BYU Athletics Coronavirus Updates

In collaboration with university leaders and government officials, BYU Athletics is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. Updates regarding BYU Athletics will be posted here and on Twitter (@BYUcougars) as they become available.

BYU Suspends All Athletic Events Indefinitely

BYU Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

CES Guidelines Related to COVID-19

NCAA extends waiver allowing virtual, nonphysical activities through July for sports other than football and basketball (June 17 – 6:54 p.m. ET)
The Division I Council extended a waiver allowing the virtual nonphysical activities through July for Division I student-athletes in sports other than football and basketball. They may continue to participate in eight hours of required, virtual nonphysical activities per week. One day off per week continues to be required. The extension provides the opportunity for student-athletes who can’t return to campus to have connection to their teammates, coaches and sport. The Council discussed a temporary waiver that would allow student-athletes in fall sports other than football to participate in required in-person athletics activities beginning July 15 but deferred a final decision on the concept until a later meeting.

NCAA approves plan for men's and women's basketball summer activities (June 17 – 6:36 p.m. ET)The Division I Council approved a plan for summer athletics activities for men’s and women’s basketball. The Council adopted the same summer athletics activities model for both sports but made an adjustment to recommended plans presented by the men’s and women’s basketball oversight committees. The adopted plan extends the current rule, which allows voluntary athletics activities and up to eight hours of virtual nonphysical activities through July 19. The Council will discuss whether additional activities should be allowed in that period at a meeting within the next few weeks. Beginning July 20, required summer athletics activities may begin and can last up to eight weeks or until the school’s first day of classes or Sept. 15, whichever is earlier. Required virtual nonphysical activities can continue to be conducted during this period. Virtual and in-person activities cannot exceed a combined eight hours per week.
 

NCAA approves football summer and preseason model (June 17 – 6:31 p.m. ET)

The Division I Council approved a model for football summer athletic activities and preseason practice. The model does not make any adjustments to the legislated 29-day preseason practice period. Assuming a school’s first scheduled football contest is on Saturday, Sept. 5, the preseason practice period will begin as previously outlined on Aug. 7. Schools may conduct up to eight hours of weight training, conditioning and film review per week (with not more than two hours of film review per week) from July 13-23. Then, from July 24 through Aug. 6, schools may conduct up to 20 hours of countable athletically related activities per week (not more than four hours per day) as follows:

• Up to eight hours per week for weight training and conditioning.
• Up to six hours per week for walk-throughs, which may include the use of a football.
• Up to six hours per week for meetings, which may include film review, team meetings, position meetings, one-on-one meetings, etc.

Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Pennsylvania, issued the following statement: “The Football Oversight Committee worked hard to create a model that balances the proper precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the need for an acclimatization period to safely return to play. The Council members believe approving this model is a positive step forward for the sport.”

BYU Director of Athletics Tom  Holmoe issued the following statement regarding NCAA Division I Council approvals announced June 17 of summer athletics activities and preseason practice: 
"We are encouraged by the NCAA Division I Council’s announcements today approving summer athletics activities and preseason practice for the upcoming 2020-21 athletic season. As we did previously with the return to campus for voluntary workouts, we are developing plans for our student-athletes to begin countable athletically related activities this summer as outlined by the NCAA. We’ll continue to work with university leaders and government officials to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely as we make preparations for the coming season."

BYU Athletics second and third phases for voluntary workouts expected to begin June 15 and June 22 (May 29 – 2:00 p.m. MT)
As part of its multiphase plan for voluntary workouts, BYU Athletics anticipates women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country and gymnastics will start volunteer workout activities on June 15. The remainder of BYU's sports teams are anticipated to start the following week on June 22. As previously announced, the first phase is set to begin on June 1 with football and men’s and women’s basketball. 

NCAA allows voluntary activities in all DI sports, extends waiver for virtual nonphysical activities and prohibits summer FBS football camps in 2020 (May 22 – 4:30 p.m. ET)
The NCAA Division I Council voted to permit Division I student-athletes in all sports to participate in voluntary athletics activities beginning June 1. The Council voted earlier in the week to allow the same for football and basketball student-athletes. The current waiver allowing for eight hours of required virtual nonphysical activities in all sports was also extended. Additionally, countable required athletic activities will be prohibited through June 30 for all basketball and football student-athletes. The Football Bowl Subdivision members of the Council also decided that FBS schools cannot host football camps and clinics during the summer of 2020 and FBS coaches (including graduate assistants) are prohibited from working at football camps and clinics held at other four-year NCAA schools in 2020. The Council will continue to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college sports in the coming weeks and months.

