As part of our ongoing commitment to provide a safe environment for all participants, we are continually reviewing our safety policies, plans, and protocols. This season we are partnering with the I Love You Guys Foundation to implement The Standard Response Protocol.
The premise is simple. There are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
- HOLD “In your classroom or area”: This instruction means to clear hallways, remain in your current room or area, and continue with business as usual (debate rounds can continue, current speaker can continue) until “All Clear” is announced.
- SECURE “Get inside. Lock outside doors”: This means everyone remains inside the facility with doors locked doing business as usual.
- LOCKDOWN “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight”: This means to move away from sight, lock doors, turn out lights, maintain silence, prepare to evade or defend until released by a first responder.
- EVACUATE “To a Location” to be specified: This means to leave everything behind and go to the specified location.
- SHELTER “State Hazard and Safety Strategy”: Instructions will be provided based on the hazard.
These key verbs are used by schools, organizations, businesses, and first responders across the country. They enable us to quickly communicate during an incident in or near our facility and provide standard language we can use to respond appropriately to anything from a raccoon in a hallway to a tornado warning or a significant threat of any other nature.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Training our affiliates to be prepared to respond to unexpected concerns in a prompt and organized fashion not only provides for a safer environment, it also trains all of us for another communication skill that can be used beyond participation in NCFCA.
Look for more information in our Safety Policy, Safety Requirements, and Tournament Information.