East Carolina University Athletics Begins Phase 1 Of Student-Athlete Return

Press release from East Carolina University:

June 9, 2020

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Approximately 30 members of East Carolina's football team returned to campus this week to begin the first phase of an organized and safe effort to permit student-athletes to participate in voluntary athletic activities.

This return adheres to the NCAA Management Council's determination announced on May 20 to permit voluntary workouts beginning June 1. During this span, student-athletes are able to use strength and conditioning areas and other athletic facilities without the presence or supervision of coaches. Strength and conditioning staff may observe and conduct voluntary workouts. Additionally, athletic trainers and equipment personnel may be present for safety purposes. Student-athletes also are permitted eight hours per week of virtual non-physical activities, which can include coaches and staff. The virtual non-physical activities are permitted through June 30.

Student-athletes from other ECU sports will be integrated with remaining members of the football program in groups of varying sizes as the return phasing progresses over the next three to four weeks.

Before East Carolina student-athletes are cleared to begin workouts, all will have completed the following during what is estimated to be a week-long process:

1) COVID-19 testing and quarantine until test results are available;
2) Education through a virtual team meeting to ensure an understanding of safe physical distancing and other measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19;
3) Upon a negative (COVID-19) test result, a physical exam conducted by ECU team physicians and athletic trainers;

Daily protocol (after return to campus)
All operational athletic venues will have specified times for voluntary workouts and there will be no more than nine athletes per workout window. Additional health and safety measures required of all student-athletes, coaches and staff include:

•Daily temperature screens and symptom survey checks upon arrival;
•Physical distancing required of at least six feet from others;
•Guidelines for use of appropriate face coverings will be posted;
•Hands will be washed before and after each workout;
•Equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use by each group;
•Hydration will consist of a personal water bottle for each individual that will be returned daily to be sanitized by the athletic training staff.

Testing positive for COVID-19
If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19, they will self-isolate for at least 14 days in according with university guidelines and receive daily check-ups from ECU Athletics medical staff. Student-athletes living off-campus will isolate in their residence.

Available facilities
There will be a gradual opening of ECU Athletics facilities, beginning with the outdoor Cliff Moore Football Practice Complex this week. Other areas, which include the Murphy Center Strength & Conditioning Facility (June 15) and Multi-Purpose Turf Field (June 15), will follow accordingly.

Access by appointment only
Access to the training room will be by appointment only.

No coaches
Because these workouts are voluntary, only strength & conditioning staff, athletic trainers and equipment managers may be present during workouts. Coaches/coaching staff members are prohibited from attending. However, coaches and staff can participate in eight hours per week of virtual meetings and film review with their student-athletes.

Cleaning, disinfecting & sanitizing
Everyone will be diligent and accountable for the cleanliness of the facilities, led by the ECU Department of Athletics' Operations staff following University Facility Guidelines. Shared equipment will be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sanitized after each workout group and again at the end of day.

This press release was produced by East Carolina University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.