CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE
2021-2022 Shared Philosophy / Frameworks
Vaccinations / Masks (student-athletes, coaches, staff):
• CC schools are not required to have a vaccination mandate; however it is encouraged with the goal of every team member and coach being fully vaccinated.
• Religious and/or medical exemptions will be managed and recorded in accordance with each institution’s established protocols. These individuals will all be treated the same as an unvaccinated individual (i.e. masking, testing)
• All unvaccinated individuals will be PCR tested within 72 hours OR rapid antigen within 24 hours of game time (NC and CC contests) and during noncompetition weeks, one PCR test or three times-a-week antigen testing. Testing during the nontraditional season will align with institutional testing protocols; however competition testing standards will apply when/if an institution utilizes their one nontraditional competition date.
o A positive test will render an individual ineligible for the contest and are subsequently required to follow the institution’s stated policy. Anyone testing positive at any time during the year must continue to quarantine/isolate per CDC and institution protocols.
o Per NCAA guidelines, an unvaccinated close contact should follow quarantine procedures.
o Per NCAA guidelines, a vaccinated close contact should produce a negative test in order to compete and not wear a mask.
• Masks should be worn in accordance with institutional, state, and CDC guidelines if an individual is unvaccinated and cannot maintain a minimum of 3 feet social distancing for at least 15 minutes. This includes the sideline area of an indoor venue and team meeting rooms; however regardless of an individual’s vaccination status or the venue, a mask will not be required while competing.
Travel / Transportation:
• No occupancy standards nor limitations on vehicle sizes, however in accordance with institutional, state, and CDC guidelines, masks should be worn by unvaccinated individuals during travel. Teams should avoid any stops on the way to a competition; however teams should continue CDC protocols with masking and social distancing for post-game excursions.
• The NCAA recommends masking during travel, regardless of vaccine status.
• Overnight hotel stays will be allowed per each institution’s discretion
Officials:
• Assignor tracks and obtains proof of vaccinations and/or test results
• If not vaccinated – must show proof of a negative test and wear appropriate face coverings. This test, PCR within 72 hours OR rapid antigen within 24 hours of game time, is at the expense of the official.
o Indoor or outdoor officials – must be vaccinated to work contests without a mask
• Same Spring 2021 protocols for communication regarding a positive test and contact tracing
Spectators:
• Indoor venue – unvaccinated individuals should be masked and following institutional, state, and CDC guidelines. Signage will be utilized to remind spectators to follow CDC guidelines (i.e. social distancing, masking). Additional masking requirements will be at the institution’s discretion.
• Outdoor venue –unvaccinated individuals should be masked and following institutional, state, and CDC guidelines. Signage will be utilized to remind spectators to follow CDC guidelines (i.e. social distancing, masking). Additional masking requirements will be at the institution’s discretion.
• Each institution must clearly articulate and publicize their spectator masking policies.
• Access to the field, deck, etc. will continue to be off limits for non-personnel
• Capacity limits will be at the institution’s discretion
Visiting Team / Non-Conference Play:
• Centennial teams are encouraged to know the covid-19 protocols and vaccination requirements of opposing teams/institutions. Teams should aspire to meet the threshold of 100% inoculation, along with low community transmission on campus and in the local area.
• Individuals can access locker room spaces as needed and in consultation with the home team; however the host is responsible for maintaining regular and thorough cleaning and sanitization standards. Communication will be early and often to ensure visitors and hosts can make the necessary accommodations.
• For indoor settings, masks will be required for unvaccinated individuals (i.e. bench area, table/press box personnel, locker rooms).
Facilities:
• Individuals can access locker room spaces as needed and in consultation with the home team; however the host is responsible for maintaining regular and thorough cleaning and sanitization standards. Communication will be early and often to ensure visitors and hosts can make the necessary accommodations.
General:
• Institutions are encouraged to provide unmistakably identified water bottles and towels for unvaccinated student-athletes. Continue to provide hand sanitizer and/or other personal hygiene items at the venue.
• Return to campus
o Follow institutional, state, and CDC guidelines
• Testing/health checks.
o Surveillance testing and health checks will be encouraged; however will take place at the institutions discretion.
o All unvaccinated individuals will be PCR tested within 72 hours OR rapid antigen within 24 hours of game time (NC and CC contests) and during noncompetition weeks, one PCR test or three times-a- week antigen testing. Testing during the nontraditional season will align with institutional testing protocols; however competition testing standards will apply when/if an institution utilizes their one nontraditional competition date.
A positive test will render an individual ineligible for the contest and are subsequently required to follow the institution’s stated policy. Anyone testing positive at any time during the year must continue to quarantine/isolate per CDC and institution protocols.
Per NCAA guidelines, an unvaccinated close contact should follow quarantine procedures.
Per NCAA guidelines, a vaccinated close contact should produce a negative test in order to compete and not wear a mask.
**If conditions change we may need to make modifications to any of the aforementioned items. We will continue to regularly monitor NCAA guidelines, CDC recommendations, and any shifts in the environment and recommend changes as needed.
Click HERE to access a downloadable version of the Centennial Conference Shared Philosophy / Frameworks
