General 7/8/2020 5:36:00 PM

Harvard Athletics FAQ Fall 2020

Compliance Questions (Update July 10, 2020):

Contacts: Christian Bray (cbray@fas.harvard.edu), Associate Director of Athletics and Ali Hemminger (ahemminger@fas.harvard.edu), Assistant Director of Compliance

Q: Will athletic competition be held during the Fall 2020 semester?
A: Harvard will not compete in any varsity sports in Fall 2020. This announcement is applicable to all fall varsity competition, as well as winter and spring sport competition that normally takes place in the fall semester. A decision on the remaining winter and spring sports competition calendar, and on whether fall sport competition would be feasible in the spring, will be determined at a later date.

Q: How many seasons of competition am I permitted under NCAA/Ivy League rules?
A: Under both NCAA and Ivy League rules, student-athletes may utilize four seasons of competition. In the Ivy League, a 5th year waiver is required for any student-athlete whose enrollment pattern has extended beyond 4 calendar years, beginning with initial full-time collegiate enrollment. Under NCAA rules, student-athletes may utilize their four (4) seasons of competition within a five (5) year period without a waiver. NCAA waivers for an extension of eligibility beyond 5 calendars years will be considered on a case by case basis with the appropriate supporting documentation.

Q: Can you explain the difference between a student-athlete's 4 seasons of competition and their 5-year eligibility clock?
A: Season of competition – Each student-athlete is able to use of 4 seasons of competition. In the Ivy League, a student-athlete uses a season of competition when they are enrolled in courses during their season. Outside of the Ivy League under NCAA rules, a season of competition is used once a student-athlete competes in a contest. For Fall 2020, the Ivy League has granted a waiver to their rule to be consistent with the NCAA, so student-athletes do not use a season of competition even if they are enrolled.

5-year eligibility clock – Student-athletes are permitted 5 years to complete 4 seasons of competition. The 5 year eligibility clock begins when a student-athlete first begins initial full-time enrollment. Your 5-year eligibility clock cannot be "paused" for any reason. There are specific circumstances that allow student-athletes to extend their 5-year clock to a 6^th year. In order to extend the 5-year clock an NCAA waiver (or Ivy League for non-NCAA sports) must be filed.

Q: Will I retain a season of competition for Fall 2020?
A: Student-athletes will not use a season of Ivy League or NCAA eligibility in the fall, whether or not they enroll. Student-athletes who wish to pursue competition during a 5th year will need to work with the Compliance staff in accordance with Harvard policy to determine their options beyond their current anticipated graduation date.

Q: Will Harvard allow students to enroll in more than eight (8) semesters given the circumstances?
A: Currently, the eight (8) semester policy outlined in Harvard's academic policies will remain in place.

Q: Will the fall 2020 semester count as one (1) of a student's eight (8) even if they are learning remote?
A: Under current Harvard academic policies, students who are enrolled in remote classes would use one (1) of their eight (8) semesters at Harvard.

Q: Will students receive an extension of eligibility due to the canceled season?
A: We are currently working with the NCAA to determine if an extension of the 5-year eligibility clock will be granted under the current circumstances. We will make sure we communicate with coaches and student-athletes once we know more. If the NCAA allows for an extension of eligibility, that does not negate Harvard's 8 semester policy. If a student-athlete still has eligibility remaining after completing 8 semesters at Harvard, the may use their remaining eligibility outside of the Ivy League as a graduate student-athlete.

Q: What if I decide to take a leave of absence prior to remote classes beginning (sophomore, junior, senior)?
A: Please refer to Harvard College's Leave of Absence policy for guidance regarding an official Leave of Absence. All leaves should be discussed and communicated with your Resident Dean. Student-athletes who take a leave of absence prior to the start of the academic term will retain eligibility upon their return, provided they are within their five (5) year eligibility clock and are approved for an Ivy League 5th year waiver. Further extensions of eligibility will be dependent on additional circumstances and will be assessed by the NCAA or Ivy League on a case by case basis.

