All-Star Covid-19 / Varsity Response

[123jump4!]

Getting Back to Business - Georgia World Congress Center Authority

What assurances do I have regarding air quality in your facility (HVAC)?

Air handling and circulation is continually monitored by GWCC HVAC Technicians to ensure optimum and safe airflow. HVAC systems in public space, meeting rooms, ballrooms, auditoriums and exhibit halls has a Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) of 8 for filtration. Additionally, the GWCC is working with 3rd party contractors for continuing air quality studies to ensure quality air.



There is nothing there indicating that there are separate AC systems or negative pressure for the covid unit. That concerns me if there are going to be athletes not wearing masks.

I think it’s unlikely that used air from one building would go into another building. Usually buildings have separate systems. I’m not too worried about that. I’m more worried about athletes & others hanging around without masks. Hopefully that will not be allowed.

 

[WhatAmIDoingHere]

I think it’s unlikely that used air from one building would go into another building. Usually buildings have separate systems. I’m not too worried about that. I’m more worried about athletes & others hanging around without masks. Hopefully that will not be allowed.

The EP has said that Masks are required by all spectators and athletes. Athletes may remove masks during their warm up and performance.

GWCC has stated that it is up to the EP and public to abide by the CDC regulations.

So I'm taking that as if Varsity doesn't enforce it then the spectators and athletes can do as they please.

 

[CheerItFullOut]

I was referring to the elevated sense of self, so much so that we are putting others at risk. It's selfish no matter what words we use to define the concept is still there. Our medical professionals told us what we needed to, and so many made the decision to put their wants before the health of society. I have an issue with that.

The US accounts for 23 percent of the COVID cases yet we make up a 4.2 of the world's population so I can say

With a population of 1.43 billion people, compared with about 329 million in the United States, China has a population that's more than four times the size of the U.S. population. China had a total of 87k cases, America has 20 million cases. The US accounts for 23 percent of the COVID cases yet we make up a 4.2 of the world's population so I can say with confidence that America has not handled this well by any stretch of the imagination.

This failure came from the top.

Your personal liberties will have no value when the health system is overwhelmed. While so much was unknown at the beginning, there was also solid information that was provided and ignored by state and federal officials. So no, at the end of the day when it's a matter of public health your personal liberties of graduation parties, gender reveals, and or wing night they don't hold precedence over someone's life. Honestly, that angle is the reason why we are where we are.

Also we are 9 months into a pandemic, I do not care to be sensitive, 'realistic ' or motivational at this point.

look- with all due respect ...throwing stats at people doesn’t make anyone any more COVID credible and for the record- IM FULLY AWARE OF COVID... and I very much keep up with the various information and statistics regarding our current situation both locally and globally. I do not mean that rudely or sarcastically... I mean that as in “I’m good” I got it...I know how to Google, I read smartnewsusa every morning.
I’m also not AGAINST the vast majority of what you and the other poster (who responded regarding “my view or stance) have posted (although some have come to their own creative conclusions about my thoughts on the subject)
I JUST FEEL... and AGAIN I’ll state, that others shouldn’t be made to feel like they can’t or shouldn’t be able to voice an opposing opinion on a Forum- THAT was my WHOLE point, nothing really more, nothing really less. If someone feels they are spreading misinformation, someone may be misinformed or they have a differing opinion then as a forum member one might engage in debate or civil discussion to educate or inform another so that an exchange of accurate information can then be properly exchanged and retained.... but nobody wants to do that- we want to say things like ...

Also we are 9 months into a pandemic, I do not care to be sensitive, 'realistic ' or motivational at this point.[/QUOTE]

We’re like 5 days back on a post and your responding like I’m PERSONALLY against and attacking your stance on COVID- which I’m not... you’re reading entirely too much into my posts.

