We are about 2 weeks from the BWVC in Indianapolis. While I have no inside knowledge, all seems to be on track to proceed.
Website for the tournament includes protocols for the event I've pasted below.
n3tvolleyball.com/wvc-2021-venue-protocols.htmlIndianapolis Convention Center Protocols
As the 2021 season begins, many of you have had a number of questions on our upcoming event. We have worked very diligently with the convention center and the health department to be able to put a plan in place to still have this event. There will be some changes, but overall, we hope to have the same well-organized event that you have come to expect. Below are a few of the changes below that will help promote social distancing and a safe event. Please also realize that these protocols may change. We will update this as we get new information and suggest checking back often.
Playing site-
The Indianapolis Convention Center will be divided into 11 halls. Each hall will have a single entry point and exit. You will only be able to enter your indicated Hall and there will not be movement between the halls.
Entrance to the Indianapolis Convention Center will be at two locations, the Maryland Canopy and the Georgia Street Cube. At these two entrance locations, players and spectators will only be able to enter with a pass or ticket that indicates their wave. More information on this can be found in the admission section.
Foot traffic in the convention center will be directed with one way paths. Mingling and “hanging” out will not be allowed. Signs indicating which direction will be allowed will be plainly visible.
Outside coolers, chairs, signage, and food will not be permitted. Water bottles, personal hand sanitizers, and personal disinfectants are encouraged to be brought.
Courts will be spaced appropriately and chairs will be placed to promote social distancing.
Admission and Spectators
All people entering the facility will have to wear some type of face covering, whether it’s a mask or face shield, without exception. Those who have medical or other reasons for not wearing a mask will be able to watch the events via BallerTV on their own personal devices outside of the facility.
Each team will likely be allowed a delegation of 45 individuals. This allows approximately 2 spectators per athlete. Every player, coach, spectator, and staff will need to fill out the contact tracing/waiver for the event and the health screening form each day.
Masks will be required to be worn at all time within the ICC. Exceptions for spectators are if they are eating and drinking and for players if they are on the court actively participating in the game or warmups. Players on the bench will need to mask up as well as coaches.
Athlete and coach entrances will be monitored with a participant card and a sticker. Before play each day, coaches must pick up their wave sticker. These stickers will indicate which wave time that entrance will be allowed. If you lose your player/coach card or sticker, you will not be allowed in the ICC.
Spectators will need to purchase admission via the online ticketing. More information on this will be distributed within a month of the event.
All athletes and spectators will need to leave the facility after their wave is over. No lingering within the facility will be allowed. The apparel store may be accessed during the wave.
Any staff, player, coach, or spectator who is above 65, anyone of any age with an underlying health condition or a compromised immune system, or anyone who has any specific concerns about COVID exposure is advised to not attend.
Any staff, player, coach, or spectator who has any of the below symptoms will not be allowed to enter:
-Temperature above 100 degrees -Chills
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Congestion
-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing -fatigue
-Muscle or body aches
-Headache
-Loss of taste or smell
-Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Anyone who has been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID 19 in the last 10 days will not be allowed to enter.
Play Modifications
Pool play in most circumstances will be 4 teams played on 2 courts. This will eliminate the use of a work team or an “off” team from lingering by a court. Participating teams will be required to provide a rostered adult as R2. Wave times will be shorter in this situation.
Tie-breakers will be eliminated, except in the case that a 3 way tie can NOT be broken by head to head, sets, OR points.
For waves starting after the initial 8 AM wave, teams will not be allowed in to there venue more than 25 minutes early. Teams will not switch sides between sets (or in the deciding 3rd set). Teams will not shake hands before or after matches. Courts and halls will need to be vacated after each wave finishes.
Coaches and players not on the court will need to mask up.
Warm up balls must be provided by the teams. The event will not provide these this year. Awards will be mailed after the event. There will no picture of Champions taken on site. We request that 1st Place teams email us a team photo upon receiving awards.