Q: What if I start the term, then decide to take a leave of absence?
A: Starting the academic term triggers responsibility for the corresponding academic credits under NCAA and Ivy League rules and regulations. If a student takes a leave of absence from Harvard during the semester, even as early as after attending the first day of classes, they will be ineligible to compete upon their initial return to Harvard because progress-towards-degree requirements will not be met.
Additionally, in line with the Council of Presidents statement from Spring 2020, a student who starts classes and then later withdraws from the institution because of a disruption in the season and for the sole purpose of preserving a season of eligibility should not presume that the option to use that season in the 5th year at their institution will be available.

Q: Can a student take 2 non-consecutive fall semesters off?
A: Continuing eligibility rules associated with a leave of absence are based on the student-athletes specific enrollment pattern, use of their 5-year eligibility clock, and other individual circumstances. Please reach out to the Athletics Compliance staff to assess your particular eligibility situation. Students should refer to Harvard College's Leave of Absence policy for guidance regarding an official Leave of Absence. All leaves should be discussed with your Resident Dean prior to a final decision being made.

Q: If I take a leave of absence, can I enroll in another institution for a semester?
A: Full-time enrollment at another institution would cause a student-athlete to be considered a transfer upon their return to Harvard. Therefore, all NCAA transfer rules, including a potential year-in-residence and progress-toward-degree implications are applicable. Additionally, a student should consult with their Resident Dean regarding Harvard College's credit transfer policy.

Q: If I am an incoming first-year and I choose to defer matriculation prior to remote classes beginning?
A: A student-athletes' five (5) year eligibility clock does not begin until an incoming student-athlete attends their first day of classes (matriculates). Therefore, an incoming student-athlete may defer enrollment without starting their eligibility clock. If an incoming student-athlete decides to defer enrollment and has already taken a gap year, they should contact the Compliance staff for further guidance, as additional gap years are based upon sport-specific rules.

Q: If an incoming student-athlete elects to defer their enrollment beyond Fall 2020, what are they permitted to do in the interim?
A: An incoming student who defers full-time enrollment remains a prospective student-athlete under NCAA rules. They may not participate in any countable athletically related activities with the team or coaches prior to enrolling full-time at Harvard, nor may they participate in voluntary athletics activities observed by strength and conditioning coaches.
The NCAA has granted some flexibility for incoming student-athletes with regard to virtual team activities (meetings and entertainment) during the summer term, but has not yet issued similar guidance for during the academic year.

Q: If an incoming student-athlete elects to defer their enrollment beyond Fall 2020, may they continue to participate in practice or competition in their sport with an outside team?
A: Incoming students should consult with the compliance office before participating in outside athletics competition. NCAA rules limit athletics competition opportunities during periods of delayed enrollment, though the time period for such limitations varies by sport.

Q: Requirements for participation in any Harvard-Athletics sponsored activities, including virtual team activities
A: All student-athletes who engage in any Harvard-sponsored team activities, including practice, conditioning, team meetings, or other team activities must be a current, full-time student at Harvard (12 credits). This includes participation in virtual activities as well as any in-person activities that may be permitted.

Q: Participation in Team Activities/Facility Use:
A: Student-athletes that are in the residential cohort:

The ability to conduct athletics practices will be dependent upon Harvard College's policy for extracurricular gatherings during the Fall 2020 semester, and we will operate within the campus guidelines set for all students.

Student-athletes who are enrolled in remote classes, but not in the residential cohort:

Consistent with Harvard College's current guidelines regarding extracurricular activities, students who are not in the residential cohort will not have access to athletics or other institutional facilities.

Student-athletes who are on leave of absence or defer admission:

Per Harvard College policy and NCAA rules, students who are not enrolled full-time (on leave of absence or deferral) at Harvard College will not be permitted to participate in any team activities, including practice, skill instruction, team meetings, or team entertainment. This includes both virtual and in-person activities.

