The Big 12 Board or directors agreed yesterday to continue with plans for the fall sports seasons.
“The board continues to believe that the health and well-being of our student-athletes should guide all decisions,” commented Board Chairman and TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini. “To this end, the council has consistently relied on the advice and counsel of top medical experts to determine the viability of available options. Our student-athletes want to participate, and it is the collective opinion of the board that sports can be performed safely and in consultation with the best interests of their well-being. We stay informed while monitoring the trends and effects of COVID 19 as we learn more about the virus. If our scientists and physicians conclude at any time that our institutions cannot provide a safe and appropriate environment for our participants, we will change course. “
Big 12 members have committed to improved COVID-19 tests that include three tests a week in “high-contact” sports, such as football, volleyball and soccer. In addition, returning to play protocols after positive events will include an ECG, troponin blood test, echocardiogram, and cardio MRI. Opponents of non-conference football should also adhere to COVID-19 test protocols complying with the Big 12 standards during the week leading up to competition.
“The virus continues to evolve and medical professionals are learning more with each passing week,” said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “Opinions differ on the best way forward, as we have seen in higher education and our society in general, but we are comfortable in the ability of our institutions to provide a structured training environment, rigorous testing and supervision, hospital sanitary quality and mitigation practices that optimize the health and safety of our student-athletes. We believe this combines to create an ideal learning and training situation in this age of COVID-19. Finally, our student-athletes have indicated their desire to compete in the sports they hold this season, and it is up to all of us to provide a safe, medically healthy, and structured academic and athletic environment to achieve this outcome. ”
In advance with plans for the upcoming fall sports season, the conference is also releasing its revised 2020 football schedule for conferences. The schedule model “9 + 1” has a start date of September 26 for conference play. Each team will have a minimum of two bye dates and potentially a third bye late in the season. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game is tentatively scheduled for December 12. All non-conference games must be completed by September 26 and the match-ups will be announced by each individual conference member. Stadium capacity is determined by each member institute in accordance with local and / or state health regulations, and works with government officials.
All competitions of the Big 12 sports will start after September 1st. To ensure consistent health and safety protocols, volleyball and football matches will only be restricted to conference opponents.
