SEC! SEC! SEC! It’s Back!

FILE – In this Aug. 17, 2019, file photo, Georgia coach Kirby Smart looks on during warm ups for an NCAA football preseason scrimmage in Athens, Ga. Georgia coach Kirby Smart says quarterback is the position most affected by spring practice being canceled by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s bad timing for the Bulldogs, who would have used the spring as a time to have Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman and others compete to replace three-year starter Jake Fromm. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP, File)/Athens Banner-Herald via AP)

DAN MATHEWS, ATLANTA, GA – The SEC announced the resumption of voluntary workouts, beginning June 8th. These workouts can start and be held under ‘strict supervision of designated university personnel and safety guidelines’ of each school.

The plans for allowing athletes to work out in a safe environment will be determined by each member institution of the conference. The SEC has a task force who is constantly monitoring the situation that surrounds COVID-19. The believe that screening, testing, tracing, social distancing and maintaining clean environments are important to the return of these student-athletes.

The SEC says in their press release, that there will be a 3-stage screening process that starts 72-hours before players arrive on campus, within 72 hours of entering school athletic facilities and on a daily basis upon resumption of athletic activities. The schools will also test symptomatic team members (student-athletes, coaches, support staff and other individuals involved with the athletic programs).

Other steps being taken in this initial return to campus, include isolation for those being ‘under investigation or diagnosed with COVID-19.’ This time is being called a ‘transition period’ for players to get back in shape for the potential start of the 2020 college football season.

The SEC also says that this month of June allows for strength and conditioning staff to only supervise these voluntary workouts. Men’s and women’s basketball programs can also take part in these workouts at their facilities. A current rule in place also allows for eight hour of virtual film review to be allowed for basketball and football through June 30.

The in-person camp and coaches clinics are still suspended until July 31. Good news for all, players can come back to start working out again!

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