Q: How many hours of practice will be permitted during the fall semester? Will this be different for in-person training vs virtual training?
A: We are working with the Ivy League to determine the number of hours a student-athlete may be able to participate in athletically related activities, whether in person or virtually for Fall 2020. Please remember that Harvard campus guidelines will dictate the level of in-person activity that is permitted during the Fall 2020 semester and could be more restrictive than Ivy League rules.

Q: Could Harvard loan/rent out equipment for training purposes during the fall semester?
A: Currently, it is not permissible under Ivy League rules for coaches or any institutional staff member to send student-athletes equipment, apparel, or other items that are not previously approved by the Athletics Compliance Staff. As flexibility to this rule is considered, we will communicate any changes.

Q: Can a student-athlete train/compete with an outside team? Does this answer differ whether we are enrolled in classes or on a leave of absence?
A: Currently, under NCAA rules, students-athletes are permitted to train with an outside amateur team. However, it is not permissible to compete with an outside team during the academic year. Additionally, student-athletes on a leave of absence are not permitted to compete in outside competition without prior approval from the Athletics Compliance Office, as it can limit a student-athlete's ability to take advantage of NCAA and Ivy League academic waivers upon their return.
Student-athletes should consult with the Athletics Compliance staff before participating in any outside athletics activities, including training, as some rules are sport specific. We are currently working with the NCAA to see if flexibility will be considered based on the current circumstances and will be sure to communicate any additional flexibility for competition, if approved by the NCAA.

Q: Can a student-athlete compete unattached in individual competitions? Does this answer differ whether we are enrolled or on a leave of absence?
A: It is permissible for a student-athlete to compete as an individual and not as a member of a team during the academic year, regardless of whether they are enrolled or on a leave of absence. Student-athletes are not permitted to represent or wear any Harvard-issued athletic gear may not receive expenses as a member of an outside team. Please contact the Compliance staff, prior to engaging in any outside competition to ensure it is in line with NCAA/Ivy League rules.

Q: Do these rules change at all if I train/compete in a sport other than the one I am affiliated with at Harvard?
A: Ivy League rules state that a student-athlete must retain amateur status in all sports to be eligible to participate in any Ivy League sport. Therefore, if a student-athlete trains/competes in a different sport, they would be held to the same standards as are applicable to training/competing in their sport.

Q: When will a decision be made for winter/spring sport competition for the spring semester? Is there any possibility that fall sports will be able to compete in the spring semester instead?
A: A decision on the remaining winter and spring sports competition calendar, and on whether fall sport competition would be feasible in the spring, will be determined at a later date. We currently do not have a set date for this decision.

Q: If fall sports do compete in the spring semester, will they use a season of eligibility? Or would it be similar to a normal non-championship segment?
A: If fall sports compete in the spring, it will likely use a season of competition. We will continue to work with the NCAA to determine a threshold, if any, of competition that must take place to use a season of competition.

Q: If there is no competition in the spring semester, will winter and spring sport student-athletes also retain their season of eligibility?
A: Based on the information we currently have, we believe student-athletes would retain their season of competition, similar to the decision for fall student-athletes if there is no competition in the spring. Please remember that the Harvard 8 semester policy would still remain in place.

Q: If a student does not have the opportunity to compete in 2020-21 and wishes to take advantage of a 5th year at Harvard, may they complete their undergraduate degree and pursue graduate work while competing in their final season of competition in the Ivy League?
A: No – per Ivy League rules, intercollegiate athletics participation shall be limited to those enrolled as undergraduates.

Q: Do NCAA and Ivy League rules regarding amateurism and extra benefits continue to apply to student athletes while they are on leave from an institution?
A: Yes – student-athletes on a leave of absence who intend to return and represent Harvard or any other NCAA member institution in intercollegiate athletics should continue to comply with all NCAA and Ivy League rules while not enrolled.

Sports Medicine Questions:

Contact: Brant Berkstresser (bberkstr@fas.harvard.edu), Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Health and Performance

Q: Will the athletic training room be able to provide treatment and rehabilitation for injured student-athletes?
A: Yes, the facility will be open on an appointment-based system for student-athletes who are recovering from an injury. The number of visits per week will be dependent upon overall patient volume and facility space. Telehealth and home rehab programs will continue to be utilized during the pandemic.

