CHICAGO(June 14, 2020) – Chicago Fire FC announced today that the Club has received approval from local and state governments to begin full team training at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The Fire will begin full team training on Monday, June 15, pending approval from Major League Soccer. Full team training is the final step in MLS’ return to play protocol and will be mandatory for all players.
The Fire’s full team training plans were reviewed and approved the club’s medical staff and local infectious disease experts.
The full team training protocol set by the Fire and MLS prohibits media access to SeatGeek Stadium, restricting access to players and essential staff only. Chicago Fire FC will provide recorded interviews, b-roll footage and photography following the full team training sessions.
In order to maintain a safe environment for all players and staff, individual club plans must remain in compliance with local health and government policies and adhere to detailed health and safety protocols that were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts, including:
Testing:
- Players must complete a physical examination, and all players and staff must complete two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests 24 hours apart, 72 hours prior to the start of training, and undergo one baseline antibody (serology) test.
- Players will be cleared to train by their medical staff only after they have successfully completed their interim physical, completed two negative PCR tests and the serology test.
- Players, coaches and select staff must complete PCR tests every other day and only those with negative results will be allowed to attend training.
- Serology testing will be performed once every three months.
- Individual club test providers must be authorized by the FDA and Health Canada. Turnaround time for tests must be no more than 24 hours.
- If a player or staff member tests positive, the individual will be isolated. The isolated individual will be tested again at least 24 hours later to ensure the result was not a false positive. All close contacts will be tested immediately. Contact tracing will be performed at the direction of the club’s COVID-19 task force and local authorities.
- A player or staff member that tests positive for COVID-19 may return to training only when cleared by the club’s Chief Medical Officer in consultation with the league medical team.
- Any player or staff considered to be in a high-risk category for severe illness related to COVID-19 will not be permitted to participate in team training unless cleared by the club’s Chief Medical Officer.
Facilities and Equipment Use:
- Clubs will have the full use of their training facilities.
- Entry points should remain open to avoid repeated contact with doorknobs or door exit bars.
- The training room, gyms and fitness areas will be restricted to no more than five individuals at any time while maintaining physical distancing standards.
- Clubs should use multiple dressing rooms and assign players to the same dressing room for each training session. Individual lockers should be spaced at least 10 feet apart.
- The training room, gyms and fitness areas, as well as dressing rooms and showers must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected following every session in accordance with MLS protocols.
- All equipment and laundry must be cleaned and disinfected after each use and in accordance with MLS and EPA protocols.
- Clubs must provide individual hydration bottles to players at all times. Communal water or hydration devices are strictly prohibited.
- Only individual, prepackaged meals and individually wrapped utensils may be provided to players and staff. Players and staff must maintain 10 feet of physical distancing while eating.
Player and Staff Safety Processes:
- Individual club plans must include an Emergency Action Plan for all COVID-19 related issues.
- Training access is restricted to essential staff only, with specific staff listed in the individual club plan.
- Completion of a Standard Screening questionnaire by each player prior to every arrival at the training site, and temperature checks upon arrival at the facility.
- Staggered player and staff arrivals and departures, with designated parking spaces to maintain maximum distance between vehicles.
- Player use of personal protective equipment from the parking lot to his designated position on the field or gym. Players should keep their facemask on when in the training room.
- Staff use of the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times, including throughout training.
- Hand washing and disinfectant stations for required use before and after sessions.
After suspending the league on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MLS recently announced its plan to restart the 2020 season with all 26 MLS clubs competing in the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida beginning July 8.
The Fire was drawn into Group A in the tournament. The additional Eastern Conference teams drawn into Group A include Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC, New York City FC, Orlando City SC and the Philadelphia Union.
The Fire will face Inter Miami, Nashville SC and NYCFC in the group stage of the tournament. The tournament schedule, including specific matchup dates and full broadcast details, will be announced at a later date.
