The 2020 For The Kingdom Bubble, also referred to as the FTK Bubble located in Memphis, TN. The bubble is the isolation zone that was created to protect student athletes from the COVID-19 pandemic while allowing for a winter 2020 basketball season. This model follows the National Basketball Association example which returned 0 positive cases.
CURRENT BUBBLE DATES
November 20-25, 2020
6 Teams invite only
December 26-January 1, 2021
12 Teams invite only
January 15-21, 2021
12 Teams Invite only
Where:
For The Kingdom (aka FTK) is a beautiful 100 acres camp and camp, conference, & retreat center located in Memphis, TN 38128. For 21 years FTK has specialized in providing an escape in the city for the city through day and overnight camps. FTK is an adventurous place filled with laughter, bonding, and unity.
For The Kingdom is a uniquely qualified infrastructure that makes the bubble concept viable. Not only is the place big enough to contain all essential team and league personnel, with security, it can be isolated from the surrounding area relatively easily.
Within FTk’s secluded 100 acres oasis is the ability to comfortably sleep 200 people. Teams will be given 2 newly renovated cabins each that will house 6 athletes in each. Each cabin is equipped with AC/Heat, hardwood floors, 3 private showers, and restrooms.
Most of the amenities at the massive including pool, zip lines, climbing towers, game porches, reading, movie/gaming lounges, are available for anybody on campus to use.
Practice and games in the bubble are being played in two different locations in close proximity to FTK campus. Limited media personnel and inactive players are allowed in the stands, but other than a couple sponsors here and there, no fans are allowed to attend any of the first two tournaments. The locations will be announced when schedules are released. More information about practice can be found in this packet.
COVID-19 testing
Upon arrival at the FTK bubble, every player, coach and staff member has to self-isolate in their rooms for up to 48 hours until they receive two negative COVID-19 tests.
COVID-19 testing is done “regularly” inside the bubble, and will be performed by Methodist north hospital professionals. Although all the details have not specified exactly how often players are tested. Unique circumstances may lead to daily testing for some.
- They will be placed in ‘Isolation Housing,’ which will be a house, hotel or other facility that is different from the individual’s previous accommodations at a location in which no individuals who have not tested positive are residing.
- They will be administered a second COVID-19 test as soon as possible to guard against the possibility of a false positive. If that second test comes back positive, the person will remain in isolation housing.
- If the second test comes back negative, a third test will be administered between 24 and 48 hours after the first test. If that test also comes back negative, the person will be allowed to reenter the FTK campus. If it comes back positive, the person will remain in isolation.
The period of treatment and isolation for players who test positive is a minimum of 14 days.
Per the CDC’s guidelines, a player who tests positive and is eventually cleared will need to go through cardiac screening either two weeks after the first positive test (if he/she is asymptomatic) or two weeks after his symptoms clear. The player needs to pass the cardiac screening before he can return to play.
If somebody tests positive, FTK will use contact tracing in an effort to trace that person’s recent interactions. Anybody who had been in close contact with the individual for at least 15 minutes or had direct contact will be notified they need to be tested.
Number of people per team
There are 10-12 players added per team and no more than 3 coaches per team. However if a player/coach tests positive the team will be able to replace them after they have gone through the covid-19 protocol.
FOOD:
There will be 3 meals and 2 snacks available each day for all student athletes and personnel. All meals are prepared on site in FTK’s restaurant by some of the best chef’s in the midsouth. Any dietary or food allergies can be accommodated. Feel free to peruse our menu https://www.ftkmemphis.org/ftk-dining-menu/ for examples of food options.
MEDICAL STAFF:
We are fortunate to have some of the best medical professionals donating their time for all athletes, coaches and personnel.
GUEST IN THE FTK BUBBLE
Due to the current surge in cases at this time there will be no guest allowed in.
FTK STORE:
LEAVING THE BUBBLE
PPlayers technically are allowed to leave the bubble whenever they want, but unless it’s an excused absence, doing so is not a good idea. If a player, coach leave the bubble they will have to start the 48 hour quarantine process over again.
FTK BUBBLE-CAMP COMPONENTS
Camp Memphis has provided exciting and adventurous life changing experiences from youth from all over the country for years. Taking with them memories that will last a lifetime. Camp Memphis traditionally provides a weeklong day or overnight experience. Due to covid-19 we have begun to look at camping differently. While providing the same energy, restfulness, adventure, and peace in a safe socially distanced way.
