Overtime

Collegiate sports training considers new normal setup

With the green-light given by IATF to collegiate sports teams to resume practices, the Technical Working Group (TWG) in charge considers having it in a bubble as the possible course of action.

/ 10 October 2020

“Student-athletes of collegiate athletic associations as defined under Republic Act No. 10676 or the Student-Athletes Protection Act shall be allowed to resume their preparatory trainings in areas under General Community Quarantine and Modified General Community Quarantine, subject to the guidelines as may be issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),” IATF resolution no. 68 read.

The bubble, however, is strictly for training only and no competitions are allowed at this time unlike the approved bubble setup for the resumption of sports activities for professional sports staged by PBA and soon to be followed by other pro leagues.

“Non-professional sporting events such as tournaments, competitive events, and athletic meets shall not be permitted,” said Rodley Carza, head of policy and technology, promotion, and communication for the Department of Health (DOH).

TWG headed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had drafted the guidelines on how the schools will conduct their training after their consultation meeting on Thursday.

Before the teams can proceed with the resumption of their training, they will be required to submit to CHED a Collegiate Training Activities’ Certificate of Compliance endorsed by the school’s athletic director and approved by the school president.

“Once the trainings commence, student-athletes and personnel assisting in the training should be isolated from the general public. HEIs should provide the necessary accommodation, transportation, and provision for mental health services as may be necessary. In case of re-entry for on-campus stay-in training, the 14-day isolation must again be observed before he/she may resume participation. HEIs should ensure that classes of student-athletes should be prioritized in scheduling their training,” read the guidelines.

The guidelines will be presented and be subject to the approval of CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera.