The NCAA has issued the following statement regarding COVID-19 and the hosting of sporting events in public spaces:
The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel recognizes the fluidity of COVID-19 and its impact on hosting events in a public space. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the United States, and behavioral risk mitigation strategies are the best option for slowing the spread of this disease. This is especially important because mildly symptomatic individuals can transmit COVID-19. Given these considerations, coupled with a more unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 in older adults – especially those with underlying chronic medical conditions – we recommend against sporting events open to the public. We do believe sport events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects our players, employees, and fans.
Mark Emmert added the following statement, confirming that attendance was going to be limited to “essential staff and limited family.”
The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.
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Kevin6CD
Statement seems kind of soft: “we recommend” as opposed to “we will be playing regionals closed to the public”. Anyone have insight or ideas into why they wouldn’t just come out and say that they’re closing the doors to non-essential personnel/family members?
kturnup
Mark Emmert’s statement above says that
Kevin6CD
Thanks. Work computer is blocking out the photo for that.
kturnup
it was weird that the NCAA put out a statement saying they recommend it and then 5 minutes later Emmert has his own statement saying the tournament will be played that way