Curious about what Pod Leaders are and why Columbus League needs them? Read these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to learn more.
Question: What is a Pod Leader?
A: A Pod Leader is a screened parent or adult volunteer who escorts a pod of six young athletes from activity to activity at a Columbus League Micro-Meet.
Pod Leaders ensure the athletes in their pod:
  • Enter and leave the Micro Meet on time;
  • Travel to each activity together;
  • Move together on schedule;
  • Abide by Columbus League Micro Meet and COVID rules; and
  • Maintain proper social distance.
Question: How do I become a Pod Leader?
Answer: Contact the Columbus League using our contact form, or state that you would like to become a Pod Leader when you request to participate in Columbus League. We will confirm that you qualify and begin the screening process.
Question: Who can serve as Pod Leader? 
Answer: Any adult (18 or older) who has successfully undergone Youth Abuse Prevention training and related screening may serve as a Pod Leader. Parents or guardians of an athlete within a pod are given preference to serve as a Pod Leader, as are individuals selected by one of Columbus League’s participating teams.
Question: Why do we need Pod Leaders?
Answer: In order to reduce the risk of illness and comply with government COVID restrictions, the Columbus League is hosting Micro Meets for the 2021 season.
At each Micro Meet, young athletes compete in pods of up to six athletes, moving from race to race together, so that cross-exposure is minimized. Escorting them is the Pod Leader, a screened adult volunteer who ensures the athletes in the pod:
  • Enter and leave the Micro Meet on time;
  • Wear their RFID tracking bracelets at all times;
  • Travel to each activity together;
  • Move together on schedule;
  • Maintain proper social distance; and
  • Abide by Columbus League Micro Meet and COVID rules.
Question: Must Pod Leaders come to every meet?
Answer: Pod Leaders are expected to serve in their role for every meet during the season. However, in the event a Pod Leader cannot serve in their role, an alternate Pod Leader who is also properly screened may serve in their place. If an alternate Pod Leader serves, s/he must obtain a separate RFID tracking bracelet for contact tracing purposes.