Athletics in the time of COVID-19: What will happen to the 2020 college football season?
Published April 24, 2020 by Shane Kersh
COVID-19 has become a worldwide crisis.To ensure people's safety, governments have decided to impose stay-at-home directives that aim to stop the virus from rapidly spreading.
In the U.S., following college athletics has become a pastime for millions.But now that various states have prohibited public gatherings, it seems as if college football season will not be pushing through this year.Basketball leagues have gone first in suspending their current season as several athletes and staff members have tested positive for the virus.In March, NCAA has informed the public that it is working closely with the CDC as well as local, state, and federal authorities to ensure the safety of its stakeholders and athletes.But as the number of cases increased all over the country, universities have closed.This led to a halt in recruitment and training not just for football programs but also for other sports as well.
I for one am wondering about this year's college football season.Public health experts say that with the spike in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the U.S., coaches and experts weigh in on various options as to when the season could resume.Postponing sporting events can also affect universities and other stakeholders financially. Some teams are seeing a solution in mass testing that could prevent the virus from spreading to the players and even to staff and to ensure everyone's safety.
On the other hand, other sporting insiders are talking about the possibility of resuming the season in August or September but without an audience.While this might feel strange, especially for athletes, this will give teams a chance to play. Some are talking about starting the season even as late as November or in early 2021.
I believe what's most important to NCAA, university sports programs, and sports fans is public safety.The goal is to flatten the curve so that fans can gather in stadiums again to feel the thrill of collegiate football. But for now, everyone is asked to limit their outside activity to keep their families and communities safe while those affected are given time to recover.
I do believe that there is a good chance the college football season kicks off on time and will have a full 12 game regular season. Let's hope whatever happens people stay safe and we beat the hell outa Covid-19.
Tags: college football, college athletics, NCAA
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/09/13/02/34/field-1666276__340.jpg
Image source: Pixabay.com
Sources:
https://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/06/ncaa-releases-statement-covid-19/
Published April 24, 2020 by Shane Kersh
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