By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) is ready for its return once the government gives them the green light to get back on the track.
With thorough consultancy and meetings among the board, PATAFA will impose new rules in line with the safety protocols amid the pandemic.
Meetings and huddles among the players and coaches will no longer be allowed to practice social distancing and assembly of teams in a single spot would be strictly prohibited.
Regarding warming up and stretching, the conditioning coaches of the athletes are no longer allowed and the athletes themselves will have to do it by themselves.
A distance of 2 to 3 meters will have to be observed by head coaches all the time if they wish to instruct and say something to their wards.
For runners, the PATAFA advised the one runner one lane policy in which runners can’t occupy the lane of the other to avoid slipstream.
Athletes for the throwing and jumping events should wear protective gear and face shields during their waiting time and will have to exit the area after their turn.
Also, shaking hands, taking of photos, and high-fiving is strongly disallowed to practice minimal contact among each other.
Meanwhile, as PATAFA already finished their guidelines for their comeback, they will just be waiting for the government’s decision if when will they allow them to get back.
