Endicott Athletics COVID-19 FAQs

Endicott Athletics COVID-19 FAQs

(*This document is subject to change at any time and will continue to be updated when needed.*)

BEVERLY, Mass. — With a return to campus on the horizon, the Endicott Athletics & Recreation Department has been receiving many questions from our community. This page will serve as a resource to answer any questions you may have that have been frequently asked (FAQs).

As always, please feel free to reach out to Assistant Vice President, Director of Athletics Dr. Brian Wylie at bwylie@endicott.edu if you have any additional questions. For any questions related to medical paperwork or athletic training needs please reach out to Head Athletic Trainer Abbey Cahill at acahill@endicott.edu.

RESOURCES


ENDICOTT ATHLETICS FAQs

Will there be any sports during the fall semester?

Yes. All fall teams will begin practice upon return to campus and adherence to resocialization protocols. We have not ruled out competing with other institutions if the contests can be done safely. Winter and spring varsity teams and club sports will be active in the fall as well with timelines still being worked out.


How will teams practice and meet safely? 

Based on the federal, state, and campus information and guidelines that we have in place today, Endicott teams will be permitted to practice and meet virtually. Meanwhile, in-person meetings will require masks and will follow social distancing protocols. We will continue to monitor the opportunity for outside competition should the COVID-19 landscape changes.


Will student-athletes have to wear masks during practices and training sessions?

During practices and competitions, masking for student-athletes is highly encouraged. Universal masking should be observed on all sidelines, including when a student-athlete moves from the playing surface to the sideline to confer with a coach, during timeouts, and period breaks. A student-athlete has the right to wear a mask at any time, if they feel uncomfortable. For indoor strength & conditioning sessions, student-athletes will wear masks based upon state social distancing protocols. 


Should student-athletes report if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19?

No. They should remain in quarantine at home until cleared to return to socialization by their current physician. Documentation will be required to return to campus and athletic participation.


Will winter and spring sports compete this year? 

The winter teams will begin practicing in the fall. We anticipate CCC competitions beginning in early January. Spring teams will also have the opportunity to meet and practice in the fall.


Will student-athletes use a year of eligibility? 

The NCAA has put two waivers in place to preserve the eligibility and clock of student-athletes:

Season-of-participation waivers. Approved a blanket waiver permitting student-athletes whose teams complete 50% or less of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition during the 2020-21 season, due to the impact of COVID-19, to receive a season-of-participation waiver -- participation while eligible. Student-athletes whose teams complete more than 50% of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition during the 2020-21 season would not be eligible for the blanket waiver regardless of whether the student-athlete competed in 50% or less of the season. The current waiver criteria for individual cases would remain unchanged. 

Eligibility extension. Approved a blanket waiver permitting student-athletes to receive a two-semester/three-quarter extension of eligibility if the following conditions are met: The student-athlete was unable to participate in their sport during the 2020-21 academic year was due to COVID-19, or the student-athlete's teams completed 50% or less of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition during the 2020-21 season due to the ongoing impact from COVID-19. 

Countable Athletic Activities. The NCAA granted relief from counting our D3 seasons in weeks, and teams will be able to work with their coaches up to 114 days throughout the entire academic year. We are working on a formula to best utilize those days with the context of a thriving department but this is a great opportunity for our strength & conditioning and sport coaches to be able to work with the SAs over the entire academic year. 

Endicott Athletics intends to manage our competition levels to ensure that fall teams use no more than 50% of their contests in order to preserve a year of eligibility. 


When will student-athletes arrive on campus?

Due to preseason cancellation, all students will be contacted by the Office of Residence Life for their specific return to campus and check in dates/times.


How much contact will coaches have with student-athletes? 

We are committed to providing a robust and positive athletic experience for our student-athletes as they prepare for future competition. All practices and training sessions will follow the recommended guidelines. 


What facilities will be open for use?

All facilities will be open and maximized, but numbers and times will be restricted in order to accommodate social distancing and strict cleaning protocols.


Will strength and conditioning sessions be offered? In season or out of season?

All facilities will be open and maximized, but numbers and times will be restricted in order to accommodate social distancing and strict cleaning protocols.


Will the varsity locker rooms and facilities be made available for student-athletes?

Student-athletes will have limited access to locker rooms in an effort to mitigate the risk of potential transmission. 


Will the athletic training clinic be open and will student-athletes still be able to receive treatment and rehabilitation from the athletic training staff?

The athletic training clinic will be open with restrictions. Student-athletes may be screened additionally prior to entering the athletic training clinic. Initial evaluations, treatment and rehabilitation sessions with the athletic training staff will be by appointment only. Face coverings must be worn by all student-athletes for the duration of their appointment.


Do student-athletes still need to fill out medical clearance paperwork/complete physicals and NCAA compliance paperwork?

Student-athletes will be required to complete all aspects of medical clearance paperwork for participation with Varsity and Club teams. The deadline for medical clearance paperwork for all student-athletes is August 1st, 2020.

Please refer to our website for a detailed outline of the required medical paperwork.

https://ecgulls.com/information/student_athlete_services/athletic_training/medical_forms/index 


Are freshmen and student-athletes using their first year of eligibility, still required to have a physical within 6 months of their start date?

The 6-month physical rule per NCAA ByLaw 17.1.5 is still in effect. 


Are there certain medical conditions, in relation to COVID-19, that might preclude me from participating in organized athletic activity?

According to the CDC, there are certain medical conditions that can place an individual at a greater risk for severe illness if they contract the virus. A few examples of these medical conditions include: cancer, COPD, asthma, obesity, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and certain heart conditions.

If you have any of these medical conditions, please contact Head Athletic Trainer, Abbey Cahill acahill@endicott.edu prior to your arrival on campus.


Will intramurals and recreation be conducting events this fall?

Yes, but with restrictions.


Will teams be allowed to travel off-campus for practice? 

Teams will be permitted to travel off-campus for practice if deemed safe. 


Will fans be allowed at competitions this fall?

Spectators will not be permitted at competitions. Every attempt will be made by Sports Information to broadcast competitions.