Covid-19 recommendations & information for Officials

The health, well-being and safety of our Athletes, Officials and our fans is our top priority!

For Officials attending FEI Events, there are many additional considerations to take into account in light of the pandemic, the different national restrictions in place and the FEI Policy for Enhanced Competition Safety, which applies to all FEI Events taking place as of 1 July 2020.

You will find below a “handy” Checklist for Officials which was originally created by the International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC) as well as some useful links to all the information you need so that you can make informed decisions and be fully prepared for any eventualities:

• FEI Covid-19 FAQs for Officials where we cover questions relating to your role/responsibility with regards to Covid-19 at an Event, the impact on education system and more…
• FEI Insurance Coverage  for Officials where you will find a summary of the current insurance coverage for FEI Officials specifically appointed and sent by the FEI to an event or a meeting, including additional pages/updates to the Policy dedicated to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• FEI Return to Play, a dedicated hub where you will find all the measures, guidelines and recommendations in place for Events including a risk assessment tool, a decision making tree, and additional Guidelines and Protocols for specific disciplines and roles at Events 

CHECKLIST FOR OFFICIALS - TRAVELLING AND OFFICIATING DURING COVID-19
For all travelling Officials, Covid-19 and the associated challenges and complications are particularly unsettling, especially as each country has specific rules in place. We hope this checklist will provide you with a step-by-step process and reassurance with regards to your planning process.

1. Get acquainted with the destination and current situation
The World Health Organization website provides a map showing the situation in each country and the number of cases in recent days. Check it out before you travel and talk to the Organiser as you may need a Necessary Travel Statement, for example for the USA, you need a special NIE waiver from USEF. The FEI can also provide you with a confirmation letter to attest to your travel purpose – so don’t hesitate to also contact the relevant sports department at the FEI.

2. Find out about local requirements and restrictions
Some countries, states or local governments have different requirements, from masks to quarantine, this varies from country to country. Save yourself unpleasant surprises and delays by checking the restrictions at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

State and local health department websites are your best resource. Keep in mind that restrictions can change rapidly depending on local conditions. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer and/or ask the Organiser.

3. Check your travel and medical insurance
It is important to ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Make sure that it covers the costs of any Covid-19 treatment. Some companies have suspended insurance sales, some report that “contingency protection” cannot cover Covid-19 because the risk of illness is known prior to traveling.

Ask your insurer about policies at your destination as well as procedures, contact details and people who can help you. Take all the necessary documents with you and if possible bring copies translated into the official language of the country you are traveling to.

We recommend Organisers book and pay for your travel tickets as they often have better deals with travel agencies. However, should you do your own booking, be sure to have a money-back guarantee.

4. Be ready for quarantine
Get acquainted with the rules of the country you are travelling to as currently 14-day post-arrival quarantine is standard in many countries. Before travelling, check who you should contact in case of health problems. If you take medication regularly, take a supply with you for a possible quarantine period.

Some Organisers can, according to special arrangements with the local government, arrange “bubble-to-bubble”. That means that part of your post-arrival quarantine can be done in the “bubble”. In this scenario, you are only permitted to use the provided transportation to and from the showground.

Remember to make an agreement with the Organising Committee about the daily fee, extra meals etc. for the non-officiating extra days due to quarantine etc.

5. Get ready for the trip
Most of you are very experienced travelers, but never the less:

Pack a thermometer, antipyretic drugs (paracetamol is recommended) and necessary medical documents (e.g. medical record book). Take tissues soaked with hand sanitizer (at least 60% of alcohol), hand disinfectant, and disposable wipes. You can buy these in most airports.

6. Showground
Most competitions are currently without spectators. Where possible, and in a bid to reduce the risk of transmission, avoid crowds and all gatherings of people.

Check with the Organising Committee if they have/can provide test facilities such as a quick-test/PCR and be sure to clarify who is paying for it.

7. Hotels and other lodging
The hotel industry recognises that travelers are concerned by Covid-19 and safety. Check the hotel website for information about how they protect guests and staff.

8. If you feel ill during or after travel
If you experience symptoms such as fever, coughing or breathing difficulties, contact your local health care provider immediately, preferably by telephone, and inform them of your symptoms and travel history.

Many countries require a negative Covid-19 test before re-entering the country. In case you test positive upon your return, be sure to ask the Organisers what to do in this situation beforehand. Who is paying for the extra isolation/quarantine and return-ticket etc. Check how soon you can be tested again, and allowed to travel back home.

9. Upon return
When you return, you should monitor your symptoms for 14 days. Self-isolation is strongly recommended and often required. This includes testing before leaving or before boarding the aircraft. Be updated on timeframes and what kind of tests you need.