Q: Do I need to get a pre-participatory physical exam at home prior to reporting to campus for the fall semester?
A: We have previously performed pre-participatory exams on campus for first-year and returning student-athletes. The sports medicine department is working through different scenarios with Harvard University Health Services to evaluate whether this is feasible this fall based upon current health guidelines. We will have further communication to our student-athletes once we have a formal decision.

Q: If I miss my scheduled rehab appointment time, will I be able to walk in for care?
A: No. You will need to reschedule your appointment by contacting the athletic trainer who is providing your care. You will need to be on time for your scheduled appointments.

Q: If I have an acute injury will I be able to access the athletic training room at that moment?
A: Any injury that may require immediate evaluation and care such as laceration, concussion, or may need crutches, walking boot, sling or other immobilization device we will be able to provide that immediate care. Injuries that are not as severe the student-athlete can contact a member of the athletic training staff via phone for guidance about their care on the day of injury.

Q: I'm not injured, but I usually get maintenance care from my athletic trainer as a preventative measure. Will I still be able to do this?
A: This will depend on total patient load and availability of in-person care based on state and institutional public health regulations. Preference will be given to student athletes who are currently injured or returning from injury.

Q: Can student-athletes access recovery modalities such as cold tubs, hot tubs, heat packs, ice bags, foam rollers, stretch cords, Norma Tec, etc.?
A: No, due to current public health guidelines and occupancy limits these areas will not be available for student-athletes at this time. We will need to prioritize the athletic training room for student-athletes who need rehabilitation services. This area will continue to be re-evaluated based upon emerging public health and institutional guidance. Student-athletes should consider bringing their own gel packs to put in their mini-freezers to utilize for preventative or maintenance treatment.

Q: What safety measures is the athletic training room putting in place to reduce the risk of exposure to the student-athletes?
A: Sports medicine staff within the facility will be wearing personal protective equipment as recommended by Harvard University Health Services. Additional precautions include the following:

Student-Athletes will be required to wear face coverings within the athletic training room. Face coverings should be consistent with Harvard University recommendations, https://www.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/content/06022020_coronavirus_facecoverings_A.pdf
Screening and temperature check will take place prior to student-athlete being admitted into the facility
There will be occupancy limits based upon public health and institutional guidelines to promote proper social distancing for student-athletes and sports medicine staff. The athletic training room is being reconfigured to account for proper social distancing with marked entrances and exits
Student-athletes will work with an individual athletic trainer separated six feet from others per social distancing recommendations
Equipment will be cleaned by an CDC/OSHA approved disinfectant after each patient use
Educational signs on COVID-19 prevention such as hand hygiene, face coverings and social distancing.

Q: Due to the athletic training facility having a reduced occupancy capacity per public health guidelines are other options being evaluated?
A: Yes, we are evaluating current locations in athletics to create a temporary facility. This will provide the athletic training staff with more space to work in pods decreasing the risk of exposure for student-athletes and the staff.

Q: Do I report to the athletic training room if I'm feeling ill (cough, fever, sore throat, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, etc.)?
A: No, please call HUHS at 617-495-5711. Dr. Wang will not be seeing student-athletes in the athletic training room to limit potential spread of COVID-19 to student-athletes and staff. HUHS has respiratory and cleaning protocols to separate possible COVID-19 patients from other patients.

Q: Will nutrition services be available?
A: Yes, nutrition services will be available but primarily through telehealth to decrease occupancy of the athletic training room and to decrease the exposure risk for the student-athlete and clinician.

Q: Will orthopedic physician services within Dillon Field House Athletic Training Room be available?
A: Yes, our goal is to utilize telehealth for as many physician visits as possible to decrease occupancy of the athletic training room and the risk of exposure for the student-athlete and clinician. However, some orthopedic appointments will require in-person visits. In-person visits will be consistent with current guidelines for visiting medical offices.

