The SEC announces student-athletes can resume on-campus workouts at their schools starting on June eighth, but there will be stringent health protocols in place. LSU’s Executive Deputy Athletics Director, Verge Ausberry, says they’ve been preparing to welcome football players back next month.
“Bring the football players back in first, bring the other groups, have them tested, their physicals,” said Ausberry. “The safety our kids and the safety of our coaches is what we are concerned with right now.”
There’s been a moratorium on on-campus activities since March 12th.
The SEC says the decision was made by the league’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force. LSU Infectious Diseases Expert Catherine O’ Neal is on that panel and Ausberry says Doctor O’ Neal is a great resource for them.
“She’s given the guidance on how we bring people back, how we test, test anti-bodies if someone has it in their system or not and how we handle it, how we handle if it someone gets sick during the year,” said Ausberry.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey says they are preparing to begin the fall sports season as currently scheduled and this limited resumption of voluntary athletic activities on June 8th is an important initial step. Ausberry it’s their hope the football season can start on time.
“We are going to sit back and wait, see what happens here, we have time, nothing we have to rush into,” said Ausberry.
The defending national champs are set to kickoff the 2020 season on September 5th in Tiger Stadium versus Texas-San Antonio.
LSU Athletics has instituted a series of enhanced safety protocols including:
• Strict and daily screening for student-athletes and staff on campus including temperature checks and CDC questionnaire for entry to athletics facilities.
• Members of the athletic training staff have been trained and certified in contact tracing.
• Education component required for all student-athletes and staff and provided to parents and guardians prior to return of student-athletes.
• Secured a sound testing approach that addresses the need for both PCR and antibody data.
• Strategic physical distancing protocols for volunteer in-person activities.
• Robust quarantine and isolation procedures.
• Working with local and state agencies to secure necessary PPE to provide a safe environment that will help to minimize risk of viral spread.
• Addressing dietary needs through modified performance nutrition center guidelines.
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