GUIDELINES FROM CROSSFIT’S MEDICAL ADVISORS

Dec 30, 2020

Guidelines for CrossFit Gyms from the CrossFit Medical Advisory Panel and CrossFit Doctors

Dear Affiliate Owners,

We want you and your members to stay safe while working out during this pandemic. CrossFit plays an important role in reversing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Since the presence of these diseases is a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infections, CrossFit gyms play a vital role in combating COVID-19.

In order to maximize CrossFit’s positive impact during the pandemic, we recommend that you adhere to the following guidelines:

Symptom Screening:
a. All coaches, staff, and clients should complete a symptom and high-risk contact questionnaire (based on the current CDC symptoms list) on a daily basis before arriving for class.
b. Online applications should be made available to simplify screening and online check-in.
Monitoring:
a. An inexpensive CO2 monitor should be purchased and used to maintain a carbon dioxide level of 600 parts per million (ppm) or less, indicating effective ventilation with outside air.
Reservations:
a. Online class reservations should be used to ensure the class size is maintained at or below the recommended gym capacity limit for your area.
b. Online check-in can be an important tool to facilitate contact tracing.
Staggered Class Times:
a. The class schedule should include at least 15 minutes between classes to minimize passing exposures and allow time for equipment sanitization.
Class Size:
a. The number of people in the facility at one time should be limited to the recommended gym capacity limit for your area.
b. Class size should be limited to the lower of the number of participants i) needed to maintain physical distancing requirements, ii) needed to keep CO2 levels below 600 parts per million, or iii) the maximum stipulated by local ordinances.
Distancing:
a.  Physical distancing should be required at all times.
b.  While exercising, athletes should maintain a separation of at least 10 feet.
c. Advance planning should ensure separation is maintained during any movements or equipment changes.
d.  Athletes should be positioned to minimize airflow between individuals.
e.  Physical contact between individuals should be discouraged.
Masks:
a. Coaches and staff should wear masks at all times when indoors.
b. Clients should wear masks when indoors, especially when outside of their designated exercise spaces. If indoor ventilation meets the 600 ppm standard, masks may be removed for exercise while maintaining 10 feet of separation, subject to local regulations.
c. Masks should be worn outdoors when 10 feet of separation cannot be maintained during exercise or six feet otherwise.
Equipment:
a. All equipment should be sanitized between users.
b. Individuals should be encouraged to bring their own chalk to delineate their exercise spaces, if applicable.
Hand Sanitizer:
a. Hand sanitizer should be required upon entry, and hand sanitizer stations should be placed throughout the facility for frequent use.
b. Hand sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol.
Sanitization:
a. Sanitizing wipes should be available for high touch surfaces. Use a wipe solution that is either bleach-based, at least 70% alcohol-based, or any other EPA-approved disinfectant.
Signage:
a. Signage should be prominently placed throughout the facility reminding about masking, hygiene, and distancing. Floor decals should direct traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Testing:
a. Coach and staff testing should be conducted in accordance with local health guidelines, as required.
b. Inexpensive rapid testing should be considered for broader use among clients as it becomes available.
Contact Tracing:
a. Names and contact numbers for all individuals entering the facility should be recorded for contact tracing, if needed.
b. In the event of an identified infection, all individuals who came into contact with the infected individuals should be notified and encouraged to quarantine and/or undergo testing. Timing of contact and specific policies should be determined in accordance with CDC guidelines and local health requirements.
Risk Assessment:
a. All clients and staff should conduct a personal risk assessment that includes risk tolerance in accordance with age and medical conditions for each individual and close contacts such as family members.

All CrossFit gyms should adhere to all local health guidelines and regulations. Should there be a discrepancy between government requirements and CrossFit standards, the stricter standard should apply.

Any staff members or coaches identified as having COVID-19 must isolate in accordance with CDC guidelines and local health requirements. Known contacts of any infected individuals will be notified and encouraged to quarantine and/or undergo testing in accordance with CDC guidelines and local health orders.

These guidelines are based on the best information currently available as of Dec. 30, 2020 and will be revised as necessary.