1.)The “experts” I was referring to in my original post
We’re Bill Gates (who does not have a medical degree yet is/has been consulted from the very beginning on everything from mitigation to vaccination) and Deborah Birx (who’s projection models were nothing short of a disgrace) I felt her opinion was by far too influenced by Federal political pressure ...
I also feel there have been some You Tube famous/sensationalized doctors that have been given WAY too much credibility.
2.) I believe in balance, this doesn’t mean everyone else should believe in “balance”. I believe there is a delicate line between the harm we causing by staying moderately open as well as fully shutting down. the US NEVER REALLY shut down (that was mistake 1)
And now... we are at a point where we are so strained because of our economy size- it’s just not possible to go into the full 2 month lock down we would need -not have a full fiscal collapse and or astronomical amount of poverty as a result
Our geography and state sovereignty doesn’t lend itself to it actually EVER REALLY working.
I would also like to add my views on the impact of lockdowns is heavily skewed on personal experience as I’m sure everyones is:
Covid has personally affected me in more ways than one. I have lost people to both the Virus and to Suicide... I also had to prolong a doctor visit only to find that now -Jan 13th I’ll be going in for a Diagnostic Breast exam.
I’ve spent a significant amount of time doing EXACTLY as I’m told and really only leaving my home for mostly essential outings -with the exception of a trip in Oct. I have not seen my grandmother since all of this started (who is in good health but is in assisted living but most recently had an outbreak of 29 in her facility) Since I have been given the news of my “appointment”... my perspective on the last 9 months and not having been able to see her has most definitely changed a bit. To say life views get altered drastically based on circumstance is an understatement.
3.) like you, I am a coach. I called off all “conditioning” practices the minute cases came to rise and will keep them called off until cases significantly decrease and it’s SAFE for my kids to be together again. I live in CA and while I do not AGREE with everything our Governor is doing I’m wise enough to know that their health and the health of their families is more important than the small gratification of getting together for a few hours a week. I’m also smart enough to know they are young and have differing opinions and views, think they are invincible and don’t all have stable support systems at home so I have to be sensitive, understanding and adaptable... so I do everything I can to make what I CAN work when it’s deemed safely to do so given our state and health department guidelines. I believe it’s my job to create an inclusive, controlled, immersive, yet SAFE environment that makes them feel AS normal as possible because YES... these kids deserve to have the life I had when I was their age... and I don’t want them to loose that WANT for that life. Sadly I have seen some of them loose it already.
4.) YES, I DO agree it’s been a failure from the top. As a coach you would know better than anyone attitude reflects leadership and perhaps we are both in full agreement on this. (Perhaps we are not) but you can’t blame a bunch of defiant gender reveals and some grad parties when we have Our most visible and vocal policy makers not wearing masks, giving stay at home orders from vacation destinations and throwing large events at their wineries while they close bars and eateries down the street. Some want to blame federal leadership others want to blame state leadership-but in my opinion when you have both sides of our government screaming at each other like toddlers fighting over Tonka Trucks on live TV daily, everyone proclaiming THEY know best and THATS the example Americans have during a pandemic when they’re stuck home watching the news 24/7- that’s what you’re going to get.
A nation full of toddlers doing the exact same. They can’t TALK, they can’t discuss, they can’t even just have a meeting of IDEAS to come up with the BEST ways to get out of one of the biggest crisis’ we have ever had as a Nation FOR that NATION ... it’s just “I’ll TALK and the OTHER side better listen or we will shut them up or we will be angry”... (both sides)
Which brings me BACK to my ORIGINAL point...
I didn’t want that for that poster on this forum- I wanted us to be able to TALK to EACH OTHER.
Right, wrong, agree, disagree
... just listen, be heard: exchange ideas and learn from one another- that is all, done with the Covid debate on this thread unless it’s related to event operation or Varsity’s response.
I take responsibility for my part in de-railing but I will never retract defending an individuals right to post an opinion.

Also, I’m done with the 5 paragraph posts trying to explain myself- they’re hard enough for me to tolerate writing let alone anyone reading

 

[UCFKnights07]

I think perception plays a role here, too. Having a non-essential sporting event happening in the same convention center where there could potentially be patients just doesn't sit right with me. Forget the different buildings, the different parking areas, that they won't see each other, etc. That doesn't make one bit of a difference to the optics of it all to me.

THIS ^ it doesnt matter if its different air space, ventilation, buildings.... If the hospital has covid patients in the building next to a cheer comp, you literally will be having people on say life support fighting for their lives, while next door a couple hundred kids and parents just going about their lives like its nothing. That just doesnt sit right for me either. Im not all for cancelling said events completely, again i would rather people in the industry be able to keep their jobs/stay employed to some capacity. But it just comes off scummy (is that a word???) to me.
Then again is they dont end up using the overflow building AT ALL when the competition is being held, then fine.

 

[california cheer mom]

This tool is good, but doesn't show everything. For example, the hospital I work at it shows that our adult inpatient beds are 61% full. While that is true, it is mostly because we have a fairly large chunk of beds that are not being used right now because we don't have the staff to cover them. Of the available staffed beds, we're pretty darn near 100% full at all times. It's not at all unusual for people to sit in the ER for hours, or even overnight just waiting for a bed to open up.

YES! I feel like people who don't know how hospitals run can never have any idea of how it works. Our morgue is full. The funeral homes are full. It's bad.

