NCAA issues plan for athletes’ return
The NCAA released a long and detailed plan Friday to help schools bring athletes back to campus during a pandemic.
The Resocialization of Collegiate Sports: Action Plan Considerations was announced as schools across the country prepare for the return of football players as early as June 8.
The NCAA’s Division I Council voted last week to lift a moratorium on athletic activities starting Monday. That cleared the way for voluntary workouts and training to begin at team facilities.
Schools have already started putting plans in place to test athletes, coaches and staff for coronavirus and implement social distancing. The NCAA says its plan is offered as guidance, consistent with federal and local public health guidelines.
A disclaimer states that the report should be used as a resource and not as a “substitute for medical or legal advice.” It includes data about the pandemic, information about the number of cases in young people and a timeline for infections. The 3,200-word document is split into four parts: reopening considerations; athletics staff and student-athlete return to campus considerations; post-return operational considerations; and infection monitoring and response considerations.
Shortly before the NCAA released its guidelines, the University of North Carolina posted on social media its plan to bring athletes back to campus.
The college football season is scheduled to start around Labor Day weekend, with a few games being played the Saturday before the holiday weekend. There is to be a full slate of games from Sept. 3-7.