The rule changes coming from the WIAC or the NCAA outlined in this document are definitive.
The UW-La Crosse Athletics Department is committed to providing a safe environment for all student-athletes and have confidence that measures are put in place to protect student-athletes and coaches from the spread of COVID-19.
The Athletics Department will be implementing many new mandatory screening protocols if it is determined at a later time that practices can be conducted. Due to the evolving nature of the guidelines and policies that the Athletics Department needs to monitor daily, this may result in some of the specific protocols outlined herein to be altered or added-to. Regular updates will be provided.
Questions & Answers:
Will there be a fall sports season?
The WIAC announced on July 27, 2020 that the conference seasons and championships for the sports of football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s & women’s cross country will be canceled for the 2020-21 academic year.
The WIAC also announced that in the sports of women’s tennis and women’s golf that all competition will be suspended for the Fall 2020-21 term. The WIAC conference seasons and championships in these sports will be moved to the 2021 spring term because those sports have their NCAA Championships in the spring.
If I am a fall, winter or spring sport student-athlete, will I be able to do anything with my sport this year?
Per the NCAA and WIAC guidelines, institutions are able to establish practice opportunities within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA and the NCAA Sports Science Institute throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
What impact would practicing or competing during the 2020-21 year have on my eligibility with the NCAA?
So long as you are 1) eligible during your season, 2) you would have been a member of the team, you can practice and compete with the team. Due to the most recent NCAA blanket waivers, you will NOT be charged with a season of participation. Additionally you will receive a two semester extension on to your allowable 10 full-time terms. Please see applicable NCAA legislation below.
Applicable NCAA legislation:
On October 28, 2020, the NCAA Presidents Council approved the following two blanket waivers. These below waivers now supersede previous waivers listed which included the 50% and opt-out waivers. These are now the only valid eligibility waivers effective for the 2020-21 academic year.
1. Season of participation waiver: All student-athletes (fall, winter, spring) would not be charged the use of a season of participation for any participation that occurs during the 2020-21 academic year; and
2. Extension waiver: Student-athletes eligible for competition would receive an extension of their 10 semester enrollment limit for each semester used during the 2020-21 academic year.
If a student-athlete meets the requirements for the 2020-21 semester extension waiver, are there limitations in the use of those terms?
If a student-athlete receives a two semester extension, the student-athlete must use those extra terms consecutively. For example, a soccer student-athlete could not use their 11th semester during the Fall 20201, not enroll during the spring 2022 and then use their 12th semester during the Fall 2022 season. This waiver is NOT intended to provide two additional seasons of participation.
Will fall teams that are not competing continue to function as teams? Will they have coaches?
The NCAA and WIAC are allowing student-athletes and teams the flexibility to continue to practice within the guidelines established by the NCAA and the NCAA Sports Science Institute Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport. Your coach will relay what this will look like over the course of the season. It will look very different than any past years, however, the Athletics Department is committed to providing a safe environment where student-athletes can continue to train and prepare for the return of competition. With student-athlete safety at the forefront of our daily operations, we will continue to provide an environment where student-athletes can work on preparing for their sport. Your coach will be able to give you more specific ideas on what this may look like.
If practice is allowed when will fall sports be able to start practice?
Fall sport practices or start dates are not yet definitive, however if practice is allowed no teams will begin practice prior to August 27th. Most likely practices will begin after the start of classes on September 8th. Different fall teams may start practices on different dates.
When will the decision for winter and spring sport seasons occur? (Updated September 25, 2020)
The WIAC announced on September 18, 2020 that all winter sports competition will be suspended through December 31, 2020. For winter sports there will be changes to the protocol that participating student-athletes must follow prior to daily participation, and possible changes to the start date and in the number of practice opportunities. Student-athletes must be academically and athletically eligible to participate in team activities.
For spring sports there will be changes to the protocol that participating student-athletes must follow prior to daily participation, changes to the start date and in the number of practice opportunities if it is determined that practices can be conducted in the Fall 2020 term. Student-athletes must be academically and athletically eligible to participate in team activities.
If a student-athlete chooses to take a semester off, or the entire year off, how does that affect their standing on their team?
We encourage you to get in touch with your head coach to discuss this question.
If a student-athlete decides not to attend UWL full-time for classes this fall or spring they will not use full time terms of attendance and thus will not be eligible for the term waiver. If you choose not to attend any class at UWL this year please make sure that you review the UW-La Crosse re-entry policies on the Records & Registration website.
https://www.uwlax.edu/records/student-resources/re-entry-students/
Can a student-athlete enroll at another college and re-enroll at UW-La Crosse later if their season has been canceled?
This is permissible, however, this would trigger a transfer status and all transfer rules would apply. Not being enrolled at UW-La Crosse would also result in student-athletes being unable to participate in any in person or virtual team activities that may occur.
What do I need to do to still be a member of a team this fall?
