Ohio St. players must sign virus risk waiver

When Ohio State football players returned to campus for voluntary workouts last week following the coronavirus shutdown, they were required to sign an acknowledgment of risk waiver before their participation.

The two-page document, obtained by The Columbus Dispatch through a public records request, outlines the health risks involved with workouts and other athletic activities, and calls for the athletes to follow strict health and safety protocols implemented by the school.

Referred to as a so-called Buckeye Pledge, it asks players to “pledge to take responsibility for my own health and help stop the spread of the COVID-19.”

The document goes on to warn athletes that “although the university is following the coronavirus guidelines issued by the CDC and other experts to reduce the spread of infection, I can never be completely shielded from all risk of illness caused by COVID-19 or other infections.”

Incoming freshmen who had not turned 18 needed to have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver.

Football players were first permitted to use the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and Schumaker Complex on Monday. Men’s and women’s basketball players are able to resume workouts at the Schottenstein Center next week.

Since the NCAA lifted its moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus this month, schools have reopened their facilities to athletes and are looking to hold organized football team activities as soon as next month after a recommendation issued by the Division I football oversight committee for an expanded preseason schedule.

As a condition for players’ return to campus, some schools have asked them to sign similar documents in which they agree to follow health guidance.

Indiana put out a COVID-19 participant expectations and commitment pledge for football players to sign before they return next week.

The protocols that Ohio State athletes have been required to follow include submitting to coronavirus testing, reporting exposure to COVID-19, disclosing symptoms of the virus, including a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and remaining home if they feel sick.

The school also asks players to “participate fully and honestly” with its athletic training staff for contact tracing.