Spring Sports to Face their Toughest Opponent Again: COVID-19

After one Spring season cancelled, how has the NCAA promised a season to thousands of collegiate athletes

March 28, 2021

NCAA DECISION TO RETURN TO PLAY:

The 2021 NCAA Softball season has been faced with many challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. Quickly adapting to changes has helped ensure a season for these collegiate Softball teams. Being able to compete has been the ultimate goal.

Softball was one of the sports impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March of last year. The season was cut short causing this Spring sport to play not even half of their season. The NCAA made the decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships, with the March Madness tournament included. This was a huge controversy within the NCAA. Teams were stuck wondering what was going to happen next because there were so many unknowns. The whole word was confused.

The Ivy League was the first conference to cancel their season before the NCAA even canceled the Spring championships. “With further developments in the outbreak of COVID-19, the Ivy League Presidents are announcing their unanimous decision to cancel all spring athletics practice and competition through the remainder of the academic year,” The Ivy League Council of Presidents announced in a statement.

The cancelation of spring sports ended the careers of many athletes and created an enormous amount of confusion for others. Not only would this effect graduating seniors, but it would also create an unexpected roadblock for incoming freshmen. Athletes and coaches would now have to figure out how to overcome major adversity and find a way to get the season that ended so abruptly back. The NCAA adjusted the financial aid rules which would allow teams to carry more players on scholarship.

The uncertainty was calmed when the NCAA announced in a statement that, “the Division I Council on Monday voted to allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility.” This meant that student-athletes could play another year and regain the season they missed due to the pandemic. This is where the financial aid comes into play, because where would this money come from? Allowing teams to have more scholarship spots makes room for the incoming freshmen and student-athletes that decide to stay for another year.

SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS:

To ensure a safe return to play, there were many rules that would need to be set in place. It came down to what the University would set for COVID-19 protocols. Along with the University the conferences would have to discuss what is in the best interest for them depending on their location and the number of cases in the area. The North East Conference (NEC) formed a COVID-19 Committee that would ensure the safety of all athletes and staff, as well as other committee’s that would play different roles in making sure that competing would be possible. Testing requirements would-be set-in place before each game and masks must be worn at all times of close contact. The testing would be done no more than 24 hours before competition and they must be submitted to the Medical Advisory Committee.

The testing would be effective because if there was a positive case, the student-athlete or coach would immediately go into isolation and a contact trace would begin. There was also a committee to make sure that teams were following all social distancing guidelines. This includes mask wearing and remaining six feet away from people at all times. “As tedious as it might be, we are just trying to keep people safe, and we want to ensure a season for these student-athletes. Some of them have already missed a season,” Bill Martinov said in a statement.

There were a lot of questions about how some sports could be played with social distancing. Softball was one of the sports that was easier to create social distancing guidelines, but it was still trial and error. Each team would have their own balls and the pitcher would only use the team ball. You would be able to take your mask off while at your position, but if you came in contact with another player you would have to put your mask back on.

“I am actually surprised that we were able to have a season especially after finding out that the IVY league shut down for the 2020–2021 year,” Camryn Lyman a Junior on the softball team said. “I was not expecting us to be back so soon especially seeing how bad it was in New York. I am thankful that the NEC is allowing us to compete this spring season and we are doing everything we can to make sure we can continue to play.”

These rules were set to ensure the safety of each time while also allowing some freedom to compete. The NEC decided that each team can only have a certain number of players in their dugout, but that was up to each school to decide. In addition to the number of players in the dugout, you can only enter the dugout from one way and exit from the other. This made sure that no players were to run into each other between innings. There would also be no end of game handshakes with the other team. This was to limit the exposure and keep each team separate.

The LIU Softball team has decided to form a “bubble” amongst the team. This means that other than to get groceries, go on a walk or practice, it is in the best interest of the team to stay inside and away from members of other teams. We asked Roy Kortmann his thought process and this was his response, “to ensure a season, I think it is in the best interest to limit our exposure. These girls already missed one season and I know they want to play this year. I think that staying away from other teams and going out only for essential needs, will allow us to have the season we have all been waiting for.”

NEC TOURNAMENT:

There were no fans allowed at any sporting events at LIU. The Athletic Director Bill Martinov is allowing fans as of April 1st. They must show proof of vaccination or quarantine for 3 days with a negative test result. Each student-athlete can have 2 guests that are under their name, but they are not allowed to see them after the game is over. The NEC tournament will be the top 4 teams like always, but the spectator policy is unknown as of now. Every game is broadcasted on NEC Front Row and it is highly encouraged to watch the free live streams and to cheer for your favorite teams from home.

Softball is one of the sports that has been successful so far with competing and following all social distancing guidelines. A lot of this has to do with the fact that this is an outdoor sport and members of the team are usually not in close contact. The NEC and NCAA have worked tirelessly to ensure that teams can compete to the highest level without any problems.

“The NEC has made decisions that are in the best interest of each team and each student-athlete. We want to see you compete as much as you want to get back on the field and we are doing everything in our power to get you a season that was cut short last year,” said the NEC Commissioner, Noreen Morris.