COVID-19 rules and regulations for athletes and athletic events

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all areas of the Maryville College campus and community since March 2020.

The college athletics program suffered not having most sports seasons during the 2020-2021 season. 

“Our season last year (2020-2021) was moved from the fall to the spring. So we ended up playing four games this past spring season, and we went 2-2,” Grant Agnew, senior football player, said.  

On February 11, 2021, a memorandum was sent out to all faculty, staff and students relaying the information that no spectators were allowed at indoor athletic events. As for outdoor athletic events, faculty, staff and students were allowed, but no outside community members could attend games.

The Maryville College community, especially alumni, were upset that they wouldn’t be able to support MC sports teams. 

This semester, with vaccinations becoming readily available across the country, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) spectator rules have changed. 

“For outdoor athletic events, all guests are welcomed and are not required to wear masks. As for indoor athletic events, all spectators are required to wear a mask because of Maryville College policy,” Athletic Director Sara Quatrocky said. 

For student athletes, there are many protocols they have to follow to be able to play sports.

“Unvaccinated student athletes get tested once a week, and vaccinated student athletes get tested if they become exposed,” Quatrocky said. 

Some protocols for athletes have stayed the same from the 2020-2021 school year.

“We are still wearing masks in every indoor space. We each have to wear masks on the charter buses to and from away games. We still have to do a daily report of our temperature and any symptoms that we may have,” Agnew said. 

“These are the sacrifices athletes make to be able to play the sport they love. The athletic department is hopeful about the continuation of sports throughout the semester,” Quatrocky said.

Even though athletes have made many sacrifices to play, there have been some benefits to  navigating the pandemic. 

“[The pandemic] has forced me to be so grateful and appreciative of this sport. As a result, I really make it a point of emphasis to give it my all every time that I step foot in the weight room, meeting room and field. I don’t want any regrets, and I’ll never take playing football for granted again,” Agnew said. 

Visit MCScots.com for further information on athletic events throughout the school year. Go Scots!