The NCAA’s three-phase plan for sports to return

The NCAA has a press release that details a three-phase plan for sports to return.

Phase One

As mentioned before, a gating period must be satisfied for at least 14 consecutive days.

Vulnerable student-athletes, athletics health care providers, coaches and athletics personnel should continue to shelter in place. Vulnerable populations include individuals with serious underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity and asthma, and those whose immune system is compromised, such as by chemotherapy.

A player much like Andrew Jones who battled Lukemia would have higher risk factors if this took place while his immune system was compromised. A full medical check even after his remission is increasingly important.

Those living in dorms and other residences where vulnerable individuals reside should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus back home, and appropriate isolating precautions should be taken.

This falls in line much like non athletes are doing now. Washing your clothes immediately, showering and practicing good hygiene.

Physical distancing must continue and gatherings of 10 or more people should be avoided unless warranted. With sports such as football it would be impossible to limit their gatherings.

Gyms, locker rooms and team facilities should remain closed unless strict distancing and sanitation protocols can be implemented.

Teams should continue to have virtual meetings as often as possible to lower the risks of the virus spreading.

Nonessential travel should be minimized, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding isolation after travel should be implemented.