What to know about NCAA’s new COVID-19 guidelines for fall sports
We are quickly approaching the start of a new fall sports calendar at the NCAA level, with college football’s return the highlight of the fall. After seeing how the COVID-19 pandemic ripped apart the schedule for the college football season and other sports, the NCAA is hoping to see fewer issues arise this year. But just in case, the NCAA has updated its COVID-19 guidelines for the 2021-22 sports calendar, beginning with the fall sports.
The biggest change in the guidelines is due to a larger number of people being vaccinated from COVID-19. According to the updated guidelines, vaccinated individuals will not have to be tested unless it has been determined they have come into contact with someone with a positive test or if a team-wide spread has been diagnosed. Those who have been vaccinated also will not have to quarantine if they test negative. The NCAA guidelines do recommend the wearing of a mask inside for two weeks after exposure.
Those who have not been vaccinated are still recommended to quarantine following local guidelines if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Non-vaccinated players will still undergo weekly testing during weeks with no competition and within three days of the first competition of the week. Vaccinated players will not have to be tested unless they are symptomatic or the team is at risk of a spread.
Masks will not be required outside, but will be recommended for indoor settings for those who are vaccinated. Non-vaccinated individuals will be recommended to follow masking and physical distancing.
Penn State continues to move forward with the expectation that all stadiums on campus will be fully open, as Pennsylvania has opened up.
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