 

[SL&AM]

The event should be virtual. Our numbers are far worse than it was a month ago when WSF was moved to virtual. It just blows my mind that Varsity is sitting around and willing to take a risk with people's lives.

This is the least surprising thing about Varsity if we're being honest with ourselves.

 

[SL&AM]

YES! I feel like people who don't know how hospitals run can never have any idea of how it works. Our morgue is full. The funeral homes are full. It's bad.

This is the stuff I wish the media could share; if they did, people might actually get a clue about the severity of the situation we're facing. Granted, New Zealand is a much smaller country and easier to isolate because it's an island but if we all could just stand still for a month and stop the spread of the infection our rates would plummet and we could creep back to normal much quicker. Unfortunately, from what I see on social media people are either in one camp or another; we are too divided and that division is why the US has failed so gloriously in their handling of this pandemic.

 

[oncecoolcoachnowmom]

Actual comp COVID question:

Are both Majors & Jamfest Super virtual or just Majors at this point?

 

[cac4life]

Actual comp COVID question:

Are both Majors & Jamfest Super virtual or just Majors at this point?

I think just majors. a Team from my gym is attending jamfest and we have not been told anything about it being virtual

 

[luv2cheer92]

Actual comp COVID question:

Are both Majors & Jamfest Super virtual or just Majors at this point?

As of now just Majors

 

[dat.jpp]

Thinking about it, Linda's daughter Susie can go wandering around the venue with a friend, next thing you know, they accidentally end up in the Covid-area of the venue.

 

[CLynn]

This is the least surprising thing about Varsity if we're being honest with ourselves.

Nice segue back to the op again. There is so much overall emotion right now - stress, anger, depression, fear etc - and imo Varsity has done little positive that I can see. I am not suggesting they are not working hard, I know many have lost their jobs and they are in poor financial shape (that is nothing new for them). But the lack of leadership and vision is beyond disappointing. They never should have believed that things could continue as "normal" when nothing is close to normal. So many mistakes have already been made but here is what they can start with today (warning a rant is coming)

- Limit travel immediately. This could happen by actually enforcing that teams follow state rules (many of which limit travel or require quarantines that may or may not be followed when trying to re-enter the state). But a better way to enforce it would simply say every live event needs to be in your home state and then the event is much more fair because everyone there has been following the same rules. Spectators will be based on state law but I would feel much safer knowing a flight is not required and neither is a hotel stay.
-Large, multi-state events such as NCA should be virtual. AT a minimum there will be limited to no spectators if it does happen and that is a money grab for parents and completely unnecessary at that point to be in person. Drawing thousands of people to hotspot cities with limited hospital capacity should have red blinking warning lights for anyone paying attention. The majors realized this early on and I have heard very little backlash.
-strongly encourage every program who is legally allowed to practice to participate in something virtual soon. It is upsetting to have live events canceled at the last minute and these kids need the opportunity to perform. Maybe it is time we get back to grassroots and realize we don't need everything to be instagram worthy.
-Shorten the submission window for virtual video submissions, potentially following something similar to Cheer Match. They came out of nowhere and from the limited amount I've seen it is a nice product. No reason why Varsity can't create equally compelling content.
-Re-imagine the end of the year entirely. It won't be World's because probably nobody from outside the US can come. By April/May a year end trip to Florida does seem entirely feasible for those inside the US and that is one thing I would sign up for today. So make it open, no bids no anything. Same for Summit. It could be an amazing is a final year end competition potentially adding another day to allow for more prelims but if you haven't traveled all year that should not be a major obstacle if the dates are available at ESPN.

Covid has exposed so many weaknesses in our society from healthcare to racial disparity. In cheer it has always been a problem for me that travel and tourism is required to secure convention space and we overpay compared to other convention goers. We now have this new technology to reduce costs and keep people safe and Varsity treats the virtual option as a second cousin proving again there is no true desire to reduce costs at all. I am sorry for the economic pain that comes from not having cheer parents fly into cities, stay at their hotels, eat at their restaurants and buy their merchandise. Many other sports have canceled events and not rescheduled for three weeks later like cheer seems to be doing. Time for them to step up.

