NSU Outlines Plan for Student-Athletes to Return for Workouts
Lately, we've scene Louisiana colleges offer outlines for what to expect as we navigate this new normal. Here's NSU's plan for student-athletes.
Granted, I was never a student-athlete on the collegiate level, but I have to imagine that regardless of the sport, this has been the absolute craziest time for them. Some sports were cut-off mid-season, while others rely on a strict off-season schedule that has been drastically changed. I can't imagine what that would be like, and for the sake of all of our Louisiana student-athletes, I hope things return to relative normal sooner rather than later.
For our student-athletes in Natchitoches, we now have an idea as to what they can expect come June 8th.
Recently, The NCAA Division I Council passed legislation allowing voluntary workouts to resume nationally June 1st, with NSU's voluntary work-out period kicking off June 8th.
According to NSU's press release, A group of coaches, staff members and representatives from NRMC, the university’s sports medicine partner, formalized the department’s comprehensive plan that addresses health and safety in advance of workouts, scheduling daily sessions and parameters for student-athlete activity and off-campus mobility.
Once arriving back to campus, all student-athletes will fill out a COVID-19 symptom and exposure form, and each will be monitored daily while on campus for COVID-19-related symptoms. Student-athletes and NSU staff will be required to wear face coverings while on campus. Naturally, student-athletes and staff will receive a screening test before participating in workouts or activities.
In the weight-room, student-athletes and staff will remain 6-feet apart from one another. Student-athletes will provide their own towels and water bottles.
NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke had this to say ahead of student-athletes and their return to campus:
"I have said all along that collaboration and communication have been and will continue to be imperative in navigating the unknown elements of COVID-19. NSU is blessed to have a dedicated and knowledgeable sports medicine staff which, with input from coaches, staff and professionals at our medical partner (NRMC), has developed a thorough plan which will serve as the foundation for the emerging return to campus by student-athletes.”