AAC announces COVID-19 testing protocols for football
AAC commissioner Mike Aresco announced Thursday that all 11 football teams will be tested 72 hours before each game this season.
The testing protocols will apply for all regular season and bowl games.
Aresco said that the decision was made with guidance from the conference’s COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group.
Memphis head athletic trainer Darrell Turner is the Tigers’ delegate for the group.
“Our presidents, athletic directors and senior woman administrators continue to monitor the global COVID-19 pandemic and ways in which we can work toward a safe and healthy return to fall competition for our student athletes, coaches and staff members,” Aresco said in a statement.
“The welfare of everyone on our campuses and connected to our events remains our highest priority.”
The news comes ahead of Yahoo Sports reporting that the NCAA and commissioners of the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) are expected to release a report Friday detailing medical recommendations for COVID-19 testing.
Aresco said that the conference’s overall operational protocols regarding COVID-19 will be finalized soon and could be revised.
The conference is also finalizing testing protocols for Olympic sports.
“We are committed to meeting or exceeding all guidelines and standards recommended by the NCAA and its member institutions in all fall sports, including football,” Aresco said.