Resuming Workouts

Emerging from COVID-19:
A Plan for Achilles Chapters - September 15, 2020

Achilles International Chapters and constituents, regardless of location, must follow the recommendations of government, national, state and local, and health organizations in their respective jurisdictions.  

Provided that each chapter or program abides by state and local laws, we are offering the below key recommendations and guidelines for resuming group workouts.

Requirements for All Chapters and Programs:

  • RSVP Required for all athletes and guides utilizing the new RSVP system.

  • All participants must be confirmed in the Achilles NetSuite database and all must have completed the new waiver.

  • For larger chapters, an RSVP does not guarantee participation. Participants will be notified if they have been selected to participate in a given workout. Participant selection will be made based on the availability of guides and the respective paces of athletes who have RSVPd. If a participant does not get selected to attend a particular workout, priority will be given to those not selected for future workouts.

  • Chapter and Program leaders to set the maximum number of participants based on state and local guidelines.

  • Masks are required at all times (no exceptions).

  • Participants are not permitted to show up without an RSVP. Leaders should track these instances in the event that there are chapter members that violate this rule more than once.

  • Participants must depart immediately after they have completed their run or walk. This will allow us to accommodate as many Achilles athletes as possible at workouts.

  • It is up to the discretion of each Chapter Leader as to whether or not they will welcome new volunteers at this time.

  • It is recommended that Chapter Leaders provide hand sanitizer at workouts.

  • Volunteers and Athletes should bring their own water to the workout.

  • Attendees are encouraged to consider not bringing a bag. Those that do bring a bag must label their bag. Canes must be labeled.

  • Tethers will not be provided by the chapter leaders or program directors. If you are a visually impaired runner who is new to Achilles, there are numerous items that work for a tether such as a shoelace, lanyard, twine or bungee cord. Some people cut t-shirts into strips and braid the fabric into a useful width / length.

  • Please be on time. Athletes and Guides who arrive late may not have the opportunity to run. Chapter leaders should track lateness and have offline discussions with any chapter members who are late on a consistent basis.

  • Participants should be reminded that bathrooms may not be available at all chapter workouts. Please be mindful of this in advance of your arrival. Volunteers should still know the best location for bathrooms in the event that an athlete is in need. Provide links to bathroom locations for all volunteers.

  • All Guides must keep their phone on them at all times and be prepared to answer if need be. No exceptions. 

  • Each chapter/program will be responsible for rolling out communication on the new RSVP and re-opening of workouts. Chapters Leaders should only re-open workouts if they feel it is safe and if they are meeting local and state guidelines.

  • For Hand Cycle, Wheelchair and Tandem athletes, please note that  equipment must be sanitized before you depart, when you change riders and after workouts.

  • Athletes must bring their own helmets.

  • As state authorities start to relax restrictions on group gatherings, chapters may wish to increase the number of participants allowed at workouts. 

Overarching guidelines for all phases: 

  • Wash hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces.

  • Avoid touching the face.

  • Disinfect frequently used surfaces as often as possible.

  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your bent elbow.

  • Wear your own face covering when in public especially when using mass transportation.

  • If you feel unwell, please stay home, contact and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. There will be no penalty for any participant who cancels as a result of feeling unwell.

  • Practice social distancing.

  • Ask athletes and volunteers to be mindful of who enters their social circle

  • Chapter Leader or Lead Coach to adjust the attendance record post-workout and keep on file for various uses including contract tracing should it become necessary..

  • Water bottles may not be shared.

  • Vulnerable individuals including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, obesity, or those whose immune system is compromised by treatment for cancer or other conditions should consider waiting to attend workouts until it is safer to do so.

 If you are uncertain of what you should be doing, please reach out to your Achilles program director for guidance.