As SNHU’s fall athletes return to play for the first time since 2019, COVID regulations have been set in place for them to compete.
According to Tom Wilkins, SNHU Associate Director of Athletics, SNHU Athletics follows all guidelines set by the NCAA and the NE-10 conference. Some guidelines can be found on both the NCAA (ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/covid-19-coronavirus) and NE10 (northeast10.org/2021_COVID_Protocols) sites and have been updated for the fall 2021 season.
“As with prior NCAA publications, these materials are meant to be consistent with guidance published by the federal government and its health agencies and reflect the relevant scientific and medical information available at the time of print,” according to an article published by the NCAA.
The guidelines in place consist of athletes wearing masks for indoor team meetings and activities as well as team travel. For play and practice, however, athletes have no restrictions for social distancing and masking.
These regulations are only applicable to indoor contests. As for outdoor competition this fall, soccer, tennis, cross country, golf and field hockey athletes are not required to wear masks except for travel and any indoor meetings.
In regards to spectators, each school in the NE10 has its own set of rules published on the NE1o site. Those for Southern New Hampshire University read,
“Fans will be welcomed back to athletic events at all SNHU athletic venues at regular capacity, however, all fans must complete a self COVID health screening, completing the questions found here (snhupenmen.com/news/2021/8/31/fall-2021-spectator-policy-game-day-fan-offerings.aspx). Those who answer yes to any of the screening questions should not attend the event.
“All outside guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a face covering when attending sporting events. This includes fans at both indoor and outdoor venues.”
These guidelines are subject to change as the status of the pandemic changes.
According to Penmen Athletics website, “If the conditions of the pandemic continue to improve, SNHU will begin allowing external guests to utilize SNHU facilities beginning in January 2022.”