 

[california cheer mom]

Nice segue back to the op again. There is so much overall emotion right now - stress, anger, depression, fear etc - and imo Varsity has done little positive that I can see. I am not suggesting they are not working hard, I know many have lost their jobs and they are in poor financial shape (that is nothing new for them). But the lack of leadership and vision is beyond disappointing. They never should have believed that things could continue as "normal" when nothing is close to normal. So many mistakes have already been made but here is what they can start with today (warning a rant is coming)

- Limit travel immediately. This could happen by actually enforcing that teams follow state rules (many of which limit travel or require quarantines that may or may not be followed when trying to re-enter the state). But a better way to enforce it would simply say every live event needs to be in your home state and then the event is much more fair because everyone there has been following the same rules. Spectators will be based on state law but I would feel much safer knowing a flight is not required and neither is a hotel stay.
-Large, multi-state events such as NCA should be virtual. AT a minimum there will be limited to no spectators if it does happen and that is a money grab for parents and completely unnecessary at that point to be in person. Drawing thousands of people to hotspot cities with limited hospital capacity should have red blinking warning lights for anyone paying attention. The majors realized this early on and I have heard very little backlash.
-strongly encourage every program who is legally allowed to practice to participate in something virtual soon. It is upsetting to have live events canceled at the last minute and these kids need the opportunity to perform. Maybe it is time we get back to grassroots and realize we don't need everything to be instagram worthy.
-Shorten the submission window for virtual video submissions, potentially following something similar to Cheer Match. They came out of nowhere and from the limited amount I've seen it is a nice product. No reason why Varsity can't create equally compelling content.
-Re-imagine the end of the year entirely. It won't be World's because probably nobody from outside the US can come. By April/May a year end trip to Florida does seem entirely feasible for those inside the US and that is one thing I would sign up for today. So make it open, no bids no anything. Same for Summit. It could be an amazing is a final year end competition potentially adding another day to allow for more prelims but if you haven't traveled all year that should not be a major obstacle if the dates are available at ESPN.

Covid has exposed so many weaknesses in our society from healthcare to racial disparity. In cheer it has always been a problem for me that travel and tourism is required to secure convention space and we overpay compared to other convention goers. We now have this new technology to reduce costs and keep people safe and Varsity treats the virtual option as a second cousin proving again there is no true desire to reduce costs at all. I am sorry for the economic pain that comes from not having cheer parents fly into cities, stay at their hotels, eat at their restaurants and buy their merchandise. Many other sports have canceled events and not rescheduled for three weeks later like cheer seems to be doing. Time for them to step up.

We're in California and every comp has been canceled except one that is going virtual. It sucks, and even if things are better by worlds there are not really any options to earn bids here (or even in neighboring states). We're also supposed to be sheltering in home right now. So no practices, no travel, nothing. If your kid is on a team that is reigning Summit champ, Worlds champ or NCA champ and you lose the opportunity to even defend your title, it kind of sucks and feels unfair.

 

[CLynn]

We're in California and every comp has been canceled except one that is going virtual. It sucks, and even if things are better by worlds there are not really any options to earn bids here (or even in neighboring states). We're also supposed to be sheltering in home right now. So no practices, no travel, nothing. If your kid is on a team that is reigning Summit champ, Worlds champ or NCA champ and you lose the opportunity to even defend your title, it kind of sucks and feels unfair.

Ugh. It is awful. Bid stuff needs to be addressed asap!

 

[catlady]

Nice segue back to the op again. There is so much overall emotion right now - stress, anger, depression, fear etc - and imo Varsity has done little positive that I can see. I am not suggesting they are not working hard, I know many have lost their jobs and they are in poor financial shape (that is nothing new for them). But the lack of leadership and vision is beyond disappointing. They never should have believed that things could continue as "normal" when nothing is close to normal. So many mistakes have already been made but here is what they can start with today (warning a rant is coming)

Covid has exposed so many weaknesses in our society from healthcare to racial disparity. In cheer it has always been a problem for me that travel and tourism is required to secure convention space and we overpay compared to other convention goers. We now have this new technology to reduce costs and keep people safe and Varsity treats the virtual option as a second cousin proving again there is no true desire to reduce costs at all. I am sorry for the economic pain that comes from not having cheer parents fly into cities, stay at their hotels, eat at their restaurants and buy their merchandise. Many other sports have canceled events and not rescheduled for three weeks later like cheer seems to be doing. Time for them to step up.

Business 101. You, nor I, know what their contracts look like and those contracts effect thousands of workers. To assume they, or anyone else, can just back out of contracts is ignoring basic business and we have no idea how many years those contracts cover. Our court systems are bogged down with lawsuits trying to determine whether or not their contract language covers pandemics. The ridiculous part, is the Karen in us really believes it's simple, as if these people haven't thought of and pondered over every single idea possible dealing with their industry. Heaven forbid, we have regular folk, new and seasoned employees, without crystal balls, that have never lived through a pandemic doing their jobs and knowing every single decision they make effects thousands health and finances. I can think of nothing more arrogant than to tell workers in a pandemic "time for them to step up" while typing away in a cheer blog.