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Update on Varsity Athletics & Frequently Asked Questions

Posted: Jan 27, 2021
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Dear Fighting Scots:

Welcome back! We spent the winter break evaluating the fall semester and getting a number of things in place for your arrival on campus and a safe resumption of varsity athletics. Healthy and safety protocols have been carefully reviewed, including testing protocols, practice re-acclimatization, small group and functional unit work, and, of course, our commitment to masking and physical distancing whenever possible.    

Coaches have been working on both practice and contest schedules based on institutional and conference parameters. To reduce travel generally, Wooster's schedules will be focused more locally. Additionally, the conference has adopted geographically-based divisional schedules in all spring sports except track and field, as most school are not permitting overnight travel.   

Our winter sports (basketball, swimming and diving, track and field) will be the first to see practice and competition this semester, with the first anticipated contests to be played February 4-7! Winter schedules will be forthcoming.

Flexibility and patience are key as we move forward. We know things will change. To be sure, we are proceeding with caution. Our ability to play at any time this semester will be largely dependent on the institutional and local public health landscape.

Please know that coaches, athletic trainers, and our administrative staff all stand ready to offer you support at any point this semester. Feel free to reach out anytime. 

In the meantime, below you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming semester.

I'm looking forward to cheering for you!

Go Scots!

Amy H Williams

Director of Athletics and Physical Education 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will practices begin? (Note: practices are contingent on the public health status of the campus and of individual teams, as revealed by COVID testing.)

  • Winter Sports – January 18.
  • Fall Sports – February 1. Fall sports will gradually phase-in with three practices per week until further notice. Coaches can hold additional small group/individual practices.
  • Spring Sports – February 1. Spring sports will phase-in starting with three practices in the first two weeks, then graduating to four and then to five. Coaches can hold additional small group/individual practices. 
  • Coaches are encouraged to organize practices into functional units as much as possible. 
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

When will competition begin?

  • Winter Sports – the first date of competition will be permitted on February 4. Schedules will be forthcoming.
  • Fall Sports – the window of competition will be March 1-mid-April.
  • Spring Sports – the first date of competition will be permitted on March 20.   
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

When will athletes be tested for COVID-19?

  • All College of Wooster students will be tested weekly. When competition begins, testing will be reviewed in alignment with NCAC Health and Safety Committee expectations and NCAA Sport Science Institute (SSI) recommendations. As a high transmission risk sport, basketball and football will be tested more frequently when competition begins.
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

What are the testing expectations of opponents?

Will there be Senior Recognition celebrations?

  • We would like to celebrate our senior student-athletes with their families. Our ability to do so in person will determined by the public health status and visitor policy at the time. Coaches are thinking about creative ways for this important acknowledgement, and senior recognition events may look different for each sport. 
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

Will spectators be permitted?

  • At this time, no spectators are permitted at any of our events. We will livestream as many official varsity contests as possible, free of charge. Links will be available on individual team schedules. 
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

Can commuting students who received off-campus exception participate in varsity athletics?

  • Yes, if students were approved for an off-campus exemption, they can participate in varsity athletics, as they are included in the weekly testing cohort. 
    • Please note that campus access for commuting students is limited; students with the off-campus exception are not permitted in residence halls.
  • Remote learners are not permitted to participate in in-person activities.
  • (last updated 1/17/21)

 Other important notes -

  • Masking and physical distancing is required by all and in all areas of the Scot Center/PEC/outdoor venues. There are some exceptions for coach-led practices. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Scot Center/PEC/outdoor venues – the athletic facilities are open only to students, faculty, and staff. At this time, no visitors are permitted with exception of prospective students and their families, when accompanied by college staff. Universal masking is required. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Locker Rooms – locker rooms will be open for changing purposes only. No showers. Adherence to density capacities and universal masking is strictly required. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Temperature Checks and "Good to Go" Badge – all student-athletes will participate in temperature checks and show their "good to go" badge upon entrance to the Scot Center. At off-site venues, coaches will be responsible for checking temperatures and badges before practice. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Swigart Strength Center – Swigart is open to varsity athletes only during Spring 2021. Adherence to density capacities and universal masking is required. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Travel – Travel will be carefully managed; overnights will not be permitted (with possible exception for championships); COVID-19 health and safety protocols of our transportation companies will be reviewed regularly. Eating and drinking will not be permitted in transportation vehicles. Universal masking will be required. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • Off-campus venues - The College of Wooster has agreements with Aspen Racquet Club (tennis), Wooster Country Club (golf), and both Wooster and Triway High Schools. COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be reviewed regularly. (last updated 1/17/21)
    • With administrative approval, students will be permitted to drive to local off-campus venues for practice and competitions. No more than three passengers per vehicle. Eating and drinking is not permitted in any vehicle.  Universal masking is required. Coaches will work with team members to manage safe carpooling. (last updated 1/17/21)
  • If you did not participate at Wooster in Fall 2020 and intend to participate in Spring 2021, be sure to talk to your coach(es) first. Additionally, contact Ashley Reid (Associate AD) to complete required NCAA Compliance paperwork and Nate Huston (Head Athletic Trainer) to complete required physical.

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