Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 5

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | May – August 2020 8 I n responding to the prevailing uncertainties regarding sport and physical education during the global crisis, the Caribbean School of Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Sport, on July 18, 2020, presented “Code Reset: Practical Ideas for Sport to Thrive in the ‘New Normal’”. The webinar was geared towards preparing physical education teachers, coaches and other sport practitioners for the new norms in sport and physical activity. Presenters focused on providing practical solutions to issues of social and physical distancing and containing the spread of pathogens during communal exercise and physical activity. Presenter Dr. Lorie Lawrence, Physical Therapist, CEO of Everything Therapy, and former UTech, Jamaica Lecturer, discussed the pros and cons of wearing masks during exercise, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines indicate that masks can decrease the wearer’s ability to breathe properly. She also pointed out that there was a risk of hyperventilation leading to light-headedness and altitude sickness from elevated carbon dioxide levels. Dr Lawrence also spoke of the increased risk for growth of microorganisms in the sweat-soaked mask and reduced physical performance from the higher carbon dioxide concentration created by the mask. Dr. Lawrence indicated that simple protocols would have to be addressed; including the consideration of outdoor facilities for gyms, increased staffing to address the increased sanitization needs, use of personal mats and the removal of communal water coolers to limit the spread of microorganisms. Mrs. Naheel Brown Legister, Lecturer, FOSS and Physical Education Consultant also suggested several creative and practical ideas for the participants, including use of laminated instruction mats that serve as physical distance markers but with instructions for the class activity. Other speakers at the webinar were Mr. Andre Virtue, CEO for Ballaz International and CONCAF Education Officer and National Table Tennis Champion, Simon Tomlinson. FOSS Hosts Sports Education Webinar