USA Triathlon and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, a worldwide cleaning industry association, have announced a partnership. This new initiative will aid USA Triathlon race directors and race management companies in meeting cleanliness and safety at their events ‘while minimizing risk from the coronavirus and other infectious agents.’
USA Triathlon is the first national governing body in the US Olympic and Paralympic Movement to partner with GBAC and its GBAC STAR Event Accreditation Program. The partnership also marks the first time GBAC is providing its accreditation to events, as opposed to buildings and facilities.
“GBAC STAR Event accreditation will help USA Triathlon race directors gain a more robust knowledge of cleaning, disinfecting and disease mitigation practices, adding one more layer of accountability to their events in the post-COVID-19 era,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO.
“As athletes across the country return to in-person racing – and as local authorities make decisions around permitting and resource allocation – they are looking for events with transparent and thorough safety practices in place.”
He continued, “The GBAC STAR accreditation program will help race directors provide validity of a clean, safe and healthy environment that will instil confidence among athletes, volunteers, spectators and the local community.”
Eva Solomon, Founder and CEO of Epic Races and Co-Chair of the USA Triathlon Race Director Committee, said “As we are returning to racing, it is exciting to go back to doing what we love and know so well.
“With all that has transpired the past year, race safety has taken on a broader definition, and we are continuing to learn and implement new methods and routines to keep our athletes safe. I am grateful for GBAC Star Event accreditation to ensure that I have the knowledge and tools that I need.”
The collaboration is part of the USA Triathlon (USAT) Safe Return to Multisport initiative. According to the national governing body, this empowers race directors to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices while giving athletes peace of mind as they return to in-person racing.
The GBAC collaboration is also a component of USAT’s Race Local, Compete Nationally initiative presented by TriBike Transport. This provides USA Triathlon race directors with added resources and promotional support as they rebound from COVID-19’s damaging effect on the endurance sports industry.
USA Triathlon will act as a strategic partner with GBAC. As part of the program, each race director must complete the GBAC Fundamentals Online Courses: Cleaning & Disinfection Principles and comply with cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention protocols and procedures.
USA Triathlon-sanctioned races have returned across the country with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. These include self-screening and temperature checks; contact reduction for athletes, staff and volunteers; increased cleaning and disinfecting practices onsite; and face coverings worn when not actively racing (depending on local mandates).
‘The GBAC STAR program provides additional training and education to build on these practices, as well as the legitimacy of a third-party accreditation.’
GBAC STAR
GBAC STAR provides third-party validation that event directors have implemented cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices to meet a higher level of cleanliness and safety.
Launched in early May 2020, the performance-based accreditation program has accredited organisations such as Hyatt, the American Airlines aircraft fleet and Admirals Club lounges, NFL, NBA NHL, and MLB sports arenas and stadiums, convention centres and top airports across the United States.
To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, events must demonstrate compliance with the GBAC STAR event criteria. These range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Event directors can apply online and complete e-learning course requirements.
“We are grateful for USA Triathlon’s partnership and commitment to GBAC STAR,” said GBAC Executive Director Patty Olinger. “Together, we will help multisport event directors implement strict protocols for biorisk situations that foster clean, safe and healthy environments now and in the future.”
The accreditation program is open to race directors of USA Triathlon-sanctioned triathlon and multisport events. Race directors will receive an email from USA Triathlon with more information about how to apply for training and accreditation, as well as steps to obtain marketing and collateral materials to promote their races as GBAC STAR accredited events.
USA Triathlon will also continue to award its own ‘Certified Safe Event’ designation to all USA Triathlon-sanctioned races that commit to implementing the best practices outlined in USA Triathlon’s Safe Return to Multisport initiative.
www.usatriathlon.org
www.gbac.org
