Health & Safety Updates for Events as of 2/9/22
Published February 9 2022

Greetings all!

Now that we are through the Premiere events, we are looking forward to our first weekend of regular season shows! I wanted to take a few moments and share some policy updates for health and safety with regards to COVID-19.

We are still monitoring the effects on our area, and have determined that we are in a much different situation than we were in a month ago. While caution still must be taken, we are revising some of the previously stated policies. Groups are still strongly encouraged to take whatever precautions and safeguards they deem necessary for themselves.

Policies in Effect at Venues

Flexibility is crucial this season. Our events will operate and respect any policies or protocols in place at the school hosting the CWEA event. Applicable information will be communicated out frequently, so it’s important that you keep a close eye on your inbox and read your email. Please understand that these circumstances are beyond CWEA’s control, and are due to the variation of mandates and policies by local health authorities, school boards and event hosts.

Masking Requirements

At this time, we are not mandating masks at CWEA events, unless otherwise explicitly stated or if required by the host. We are strongly encouraging everyone in attendance to wear a mask if they are unvaccinated. It is good practice to always keep a mask with you at circuit events should this change, or for a specific situation where you are required to wear a mask. The circuit will maintain a zero tolerance policy when it comes to following masking instructions. If you are in a situation where masks are required, you must wear the mask.

CWEA Staff and Judges will be required to wear masks if they are unvaccinated. Vaccinated staff members are no longer required to mask, but are strongly encouraged to do so whenever social distancing is not possible.

Awards Retreats

We will be resuming awards ceremonies this weekend. We ask that you only send a maximum of two representatives to the floor for awards. No handshakes - fist bumps only!

Groups Watching Performances in the Stands

We welcome groups to join us in the stands past their performance times. We do however request that you be courteous to other performers and groups who may want to watch as well! If your group has been in the gym for an extended period of time, and there are groups waiting to be seated, please consider offering up space to those groups. Remember - it’s been a while since ALL performers were able to sit and watch other groups. Please help us to make sure that all groups have the opportunity to celebrate each other!

The Contest Administrators have final authority in allowing groups to view performances or closing the stands, should intervention be necessary. We thank you in advance for accommodating these changes as needed.

Director’s Hospitality

We are lifting the previously stated restrictions on DIrector’s Hospitality rooms moving forward, though we highly encourage social distancing and the use of hand sanitizer! Keep in mind, this change may be too late for the 2/12 events to alter course for their existing plans. Should hospitality rooms not be available at an event, you’re encouraged to support the school’s concession stands and vendors for available food service options.

Critique Sessions

At this time, we are making the following adjustments to Critique procedures:

• A maximum of two directors (or staff members) from each group will be permitted to participate in Critique
• Masks must be worn at all times during critique. If you do not have a mask, or refuse to wear a mask, you will be asked to leave.
• A limited number of slots will be available for groups to participate in Critique, and you must be registered in advance. Registration for critiques will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Details on registration open times and other details will be released with the event schedule. If you want to participate in critique, it’s highly advised that you have a plan in place to capture on of these spaces once registration becomes available.
• If you decide not to participate in critique, you must cancel your registration in CompetitionSuite no later than 12:00 AM Thursday morning. Once you are signed up for critique, you are obligated to attend. If you fail to participate, you will lose your critique privileges for the remainder of the season.
• Rotation times may be adjusted or setups may change dependent on the event. The critique monitor will explain the procedures and protocol prior to your entry into the critique room.

As mentioned before, COVID protocols are a moving target. We will be posting additional information on the circuit website related to these protocols within the coming weeks. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Sincerely,

Cody Crawford
President, CWEA