Q: Will mental health services be available?
A: Yes, mental health visits with Melissa Nauman and Darryl Lemus will be available. They will be following guidance from HUHS Counseling and Mental Health Services regarding telehealth versus in-person visits.

Q: Will student-athletes have access to coolers of ice, water and water bottles for practices?
A: No. Public health guidelines stipulate that communal beverages and food are restricted. Student-athletes will be responsible for bringing pre-filled water bottles that are not to be shared for athletic activity. Athletes should consume 6-8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of activity, i.e. 32 ounces per one hour of practice.

Q: If I'm not enrolled at Harvard for the fall semester, can I access the athletic training room for sport medicine services?
A: No. Per NCAA legislation it is impermissible for non-enrolled student-athletes to access athletics facilities which includes the athletic training room. However, we can provide telehealth services in our areas of athletic training, physician, nutritional, and mental health based upon state and international regulations.

Strength & Conditioning Questions:

Contacts: James Frazier (frazier@fas.harvard.edu), Director of Strength & Conditioning

Q: With no competition in the Fall, will we have access to Strength & Conditioning and Palmer Dixon?
A: We will work to create a Strength & Conditioning plan for those on campus in accordance with Ivy League and College guidelines. We are currently working with campus colleagues to determine if strength & conditioning may occur in person.

Q: If I choose to not enroll for the Fall 2020 semester, what Strength & Conditioning access will I have?
A: If you take a semester off, we will be able to send you strength and conditioning plans for your time off. However, if you are local, you would not be able to use any of the Harvard facilities to execute the programs.

Q: If I am not in the residential cohort this Fall, but I am enrolled full-time in the remote program. If I rent an apartment in the Cambridge area, can I work out in-person with the Strength and Conditioning staff?
A: Students who are not in the residential cohort will not have access to athletics or other institutional facilities, including Palmer Dixon.

Q: What will Strength & Conditioning look like in the Fall?
A: Strength & Conditioning will be dependent upon Harvard College's policy for extracurricular gatherings during the Fall 2020 semester, and we will operate within the campus guidelines set for all students. Those decisions have not been made at this time and we will communicate more information regarding strength and conditioning once those decisions have been made.

Q: How many days per week/times of day will be offered?
A: We are currently working to determine what will be allowed by Harvard, the Ivy League and the NCAA.

Q: What are the safety/cleaning precautions taken in Palmer Dixon?
A: If we are permitted to work out in person, we will disinfect all high touch surfaces between each lifting group. We will stagger groups that will allow for a cleaning protocol between each group entering the exercise facilities. There will be one entrance and one exit to Palmer Dixon. We will have hand sanitizing stations throughout the weight room.

Q: Will masks be required for workouts?
A: As of now, masks are required in Boston and Cambridge in any facility where social distancing can be difficult.

Q: Will there be open hours in Palmer Dixon?
A: If we are permitted to train in-person, we will not be allowing open hours in Palmer Dixon. All student-athletes looking to work out in the facility will need to make an appointment or be involved in a lifting group.

Q: Will our teams still have access to protein or other post workout nutrition provided to student-athletes in Palmer Dixon?
A: If a team has purchased protein, we will provide post-workout nutrition. For the fall semester, it will be distributed by staff members. This is only if workouts are conducted in-person.

Q: Will Strength & Conditioning sessions take place in any facilities other than Palmer Dixon?
A: If we are permitted to train in-person, and if necessary, we will work to include additional facilities into our strength & conditioning program so we can accommodate more student-athletes while following government (state/institutional) guidelines on social distancing.

Q: What are the state regulations regarding number of student-athletes per square foot?
A: We will be working with Harvard's Office of Environmental Health and Safety on what our occupancy will be moving forward.

Recreation Questions:

Contact: Andrea Lapointe (alapointe@fas.harvard.edu), Assistant Director of Athletics

Q: When will recreation spaces open?
A: We are following university guidelines and working to ensure we have the proper safety measures for a successful reopening. We will share our reopening date as soon as we have more information. For our most frequent updates, please subscribe to our email listserv here or visit our website. Please also note that in an effort to help with campus de-densification, we are only permitting those individuals in the residential cohort to access recreational facilities.