 

BYU Athletics to reopen training facilities under multiphase plan (May 22 – 1:15 p.m. MT)
In collaboration with University leaders and government health officials, BYU Athletics today announced it will initiate a multiphase plan to provide its student-athletes an opportunity to return to campus and participate in volunteer workout activities.

In accordance with the new NCAA Division I Council directive, and consistent with recent guidelines outlined by the state in Utah Leads Together, BYU football and men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes will have the option to utilize select university athletic training facilities beginning Monday, June 1, under the supervision of the BYU training staff. The plan accounts for incorporating additional student-athletes from other teams in subsequent phases, subject to future NCAA directives.

"We have worked closely with the University leadership, medical professionals, training staff and coaches to prepare a comprehensive plan for our student-athletes to begin participating in voluntary activities in select athletic facilities," said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. "The multiphase plan provides opportunities for our student-athletes to resume some of the workout routines typical of this time of year."

State of Utah and BYU operational health guidelines, protocols and safety measures will be followed to minimize the risk and potential spread of COVID-19, including such things as passing electronic symptom checks, physical distancing, appropriate use of face coverings, etc.

The main goal of the athletic department’s multiphase plan is to continue to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and physical well-being of its student-athletes as they train and prepare for future competitions.

NCAA allows football, basketball to have voluntary activities starting June 1 (May 20 – 7:41 p.m. ET)
The NCAA Division I Council decided that Division I football and basketball student-athletes can participate in on-campus voluntary athletics activities beginning June 1 following all applicable local, state and federal regulations regarding the use of such facilities, group size restrictions and any other limits. Additionally, Council members extended the blanket waiver allowing teams in those sports to require eight hours per week of virtual nonphysical activities through the end of June, recognizing that some student-athletes won’t be able return to campus or will not be comfortable doing so. The status of voluntary athletics activities in all other sports will be decided soon.

“We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate resocialization framework,” said Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Pennsylvania. “Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts.”

BYU Athletics extends closure of athletic facilities (April 29 – 4:15 p.m. MT)
BYU Athletics has extended the closure of all athletic facilities through the month of May. Reconsideration of the closure period could take place if COVID-19 circumstances prompt a change in strategic directives from state leaders and the BYU administration.  The initial two-week closure period was announced on March 18 with a re-evaluation set for the end of March. At the end of March the closure was then extended through the month of April.

BYU Sports Camps canceled through Aug. 13 (April 13 – 12:10 p.m. MT)
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Brigham Young University-sponsored spring and summer conferences, workshops, camps and similar activities through Aug. 13, 2020, will be canceled. This includes all Sports Camps scheduled during that time period. The main priority continues to be the health, safety and wellness of participants, student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff. Those registered for Sports Camps that are canceled will have the option of a full refund or a credit towards a future BYU Sports Camp. You will be contacted by email regarding your options. Please be patient as we work through this process. Contact sportscamps@byu.edu if you have any questions.

NCAA extends recruiting dead period through May 31 (April 1 – 3:00 p.m. ET)
The Division I Council Coordination Committee and the Division II Administrative Committee extended the recruiting dead period through May 31. The committees will continue to be guided by experts to determine whether the date needs to be extended. The dead period was set to run through April 15 when first announced on March 13. 

BYU Athletics extends closure of all athletic facilities (March 31 – 7:00 p.m. MT)
BYU Athletics has extended the closure of all athletic facilities through the month of April. The initial two-week closure period was announced on March 18 with a re-evaluation set for the end of March. Reconsideration of the current closure period could take place later if circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic prompt a change in strategic directives from state leaders and public health officials. 

NCAA extends eligibility for student-athletes impacted by COVID-19 (March 30 – 6:50 p.m. ET)
The NCAA Division I Council voted March 30 to allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility. Financial aid rules were adjusted to allow teams to carry more members on scholarship to account for incoming recruits and student-athletes who had been in their last year of eligibility who decide to stay. The Council vote also provided schools with financial flexibility regarding students who would have exhausted eligibility in 2019-20 to have the opportunity to return for 2020-21. Schools also will have the ability to use the NCAA’s Student Assistance Fund to pay for scholarships for students who take advantage of the additional eligibility flexibility in 2020-21. Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in winter sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed. The Council also increased the roster limit in baseball, the only spring sport with such a limit.

