Reopening Youths Sports Spotlight on Rush Athletics USA

PLAINFIELD, IL - With 2020 Summer Track & Field, 2020 Fall Cross Country, and 2021 Winter Track & Field seasons in the books, Rush Athletics USA has proven once again why it is one of northern Illinois' leading youth cross country-track and field organizations. Rush Athletics USA is setting the bar high for youth sports during this pandemic.

It has been a trying year for youths wanting to participate in sports activities hosted by their schools, park districts, or youth organizations. With the upswing and downswing of Covid-19 cases this past year, youths have struggled physically and mentally upon hearing they are not able to participate in the sports they have grown to love.

Besides, not many organizations have been able to reopen based on the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 by the governor and new guidelines set by the CDC and IDPH. Those organizations that can offer sports programming have struggled to find a facility to host their programs.

"Many organizations did not have a game plan to implement or did not have the manpower or even a training facility during this unique circumstance," stated Coach Nicole Lincoln, Founder and Head Coach of Rush Athletics. "This past year, we were very fortunate and creative in finding places and coaches to provide our members with opportunities to train. We worked outside as long as the weather permitted, utilized private gyms like South Naperville Strength / Crossfit Resurgence, and when restrictions lifted a little, we were able to use park districts' indoor facilities. We literally had to set up our programming weekly because each week presented new challenges which affected what we were able to offer."

In April 2020, Rush Athletics started putting together a game plan following Govern Pritzer's phasings and taking into account the guidelines and protocols set forth by several entities like CDC, IDPH, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and the National Federation of High School (NFHS). Additionally, the organization consulted medical personnel to ensure their plans (procedures and protocols) were in alignment with those governing bodies. Coach Nicole Lincoln also held ZOOM meetings for the coaching staff, parents, and athletes to share and teach about the risks of exposure to Covid-19 through sports activities and protocols Rush Athletics USA intended to implement to help protect its members and ways members can protect themselves during training. The organization ordered touchless thermometers, masks, gloves, signs, hand sanitizers, wipes, and disinfectant cleaners for equipment.

Rush Athletics USA also suspended the collection of its membership fees. Organization members appreciated the flexibility especially when so many people were not receiving a steady income. Though fees were lowered to a discounted rate, athletes still receive 5-star training.

"Rush is awesome!" shared Kimberly Albright of Montgomery, IL. "The organization really went above and beyond the call of duty to provide members a chance to train and even compete during this pandemic. My son and I participated in all three seasonal programs and witnessed firsthand the meticulous way coaches implemented the health and safety procedures and protocols before, during, and after practices and training sessions. Everyone, I do mean everyone, practiced social distancing, wore their masks, and remained in their training group which had no more than 10 kids in a group. This was amazing to see and experience when everything else around us had shut down."

Passerbyers saw members before practice screening to the social distancing during training to exiting procedure at the end of practices/training sessions. Athletes were grouped in color-coordinated shirts. What a sight to see! Most of the thanks can go to Rush Athletics' coaches, volunteers, parents, and athletes for doing their part in following the game plan the organization created. Rush's programs were so successful because they had a plan, trained everyone extensively on how the plan will work, never deviated from the plan, and consistently (every practice or training session) followed the plan (no exceptions).

"Our program during this pandemic has been top-notch. Coach Lincoln has shared our organization's plans with park districts, schools, and other youth organizations that have used parts if not all of our procedures and protocols. Over the course of nine-month, we have had about 500 athletes participate in our programs and events with no reported cases of covid-19. Rush Athletics USA organization is definitely a leader and game-changer," stated Coach Gerald Houston Jr., Rush Athletics USA Head Coach.

What other sports programs and organizations can learn from Rush Athletics USA's success during this pandemic is the importance of following the health and safety guidelines for reducing the spread of Covid-19 which should not be taken lightly - these guidelines save lives. That's why Rush Athletics USA is one of northern Illinois' top leaders in youth sports, has had three successful programs, and continues to provide quality training programs and events in youth cross-country/track and field throughout this pandemic.

Rush Athletics USA has operated its youth programs in Plainfield and many other Chicago metropolitan suburbs for over 9 years. It offers year-round programming for youth runners/track & field and seasonal camps for volleyball, cheer, and football. Rush Athletics USA was named the 2018 AAU National Club of the Year. Please visit ilrushclub.org for more information on its programs. You can also contact Coach Lincoln at illinoisrush@gmail.com or by phone at 815-556-9650.