Masks required for ‘non-competing personnel’ in SEC’s fall medical protocols
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
The SEC touched on testing and mask usage in its required protocols for fall sports.
The conference said that protocols will continue to change throughout the season, as more updates come surrounding COVID-19.
"Our health experts have guided us though each stage of preparation for the safe return of activity and, together with the medical staffs embedded within our athletics programs, we will continue to monitor developments around the virus and evolve our plan to meet the health needs of our student-athletes," said SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.
As for testing, the conference said all testing will be done through a third-party, so they can ensure consistency and testing pre-competition.
However, the testing requirements differ from sport-to-sport.
For football:
- Testing at least twice a week
- Testing six and three days prior to any competition
For soccer and volleyball:
- Testing at least twice a week
- Testing three days prior to any competition
For cross country:
- Testing at least once per week
- Testing three days prior to any competition
The SEC said any coach and non-competing personnel will be required to wear a mask on the sidelines of football, soccer, and volleyball games.
Social distancing will also be required on the sidelines.
Cross country faces some different requirements. Student-athletes will be required to wear face coverings at the starting line and may remove them when they are properly distanced.
Meanwhile, cross country coaches and staff will be expected to social distance throughout the event and wear masks pre- and post-race.
As a final precaution, the conference is requiring all member schools to appoint a "COVID-19 Protocol Oversight Officer," who is responsible for educating and monitoring school compliance with the restrictions.
