Scioly.org

windu34 wrote: ↑March 7th, 2020, 4:51 pm With all of the recent discussion on the potential impact of the coronavirus on state and national tournaments, I wanted to post and let Florida competitors know we at UF are still proceeding with preparations for our state tournament while carefully monitoring the situation. The UFSO team is working on implementing preventative safety measures that can be put in place to help mitigate the potential threat to our attendees. If circumstances arise such that Florida Science Olympiad leadership or the University of Florida deems it unsafe to hold the tournament, I will update to this thread accordingly.

For now, please continue with your preparations for the state tournament and reach out to us at ufso.eboard@floridascienceolympiad.org with any specific questions or concerns.

windu34 wrote: ↑March 10th, 2020, 8:41 pm Florida State Tournament Update
Currently still progressing with the tournament, however, this is subject to change at any moment. We are hoping to reach a stronger decision by the end of the week after speaking to UF administration.
IF the tournament is held, the following provisions have been ascertained in order to mitigate risk:
1.) All Friday Activities/Trial Events have been CANCELLED
2.) Awards Ceremony is CANCELLED. My current plan would be to livestream announcements of event and overall winners that evening and mail out awards.
3.) Experimental Design B/C is CANCELLED
4.) No spectators will be allowed for ANY events. We will quite literally have a "bouncer" at the only gym entrance checking wristbands. Coaches and parents will not be allowed in the gym.

The UFSO team is also discussing ways to mitigate risks, such as mandating tables be wiped down between time blocks with bleach wipes, mandatory hand sanitizer upon entering all rooms, and mandatory face masks for all competitors.

Additional information can be found here: UFSO COVID-19 Statement

CookiePie1 wrote: ↑March 10th, 2020, 8:44 pm

windu34 wrote: ↑March 10th, 2020, 8:41 pm Florida State Tournament Update
Currently still progressing with the tournament, however, this is subject to change at any moment. We are hoping to reach a stronger decision by the end of the week after speaking to UF administration.
IF the tournament is held, the following provisions have been ascertained in order to mitigate risk:
1.) All Friday Activities/Trial Events have been CANCELLED
2.) Awards Ceremony is CANCELLED. My current plan would be to livestream announcements of event and overall winners that evening and mail out awards.
3.) Experimental Design B/C is CANCELLED
4.) No spectators will be allowed for ANY events. We will quite literally have a "bouncer" at the only gym entrance checking wristbands. Coaches and parents will not be allowed in the gym.

The UFSO team is also discussing ways to mitigate risks, such as mandating tables be wiped down between time blocks with bleach wipes, mandatory hand sanitizer upon entering all rooms, and mandatory face masks for all competitors.

Additional information can be found here: UFSO COVID-19 Statement

seems like a great compromise, but more effective than NJ only cancelling awards but ignoring other risks.

demir wrote: ↑March 11th, 2020, 2:31 pm Florida State competition is cancelled. I want to say how much I appreciate the efforts the state board put to keep it alive. However, University of Florida is completely switching to online education by Monday and they don't want any students in their campus considering all the travelling during Spring Break. They also got the first case in Gainesville, Florida.

This is extremely disappointing but I guess it was unavoidable. My students were really looking forward to state but life happens!

Letter from Ms. Ledford, the state director:

"Florida Science Olympiad Competitors, Coaches, Parents, and Volunteers,
Over the past few days, I have communicated with many about plans for our tournaments within the context of the coronavirus. My delay in providing to you a definitive response was motivated by my desire to ensure both the health and safety of your students, as well as to allow competitors participation in a tournament that they have spent the past few months admirably preparing for. As of today, however, the Florida State Science Olympiad tournament at the University of Florida scheduled for March 21 is CANCELLED based on a call from the university due to an active COVID-19 case in Alachua county.
We cannot host a virtual tournament and with the expected increased spread of the virus we cannot set a reschedule date. Due to this, Florida will be unable to send any teams to the national tournament in Raleigh in the situation that there is a national tournament.
While I thoroughly understand the pain and hardship that this will cause the students, parents, and coaches, this is the best and most appropriate decision that can be made considering the current circumstances relating to the coronavirus situation. The board and I have agonized over the possibility of cancelling the tournament for some time. We are fully aware of the sacrifices and dedication of competitors and coaches as they have prepared for this moment. It is heartbreaking to have to make this decision because our team was very excited for this tournament and looking forward to providing everyone an amazing experience.
I know that everyone has made, at times, sacrifices for their students and for Science Olympiad, I earnestly and desperately implore you all to assist me in making just one more: that is, for your patience and understanding. Again, I am very, very sorry to have to share this news with you. I wish you all the very best and sincerely hope to see all of you back next year. Please share this letter with the appropriate school administrators and parents. As always, should you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me"

demir wrote: ↑March 11th, 2020, 2:31 pm Florida State competition is cancelled. I want to say how much I appreciate the efforts the state board put to keep it alive. However, University of Florida is completely switching to online education by Monday and they don't want any students in their campus considering all the travelling during Spring Break. They also got the first case in Gainesville, Florida.

This is extremely disappointing but I guess it was unavoidable. My students were really looking forward to state but life happens!

Letter from Ms. Ledford, the state director:

"Florida Science Olympiad Competitors, Coaches, Parents, and Volunteers,
Over the past few days, I have communicated with many about plans for our tournaments within the context of the coronavirus. My delay in providing to you a definitive response was motivated by my desire to ensure both the health and safety of your students, as well as to allow competitors participation in a tournament that they have spent the past few months admirably preparing for. As of today, however, the Florida State Science Olympiad tournament at the University of Florida scheduled for March 21 is CANCELLED based on a call from the university due to an active COVID-19 case in Alachua county.
We cannot host a virtual tournament and with the expected increased spread of the virus we cannot set a reschedule date. Due to this, Florida will be unable to send any teams to the national tournament in Raleigh in the situation that there is a national tournament.
While I thoroughly understand the pain and hardship that this will cause the students, parents, and coaches, this is the best and most appropriate decision that can be made considering the current circumstances relating to the coronavirus situation. The board and I have agonized over the possibility of cancelling the tournament for some time. We are fully aware of the sacrifices and dedication of competitors and coaches as they have prepared for this moment. It is heartbreaking to have to make this decision because our team was very excited for this tournament and looking forward to providing everyone an amazing experience.
I know that everyone has made, at times, sacrifices for their students and for Science Olympiad, I earnestly and desperately implore you all to assist me in making just one more: that is, for your patience and understanding. Again, I am very, very sorry to have to share this news with you. I wish you all the very best and sincerely hope to see all of you back next year. Please share this letter with the appropriate school administrators and parents. As always, should you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me"