Colorado University Athletics
NCAA Vote A Positive Step For Athletics, But Hurdles Still Remain
May 20, 2020 | Football, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — College sports fans received their first bit of good news in a while Wednesday when the NCAA Division I Council voted to allow the return of football, men's basketball and women's basketball student-athletes back to campuses from June 1 through June 30.
Other sports will be addressed in the near future.
The move ended a moratorium on all athletic activities instituted by the NCAA in March through May 31 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is no doubt seen as the first positive step toward the resumption of college athletics
But there are plenty more hurdles to clear, even when it comes to taking that first step.
While the NCAA decision does allow for the return of student-athletes to campuses for voluntary workouts, it does not mean every school will be able to do so. All universities must still follow the rules set forth by their respective conferences, as well as those set forth by their respective states, local municipalities and universities before they can bring student-athletes back.
In Colorado's case, it means the CU Athletic Department will first wait to see whether the Pac-12 presidents decide next week to lift the conference moratorium on in-person athletic activities, which is currently set through May 31. The league could vote to end the moratorium on May 31 or extend it.
But even if the league votes to end the moratorium, it would still mean each Pac-12 school would have to act in accordance with state and local rules and regulations concerning the Covid-19 shutdown. With the 12 schools spread across six states, it could mean a number of different scenarios for each school as they move forward. Such a situation could see some schools in states with still-strict stay-at-home orders be unable to conduct workouts, while schools in other states that have relaxed their orders could host limited workout sessions.
For CU, it would mean adhering to regulations and guidelines set forth by the state of Colorado, Boulder County and the City of Boulder; while also establishing a strict protocol that would meet the approval of medical professionals and university officials.
Currently, gyms and fitness centers in Colorado are not allowed to be open, although they have been preparing in recent weeks for a lifting of that shutdown. Gyms and fitness centers are also still closed under City of Boulder and Boulder County rules.
But if gyms and fitness centers are allowed to open in the state and in Boulder County, it would mean Buffs student-athletes could utilize CU workout facilities. It would be one of the first positive steps since the mid-March shutdown that paralyzed the college sports world, and would increase the chances of a fall college football season.
Athletic departments around the nation have been planning for a return of student athletes, preparing to put a wide variety of precautions in place. They range from limiting the number of student-athletes who could be in a facility at any one time to constant sanitization of all equipment to Covid-19 testing on a regular basis.Â
It is also worth noting that the voluntary workouts are a far cry from actual practice of any kind. The workouts would be limited to strength and conditioning, and schools would also be allowed to continue to have eight hours per week of instructional time with student-athletes. It would by no means be clearance to begin anything resembling a fall football camp — but it would be one step closer.
Earlier this month, Pac-12 coaches voiced the opinion that a minimum of six weeks would be needed to prepare a team for a football season. With CU's first game scheduled for Sept. 5, it would mean the Buffs would have to begin fall camp no later than July 25.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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