Duff Tittle, BYU Associate Athletic Director for Communications, provided the following statement on the NCAA action: “We are pleased for those student-athletes who will have an opportunity to return next year and play another spring season.”

BYU Athletics closes training and workout facilities (March 18 – 10:00 a.m. MT)
In collaboration with the University, the Church Educational System and government health officials, BYU Athletics has made several important decisions recently regarding the health and well-being of its student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. Today, BYU Athletics announced it will be closing all athletic facilities for the next two weeks and re-evaluate the situation at that time. Legends Grille and the Nutrition Center will remain open for take-out only with limited hours. Training room facilities will be available by appointment only in emergency situations. The department will also continue to provide mental health counseling and academic support to its student athletes during this time. BYU student-athletes are encouraged to follow university guidelines to leave campus and finish the semester via on-line learning. While we understand that athletics are centered around training and competition, it is imperative we do whatever is necessary to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of Coronavirus.

Tom Holmoe: Message to Cougar Nation (March 17 – 10:05 a.m. MT)
"... As I told our athletes, coaches and staff, take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Take care of your neighbors. Be loyal, strong and true. That’s what you are! Go Cougs!" 
See entire message

BYU Pro Day postponed (March 13 – 3:00 p.m. MT)
The annual BYU Pro Day, which was scheduled for March 27, has been postponed until further notice. Also, to clarify, all BYU football spring practices have been suspended indefinitely as part of BYU’s announcement suspending all athletic events.

NCAA to allow eligibility relief for Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports (March 13 – 12:30 p.m. MT)
The NCAA released the following statement Friday, announcing eligibility relief was found to be appropriate for student-athletes who participated in spring sports this year:

Council leadership agreed that eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports. Details of eligibility relief will be finalized at a later time. Additional issues with NCAA rules must be addressed, and appropriate governance bodies will work through those in the coming days and weeks. 

NCAA institutes recruiting dead period (March 13 – 12:30 p.m. MT)
Due to the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee leadership put in place an immediate ban on in-person recruiting for Division I coaches. Additionally, the group advised schools to suspend any official and unofficial visits to campus from prospective student-athletes. This recruiting dead period will be in place until at least April 15, at which time the Division I Council Coordination Committee will evaluate. Telephone calls and written correspondence are allowed during dead periods. 

BYU suspends all athletic events indefinitely (March 12 – 5:00 p.m. MT)
Effective immediately, BYU has indefinitely suspended all athletic events due to the rapidly evolving circumstances related to the spread of COVID-19. 

Statement from the West Coast Conference (March 12 – 5:00 p.m. MT)
The West Coast Conference has canceled all spring competitions, including WCC championship events, and formal and organized practices. The decision was made following consultation with the league’s presidents and athletic directors to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19.

Statement from WCC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez
“Obviously this is devastating for our student-athletes given the incredible time and effort that they put in to compete at the highest level, and we will do everything that we can to support them through this heartbreaking time,” said West Coast Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “As is always the case, the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and fans is always our number one priority. Our goal is to prevent further spread of COVID-19.”

MPSF Announcement-Effective Immediately (March 12 – 5:00 p.m. MT)
The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), in consultation with our five charter conferences (Big West, MWC, Pac-12, WAC and WCC) is immediately cancelling all remaining winter sports competition including championships and is indefinitely suspending all spring sports competition including conference, non-conference and championships competition.
Given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 virus and the fluidity of containment efforts, it is absolutely necessary that the MPSF collaborate with our greater NCAA community to minimize the spread and overall impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As always, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, campus staff and all others who contribute to the MPSF.

NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships (March 12 – 2:20 p.m. MT)
The NCAA released the following statement on Thursday afternoon: Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.

Spring Football Update (March 12 – 1:15 p.m. MT)
While football is not in its competition season, please be aware that all football practices and other football workouts and activities for this week—including the scheduled media availability tonight and the coaches clinic on Friday—have been canceled. Any determinations regarding the remainder of spring football practices will be provided at a later time. 

All Athletic Events on BYU Campus Closed to the Public (March 12 – 11:15 a.m. MT)
Effective immediately, all athletic events on BYU's campus will be closed to the public. Only participants, coaches and essential staff will be allowed to attend. BYU Athletics will provide updates as more information becomes available.