Q: When will my membership credit be applied?
A: Your membership credit will be applied as soon as we are able to reopen our facilities. We closed on March 17, 2020 and will be crediting each member with 11 weeks of membership for 2020-21, prorating our fee for the year to account for the credit.

Q: What are your new cleaning procedures?
A: We are complying with all Massachusetts and CDC required cleaning procedures. To ensure the safety of our members and staff, we will be adhering to the following enhanced protocols:

Ensuring that all staff is well-trained to clean the spaces and machines with EPA-approved disinfectants that kill SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19).
More frequent cleaning to all high-touch surfaces, as well as closing sections of each facility throughout each day for thorough cleaning. We have relocated some of our equipment so even when some spaces are closed, you should have all you need for a great workout!
Placing additional disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizing units in all of our spaces.

Q: Can I just show up when the gym is re-opened?
A: In order to safely re-open, we need to limit the number of members in the facility at one time. Everyone will need to reserve a time slot and receive a confirmation before coming to our facility. This will help us make sure we don't have crowded entry areas and allow you the convenience of a scheduled gym time. We also ask that you login to Crimson Clear and complete the form before each visit to our facilities. Instructions on how to reserve a time slot will be made available once we have a scheduled opening date.

Q: How will the change in operations affect my visit?

We are following current Harvard guidelines and ask that you wear a mask during the entirety of your workout. Masks do not need to be worn for swimming workouts, but you will be required to wear them on deck, until you enter the water.
As high-traffic areas that are difficult to enforce social distancing practices, usage of locker rooms will not be available. We understand this will pose some challenges but hope that you can come to our facilities dressed and ready to go for your workout. We will have single-stall restrooms available in all facilities. Please inquire with one of our staff members if you have difficulty locating these spaces. We will still be requiring showers before using the pool and ask that you utilize the units available on deck, near the diving well.
As we try our best to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19, we unfortunately have suspended all of our towel services. We are currently not able to provide large towels for purchase or sweat towels. Please bring your own.
To promote social distancing, we have spaced out and relocated some equipment. If you need help finding your favorite piece – please let us know!

Q: How long will these new protocols last?
A: As we re-open our doors, we will continue to update our protocols to ensure that both your safety and ability to use our facilities are at the forefront. For our most frequent updates, please subscribe to our email listserv here or visit our web site.

Q: Are group exercise classes still being offered?
A: We are still offering our virtual classes, but unfortunately, aren't quite ready for in-person group exercise classes. We hope to be able to offer classes in the near future, either outdoors or indoors but in the meantime, please reference our online schedule for a complete listing of virtual offerings! We will share more information as soon as we have it.

Q: I'm living off campus but will be in Cambridge, can I access recreational spaces or attend activities?
A: In an effort to help with campus de-densification, we are only permitting those individuals in the residential cohort to access recreational facilities. We will also have strict capacity limits in our spaces and will have more clarity on access for faculty, staff and alumni as we get closer to a reopening date.

Club Sports Questions:

Contact: Alex Carras (alexander_carras@fas.harvard.edu), Recreation Programs & Club Sports Coordinator

Q: What club sport activities will be permitted for fall 2020?
A: Club sports will not have competition in Fall 2020. We are working with campus colleagues to determine if small group practices are permissible, for those who are in the residential cohort.

Q: Can my club sport organization host an event or travel to an event with non-Harvard affiliates?
A: No, there will be no competition for informal events with non-Harvard affiliates on or off campus.

Intramural Questions:

Contact: Alex Carras (alexander_carras@fas.harvard.edu), Recreation Programs & Club Sports Coordinator

Q: What opportunities are there for in-person or virtual intramural activities?
A: We will work with the House IM Council and Frosh IM coordinators to develop a modified IM program that incorporates esports and socially distant competitive opportunities. If you have ideas for activities that will promote social distancing, please email Alex Carras (alexander_carras@fas.harvard.edu).

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