UCLA, USC closer to football practice

Having been walking in place for weeks, UCLA and USC moved one significant step closer to a potential start of football practice when the California Department of Public Health released guidelines that both teams appeared to have satisfied as part of their attempts to save the season.

The guidelines call for a schoolspecific return-to-play safety plan, regular COVID-19 testing of athletes and support staff, adherence to quarantine and contact tracing protocols for individuals who test positive for the coronavirus and a prohibition on forcing players to waive their legal rights related to the virus as a condition of participation. There was no specific requirement for testing, though it was suggested as an example that teams could consider testing 25% of their players and staff each week.

UCLA and USC would need Los Angeles County and campus clearance before commencing practices, which could begin Aug. 17. — Ben Bolch

The Southeastern Conference will require football players and others in direct contact with the program to be tested at least twice weekly during the season . ... The annual FCS football playoffs will not be held this fall after the Pioneer Football League and Big Sky Conference announced they won’t have fall competition . ... . Maryland quarterback Josh Jackson has opted out of the season, and Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten has decided to take a redshirt season amid fears about COVID-19 . ... The ANA Inspiration, typically the LPGA’s first of major of the year, announced that it will not have fans Sept. 10-13 in Rancho Mirage.