Q: What can I expect the Fall semester Athletics activities to look like?
A: Following NCAA guidelines of a phased approach to return to Athletics, the athletes and their teams will start phase 1 workouts after being released from the initial 14-day quarantine and completing medical clearance. Three phases dictate cohort sizes and outdoor field capacity. Moving from phase to phase is dependent on the trajectory of COVID-19 on each team, the athletic department, the University as a whole, and the continued containment success in the state. Teams will progress through phases independently after satisfying the gating criteria (no positive tests) over the course of 14 days within their current phase. A group of athletic trainers and athletic administrators with guidance from the University will approve when teams move phases.
Q: What will I be allowed to do in each phase?
A: In each phase, there will be a requirement that all activities take place with at least 6 feet of physical distancing. In each phase, masks/face coverings will be required. Each phase will require creating cohorts within teams. The coach will assign cohorts at the beginning of each phase, which will stay together throughout the phase. Phase 1 cohorts are 10 people, Phase 2 cohorts are 25 or 50 people (to be determined by the University), and Phase 3 cohorts are 100 people including coaches – this could remain at 25 if the University doesn't give us an exception and this rule stays the same throughout the semester. Within your cohort, you will be required to maintain 6 feet of distance from teammates/coaches, and cohorts will be required to be a minimum of 12 feet from one another.
Q: What is the process to proceed from phase to phase?
A: The decision to proceed from one phase to the next will be made by the Athletic Director with input from Wesleyan physicians and Wesleyan athletic trainers. This decision will not be made by individual coaches or anybody else.
Q: Can I exercise on my own during the mandatory 14-day quarantine after I arrive?
A: Yes! Students will be able to go for a run outdoors during the 14-day quarantine as long as they are by themselves, remain on campus, and have a mask available. If they are running through the center of campus, they should have a mask on. If they are running on the walking trail or a more remote area, slipping the mask off is acceptable as long as they are by themselves. The Freeman Athletic Center and all Athletic fields will be closed during the move-in period and throughout the quarantine.
Q: I am studying remotely and living at home this semester, can I come to campus and take part in my team's workouts?
A: No, only student-athletes that are part of the Wesleyan residential group and part of the Wesleyan
testing program can participate in the team workouts.
Q: Can I expect these guidelines to change?
A: Yes, Wesleyan has the right to change the guidelines at any time to ensure that we continue to place the health and safety of the entire Wesleyan community at the highest echelon possible. The guidance from the NCAA, the CDC, the State of Connecticut, and internally at Wesleyan will change according to how the pandemic data progresses.
Q: Will there be intramural sports?
A: There will be no intramural sports for the fall semester.
Q: Will club sports be able to practice or compete during the fall semester?
A: As of right now, club sports may practice on a limited basis as long as there is facility availability. However, in order to practice, each program must obtain a Wesleyan faculty or staff member (or an approved outside community member) to oversee the program. This person must be present for the entirety of each practice, ensure protocols are being followed, and work with the athletics department staff to move through the phases.
Q: If a student-athlete chooses to take a semester or the entire year off, how does that affect their standing on their team?
A: A student's standing on the team will be unaffected. It is our hope students will make the best decision possible for themselves.
Q: Will athletes retain their NCAA eligibility if they do not compete this semester?
A: Yes. Since there are no competitions and only practices during the Fall semester, athletes will not lose a year of eligibility from just practicing.
Q: Will students have access to the Fitness Center?
A: Yes, students will have access to the Fitness Center. Students can sign up for sessions through a scheduling system application. Gym equipment will be located in the Fitness Center and Bacon Field House. A mask and 6 feet of distancing will be mandatory at all times.
Q: Will students be able to play pick-up basketball?
A: No. Pick-up basketball will not take place this semester. With that being said, students will be able to sign up through the scheduling system application for slots to shoot hoops on their own or with one other student in Bacon Field House. Students must remain 6 feet away from each other at all times and wear a mask.
Q: Will Students be able to play squash?
A: No. Live squash matches will not take place this semester. However, there will be scheduled times each week that students can sign up to hit by themselves on a court. Students must wear a mask at all times.
Q: Will Students be able to use the pool?
A: Yes. Students will be able to swim laps in the pool. Students can sign up for sessions through the scheduling system application. Students must wear their suits to and from the pool as there will be no locker room use.
Q: Will Students be able to play tennis?
A: Yes. Students will be able to play tennis on the outdoor courts. A mask and 6 feet of physical distancing is required at all times. There may also be limited times in which 1v1 tennis could be played inside the Bacon Field House.
Q: Will locker rooms be available?
A: Locker rooms will not be available for this semester. As further campus data becomes available and if the state remains at a low positivity rate, this may be revisited in the future.
Q: When will a decision regarding the status of Winter sports' return to campus for the second semester be made?
A: We hope to have a decision on the status of Winter sports' return by the end of October.
Q: What will the cleaning protocols for the Freeman Athletic Center facilities be like during the school year?
A: Cleaning protocols will be posted and strictly adhered to. Cleaning efforts of facilities have been doubled and are conducted by SMG (an outside cleaning service).
