for the Resumption of Sport and Exercise After Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection) including, at a minimum,
Club Physicians may be required to oversee care of visiting Players or those in the Traveling Party should an individual remain in the visiting city due to severe illness or isolation/quarantine mandates. Players may test positive during the week while away from team medical personnel and their care will be under the direction of local public health authorities and hometown physicians. In these situations, players must immediately notify their Club Physician. Coordination between local and team medical personnel will be critical to ensure a safe and appropriate travel home and return to sport based on the criteria above. Following clearance to return to play, the first game back may be on the road. In these cases the affected player’s Club Physician may request assistance from the host Team Medical staff to assess the player upon their arrival.
An outbreak is considered to include more than one (1) club personnel/players that have confirmatory positive test results. In the event that an outbreak occurs, the NLL and NLL Medical Committee will convene to determine appropriate enhanced health and safety measures. Such measures may be required where more than one Player or Staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are exhibiting symptoms of the disease, and where there is evidence of close contacts having occurred in or outside of the Club’s facilities. Such measures may include:
Clubs shall notify the League of the unilateral introduction of any of the enhanced health and safety measures contemplated above. Further, the NLL Medical Director shall have an opportunity to consult with the Club’s Physician prior to the implementation of the enhanced health and safety measures recommended by the Club.
The Club Compliance Officer shall promptly notify the NLL Deputy Commissioner upon receiving information about initial positive tests. The Club shall notify the NLL Deputy Commissioner with the following information:
The Club shall also notify Jessica Berman and Brian Lemon when a Player has been medically cleared to resume activities.
Club physicians, dentists, therapists, and other members of the Club’s Medical Personnel must use face coverings at all times when interacting with players.
Teams shall be permitted to engage in fan experiences and promotional activities (e.g., autograph signings, photo opportunities, camps and clinics), provided, all participants must show proof of vaccination prior to participating.
NOTE: for large group fan experiences in unrestricted areas where asking for proof of vaccination may not be possible, Group 1 personnel should not interact with any one or group of fans for an extended period of time.
Players who are Unvaccinated must remain masked during interviews in team spaces, or alternatively may conduct such interviews unmasked so long as a distance of at least six (6) feet is maintained at all times. Virtual or remote interviews are also an option.
Seating manifests in Club Facilities will be determined according to local health authority guidance.
Similarly, teams/arenas shall regulate fan experience (e.g., mascot, fan handouts, promotions, and in-facility host interactions) in accordance with local health authority guidance.
All individuals shall follow the following safety precautions:
Additional safety precautions can be found on the CDC and PHAC websites.
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant must be procured and made readily available throughout the Club practice and arena facility, as well as in connection with Club travel.
Glove use is not a replacement for hand hygiene practices such as hand washing, use of approved alcohol-based sanitizer and avoiding touching of one’s face.
Gloves should be discarded after each use, and after your face is touched. Hands and face should be washed when changing gloves.
Glove use is required in the following circumstances:
The NLL recognizes the importance of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in arenas and the optimization of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems in NLL Arenas and Practice Facilities to mitigate viral exposure from aerosolized particles. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) position statement on SARS-CoV-2 and the operation of HVAC-R systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic states:
Ventilation and filtration provided by heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems can reduce the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 and thus the risk of transmission through the air.
No intervention to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is 100% effective, but risk levels are reduced when ventilation rates are increased, air filtration (central and local) is enhanced and inactivation technologies are deployed. In conjunction with third party experts, the NLL has established requirements and recommendations for mechanical and HVAC-R systems intended to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in facilities. All facilities hosting NLL games or team practices during the NLL’s 2021/22 season are to adhere to requirements of all applicable local regulations and building codes, including any further restrictions or direction (if any) by local, state, provincial, and federal health authorities.
The NLL recognizes that all NLL Arenas and Practice Facilities (hereafter “Venues”) differ based on various factors such as building vintage, type of HVAC-R systems currently installed, region-specific climatic considerations, and even day-specific outdoor temperature and humidity conditions particularly during “shoulder-month” periods (typically late spring and early fall times of the year when daily temperatures can vary between about 45°F and 65°F). The League further acknowledges that facilities where Clubs practice range from older rinks to newer, state-of-the-art facilities.
