University of Connecticut Athletics
Men's BKB Team Returns To Campus, Football Returns On July 1
6/19/2020 3:37:00 PM | Football, General, Men's Basketball
STORRS, Conn. – UConn men's basketball student-athletes are scheduled to return to campus today while UConn football student-athletes will return to Storrs on July 1. Both teams will have the opportunity to participate in voluntary activities shortly thereafter.
The re-entry plan for men's basketball and football was submitted to the state's Higher Education Committee as a pilot program, which would allow the University to solidify policies and procedures prior to the general student body's return in mid-August.
Voluntary activities allow for student-athletes to use strength and conditioning areas and other athletics facilities without the supervision of coaches. Strength and conditioning staff may observe and conduct voluntary workouts.
The women's basketball team, while also cleared to return, has chosen to return later this summer.
Before student-athletes are cleared to begin workouts, all must test negative for COVID-19 and enter into a modified quarantine within small groups. After they test negative, each student-athlete is required to pass a physical exam conducted by UConn team physicians and athletic trainers before they are cleared to begin training.
The NCAA has designated July 11 as the date when football can begin on-field activities with coaches present, based on UConn's Sept. 3 first date of competition. The date for men's and women's basketball to begin coach-supervised activities on the court is July 20.
"The health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff is our top priority and I am pleased that we will be able to begin the process of welcoming our teams back to campus," director of athletics David Benedict said. "The procedures our teams must adhere to are the product of the hard work and expertise of medical professionals on campus and across our state. I would like to thank everyone involved in the process who helped provide a safe environment for our teams' return."
Additionally, student-athletes and staff will have daily screening before admittance to facilities, which will include self-screening of symptoms and temperature checks. They will also be provided items and guidelines necessary to participate in team functions (social distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, etc.).
All facilities on campus will go through rigorous cleaning and sanitization, with high-risk areas, including locker rooms, strength and conditioning spaces and athletic training rooms, cleaned daily.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will enter into an isolation protocol per medical guidelines.
