Some college teams require waivers
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 warns 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 last Monday. Men’s and women’s basketball players are able to resume workouts at the Schottenstein Center this week.
The form mentions that players who do not adhere to the pledge could be prohibited from participating in athletic activities or using on-campus facilities. It would not affect their scholarship status, according to the document.
Since the NCAA lifted its moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus this month, schools have reopened facilities and hope 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, some schools have asked them to sign similar documents. Indiana put out a COVID-19 participant expectations and commitment pledge for football players to sign before they return this week.
The protocols 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 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.
OSU said it relied on guidance from the CDC and the Ohio Department of
Health, among other health agencies.
An initial round of COVID-19 testing was required before football players were permitted to use the facilities last week. If a player tests positive, he is equired to self-isolate for at least 14 days. Ohio State has declined to release data from the tests, citing medical privacy concerns.