Given the multitude of considerations, the NLL recommends Venues to undergo an HVAC-R system review prior to hosting NLL games or team practices, where feasible, to understand current HVAC-R system configuration and operations, and to inform proposed upgrades, retrofits or enhancements to reduce risk of airborne viral transmission.
It is also recommended that the Club perform an independent ventilation analysis and air balance report (air handling unit-level Testing Adjusting Balancing (TAB) report) for all occupied spaces, which will confirm supply, outdoor air and exhaust ventilation rates by a certified TAB contractor and establish whether the existing system is performing to the basis of its design. For clarity, the testing of individual VAV boxes and distribution ductwork in occupied spaces is not a requirement. In addition, please be advised of the following recommendations:
Venue operators both of NLL Arenas and Club Practice Facilities are encouraged to use a professional engineer to do an overall evaluation of the above considerations. The analysis of each venue may take between 2-4 weeks, or longer, based on industry demand and scope of work.
The NLL recommends improving airflow (demonstrated by increasing ACH as compared to existing performance levels) and increasing outdoor air flow rates to all occupied spaces, based on an analysis of the venue’s existing configuration of the HVAC-R system and current air balance report with analysis by a professional engineer.
Recommendations:
In addition to the airflow management guidance above, per ASHRAE general guidance, pre- and post-occupancy purge cycles are outlined below for Team Spaces, and Other Occupied Spaces (Non-Team Spaces) in NLL Venues:
Team Spaces
Other Occupied Spaces (Non-Team Spaces)
Per ASHRAE Position Document on Filtration and Air Cleaning (January 2015), filtration and air cleaning can be used to improve indoor air quality and to mitigate airborne viral transmission. The NLL recommends improving central air and other local HVAC-R filtration above code minimums to MERV-13 (ASHRAE 2017b) or the highest level achievable, without impacting system air flow and pressure based on existing HVAC-R system configuration. Consult with a professional engineer or qualified professional to determine the appropriate scope of this work. Venues should review filter maintenance and replacement schedules; filter replacements should be achieved as indicated in filter manufacturer’s published operations manual. For enhanced air cleaning, particularly in areas with low air flow, in high occupancy spaces, back of house staff areas or mission-critical operations areas like Security and Command Center-type rooms, Venues should consider deploying additional portable room air cleaners with HEPA or high-MERV filters with due consideration to the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) (AHAM 2015).
There are numerous technologies that may actively kill or inactivate organics, including viruses, in airstreams and/or on surfaces. There are HVAC unit-mounted options, products installed in central air handlers, and in-space options for use in occupied rooms or in guest-accessible spaces. The following technologies are deployed in varying capacities in sports and entertainment venues and are worth considering, particularly in occupied spaces with lower air change rates. At this time, neither ASHRAE nor the CDC specifically recommend nor warn against their use.
Additionally, the NLL continues to monitor guidance from both ASHRAE and CDC as well as other industry experts and authorities on appropriate guidance regarding COVID-mitigating technologies and their efficacy in real-world applications.
Limited testing and lack of industry standards or consensus throughout the HVAC-R industry makes it impossible to specifically recommend the technologies noted above. Because of this, the NLL recommends consulting engineering professionals to evaluate options specific to each venue.
For more up-to-date information and guidance on these technologies, please visit ASHRAE Technical Resources: Filtration and Disinfection:
https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/filtration-disinfection#mechanical
Each Club shall continue to adhere to the requirements for regularly cleaning its facilities (i.e., practice and game arenas), as set forth in the attached 2021/22 NLL/NLLPA Medical Handbook. Please note that these Requirements have been updated to include specific guidance regarding the maintenance and use of water bottles, towels, hand cleaners, tissues, anti-bacterial wipes and gloves, and a recommendation for the use of electrostatic sprayers. These standards are consistent with CDC recommendations on actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus.
