Ivan Palacios | THE RIDER
The Western Athletic Conference announced the delay of fall sports until mid-September on July 15. The delay comes in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic affecting the nation.
The decision pushes back women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, cross country and tennis until Sept. 16. Volleyball and men’s soccer is set to resume play on Sept. 10.
The announcement by the WAC applies only to gameplay as teams can resume training while following recommendations set by the NCAA. Among these recommendations are daily self-health checks, appropriate use of face coverings and social distancing, testing strategies for all athletic activities, and testing and results within 72 hours of competition in high-contact sports.
Each institution must also adhere to health guidelines set by their institutions and local communities. As student athletes prepare to return to campus, UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics, Chasse Conque ensures the proper precautions are being taken during this transition period.
“Right now, we are starting the transition with our student athletes back to campus,” Conque said in regard to the first phase of returning to campus. “We have self-isolation protocols depending if they’re international student athletes or domestic. All our student athletes will be tested upon their return to campus. And so, after a self-isolation period they will be tested and cleared with a physical.”
Other protocols being taken by UTRGV after the first phase include the use of facial coverings in the weight room and training rooms, as well consistent testing throughout the semester regardless of whether sports are in session.
“There’s been dramatic measures taken. And not just for our student athletes on campus, but really students in general here at the university,” said Conque. “I think our task force work at the beginning of the summer has really been put to the test. But I think our students and our faculty and staff will be pleased to see the university has put in some really good mitigation protocols and procedures that are going to help us get to the fall and be healthy as we operate this semester.”
Along with the recommendations set, the NCAA announced additional requirements on Wednesday that each school and conference must abide by if they intend to conduct sports in the fall. Key points of these requirements relate to players ability to opt out of the season, eligibility, medical expenses and reporting possible COVID-19 cases.
“Our decisions place emphasis where it belongs, on the health and safety of college athletes,” said NCAA President Mark Emmeret in a written statement. “Student athletes should never feel pressured into playing their sport if they do not believe it is safe to do so. These policies ensure they can make thoughtful, informed decisions about playing this fall.”
While the university and NCAA have protocols set in place, no conference-wide policies have been set at this time.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s predictable that you can’t come up with a single policy that you can apply to everyone at the same time,” said Jeff Hurd, commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference. “You can’t paint all conferences with the same brush.”
With constant updates, the WAC and the NCAA continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safest return to action in the fall. Two WAC committees, the Medical Advisory Board and the Contingency Planning Group, have been meeting weekly to discuss changes and updates to the current situation.
“As you know, and I alluded to it earlier, those things are really good, but they’re also only valid for that period of time that you get them,” said Hurd. “It could change in the next day. It could change in the next week. So, you have to really stay on top of it. And you have to give continual updates.”
With the NCAA not requiring divisions to decide on fall sports and championships until Aug. 21, the future of fall sports remains uncertain for student athletes, but UTRGV remains motivated to provide student athletes with a proper experience.
“You look back at our spring seniors that their seasons were cut short or some of them didn’t even get to start spring competition. And certainly, our fall student athletes are feeling that as well. The uncertainty,” said Conque. “But one thing for sure. And this is what we are committed to, their experience may look a little bit different but we’re going to ensure they have a great student athlete experience this fall regardless of what happens.”
