SEC OKs return of athletic activities. Here’s what it means for Georgia, Auburn
The sweet aromas of fall football in the South took another step toward returning Friday afternoon.
The SEC permitted the return of on-campus activities beginning June 8. Each program can make its own decision based on the leeway given by the conference. The previous announcement had shuttered all athletic activities through May 31 due to COVID-19, and the NCAA permitted return for face-to-face interaction beginning June 1 for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball athletes.
The SEC plans to begin its football season as scheduled in early September.
“The safe and healthy return of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our greater university communities have been and will continue to serve as our guiding principle as we navigate this complex and constantly-evolving situation,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said Friday in a statement. “At this time, we are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled, and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8 is an important initial step in that process.
“We will be able to provide our student-athletes with far better health and wellness education, medical and psychological care and supervision than they would otherwise receive on their own while off campus or training at public facilities as states continue to reopen.”
The conference has implemented a set of safety guidelines. These are designed with the assistance of its task force, comprised of medical professionals from each institution.
Education on health and wellness practices regarding the spread of COVID-19
A 3-stage screening process which involves a test before student-athletes arrive on campus, within 72 hours of entering the facility and on a daily basis once activities resume
Testing of symptomatic team members
Immediate isolation for team members who are being investigated or diagnosed with COVID-19, followed by contact tracing
A transition which allows student-athletes to gradually adapt to full training
Georgia football opens its campaign on Sept. 7 against Virginia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Head coach Kirby Smart has taken steps alongside athletics personnel and government officials to prepare for the return of on-campus activities.
“We’re excited to now know when players can begin returning to campus,” Smart said in a statement from Georgia. “We’ll be coordinating our efforts with the medical staff keeping the primary focus on health and safety of our student-athletes and those working directly with them during this time. We’ll be working in the coming days on finalizing plans to implement the return of our players. I’m sure they are looking forward to returning and begin working toward what we hope is a regular season in the fall.”
Gov. Brian Kemp warned Georgia citizens of a “new normal” at sporting events like the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game due to COVID-19. He said on the Paul Finebaum Show that it’s too early to gauge the fan attendance situation for the game.
Auburn football opens its season on Sept. 5 as it hosts Alcorn State inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“This is an important first step toward having a season this fall,” Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. “We will continue to collectively work together as our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
Added Auburn director of athletics Allen Greene: “The health and well-being of our student-athletes and the Auburn family remains our highest priority. To build on this momentum, it is imperative that we proceed with a great deal of discipline and flexibility, with the end goal of conducting fall activities as previously scheduled.”
This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 1:45 PM with the headline "SEC OKs return of athletic activities. Here’s what it means for Georgia, Auburn."