Prior to participation in any athletically related activities, all pre-season participation paperwork must be completed. Due to the changes this summer, ALL student-athletes (fall, winter and spring) paperwork is to be completed by September 1, 2020.
Will there be any screening procedures necessary for students-athletes if practice is allowed?
Yes, once determinations have been made on the state of practice, the Athletics Department will be implementing temperature screenings that will occur on a daily basis prior to practice. More details will come on exact protocols to help ensure safety at practice.
Will members of teams be tested for COVID-19?
Currently the WIAC is pursuing further clarification from the NCAA Sports Science Institute on what the best practices and recommendations are for practice during the Fall 2020 semester.
What happens if there is a positive test result on our team?
If a team member tests positive, the Athletics Department will follow UW-La Crosse campus guidelines for isolation until the incubation period and/or symptoms resolve. We will begin contact tracing with the tested individual to identify and notify those that may have come in contact with them. Through this process we will determine if those potential contacts need to self-quarantine for 14 days. If a person tests positive we will work to provide a thermometer (if one isn’t available already) and symptom checklist for daily monitoring of symptoms. Once incubation period and/or symptoms resolve, the person will follow up with UW-La Crosse team physician for clearance to return to activity.
Will the Athletic Training room be available? (Updated September 25, 2020)
Access to the Athletic Training room are available by appointment only. Please coordinate these appointments with your staff athletic trainer that you are working with. There will be temperature screenings prior to entry to the Athletic Training Center as well as restrictions on self-service and equipment use that will be detailed upon arrival. Masks are required for the duration of your time in Mitchell Hall until the campus and/or Wisconsin state mandates are revised.
Will the Sports Performance Center be available? (Updated September 25, 2020)
Access to the Sports Performance Center is available by appointment only. Workout sessions are 40 minutes to allow for appropriate cleaning protocols in-between workouts. Please connect with your Head Coach to receive the link to sign up for a lifting session. There will be temperature screenings prior to entry to the Sports Performance Center as well as restrictions on self-service equipment that will be detailed upon arrival. Masks are required for the duration of your time in Mitchell Hall until the campus and/or Wisconsin state mandates are revised.
Is my athletic paperwork still due?
Yes. In anticipation of possible athletically related activities, ALL pre-season participation paperwork needs to be completed. Due to the change in playing circumstances, ALL student-athletes paperwork is to be completed by September 1, 2020, to avoid potential late fees. ALL paperwork must be completed prior to your participation any athletically related activity.
Will I have access to my locker room?
Returning student-athletes will be allowed to clean out their locker after September 8th, 2020 for any items not retrieved previously. Your head coach will communicate the details of your team’s clean out process.
Following the fall clean out process, your head coach will communicate future plans on access to your locker room.
What facilities will be available?
Facilities will be available for team structured team activities that are scheduled by the head coach. The SPC will also be available in accordance with the outlined rules for that facility.
Will SPC tryout & roster fees still be assessed for the 2020-21 academic year? (Updated September 25, 2020)
If you are a fall sport student-athlete beginning the week of 10/5 you will be billed the tryout and roster fee for a total of $205.00. This will be billed to your student account.
If you are a winter or spring sport student-athlete, beginning the week of 10/5 you will be billed the tryout fee of $80.00. The additional $125.00 roster fee will be added once one of these two scenarios occur: 1. Your teams roster is officially made for competition or 2. Your teams competitive season decision has been made by the WIAC or NCAA and resulted in a cancelled season.
Will facilities be open for student-led workouts and optional practices? (Updated September 25, 2020)
Restarting on October 5, 2020, if members of a team choose to utilize Mitchell Hall, VMSC, Cartwright Center or North campus facilities for voluntary out-of-season activities limited to primarily members of a team, reservations must be made with Carly Sprouse (
csprouse@uwlax.edu). Hours are restricted and reservations must be made during only allowable hours. Team members must adhere to
ALL of the following while gathering:
- Wearing face coverings at all times AND
- Maintaining 6ft. distance from others AND
- Adhering to the capacity guidelines for the spaces being used.
Will there be laundry services provided? (Updated September 25, 2020)
Laundry service for student-athletes will remain closed until further notice.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about items that are specific to your team, please contact your head coach -
https://uwlathletics.com/staff-directory
If you have questions about your eligibility or any of the NCAA waivers, please contact Erin Hanson,
ehanson@uwlax.edu
If you have any questions about the Athletic Training Room or the SPC, please contact Joel Luedke,
jluedke@uwlax.edu
I am a prospective student-athlete, how does this all affect my recruitment?
If you are a prospective student-athlete you may experience changes in the length of your on campus visit, your ability to view a practice or competition, or your ability to experience an overnight visit to campus. These changes are all being made with your health and safety in mind. The coaches who are recruiting you will communicate what your recruitment will look like throughout the year.
