HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. - With the suspension of the fall sports season, the Centenary Athletics Department knows there are questions about athletics and the return of student-athletes to campus. The athletic department attempted to answer some of those questions below. As the situation changes, we'll update this page and any questions not answered here can be directed to Travis Spencer, Director of Athletics (travis.spencer@centenaryuniversity.edu).

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Who is monitoring the situation and making determinations on CSAC policies?
The CSAC school presidents, athletic directors and conference commissioners are working together to make a decision that is in the best interest of the league's student-athletes. The working group is consulting NCAA, state, local and campus rules and will continue to evaluate the progress of the virus throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Information is being discussed on the Winter sports in regards to beginning practices/competitions in the Fall.
 
Will there be competition this year against other institutions?
The CSAC has suspended all fall sport competitions scheduled for the Fall 2020 semester. The conversation is on-going about the possibility of scheduling dates of competition for our fall sports during the Spring 2021 semester. More information on this decision is coming later this fall.
 
What will Fall 2020 practices and workouts look like for fall student-athletes? And when will those start?
At this time, the NCAA has strict guidelines that programs need to follow to progress with team activities.  As a conference, we are gathering the information and assessing if it would be possible to continue with Fall activity.  A decision will follow in the coming weeks.  
 
What types of health screenings will be implemented?
Yes, there are things that all students will need to do to be on Centenary's campus. Student-athletes will also have temperature screenings prior to sports participation.  Healthy reporting will happen at random and screenings will occur daily.
 
Will I be able to use workout facilities on campus on my own?
The fitness center will be open for a limited number of people and a reservation will be required. You can reserve your space within a restricted time frame. Reservations directions will follow shortly.  The gym standards are still being finalized.
 
Will participating in fall workouts affect my eligibility status? Will I use one of my four seasons of participation?
Fall workouts will not affect your eligibility.   
 
Will the NCAA and the CSAC move the fall sports' championships to the spring semester?
A decision has not been made on Fall sports playing in the Spring but it is an active conversation.  A lot of moving parts will need to be secured but it is a conversation.
 
Do I still have to complete a physical before I am allowed to participate?
Yes. Student-athletes can access the necessary paperwork by clicking here. Questions can be directed to Head Athletic Trainer Jessica Jackson (Jessica.jackson05@centenaryuniversity.edu).
 
What types of health screenings will be implemented?
Initial return to campus questionnaire followed by daily report of symptoms and temperature screenings. All students will download a healthy screening app issued by the institution for daily check-ins.
 
What type of access will I have to athletic training services?
Athletic training room will be open in a limited capacity. Appointments must be made for rehab. Treatment before practice is limited to two athletes at a time. Ice bags to go will be available.
 
Will the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center be open?
Yes. For more information about the services offered by the health center – please visit: https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/student-life/campus-services/health-wellness/
 
What will happen if I test positive for COVID-19? What if someone I have been in close contact with tests positive?
The Athletic Department will follow the University policy.
 
Will I be covered by athletic insurance in the event that I get injured during team activities? Is Covid illness covered by athletic insurance?
Yes, the insurance covers injuries suffered in practice or games. No, Covid 19 is an illness, not an injury. The athletic secondary insurance policy does not cover the illness either.  
 
Would a decision to not enroll or enroll part time impact my future eligibility?
According to the NCAA, you have 10 semesters to complete 4 years of eligibility.  If you choose not to enroll this season, you will need to enrolled in accordance to the NCAA to be able to play next year.
 
Can I participate in Athletics activities if I am not enrolled at Centenary or enrolled part time?
No, you must be enrolled as a full-time student, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree and be considered in good standing.
 
Will participating in fall workouts, or fall sport competitions that are held in the spring, affect my eligibility status? Will I use one of my four seasons of participation?
I am being told NO, it will not affect your eligibility.  If you choose to not participate because of matters due to COVID, you will be eligible to submit a blanket waiver for an additional year of play.  If you are a Fall student-athlete who participates in Spring competitions, the NCAA stated that you would be able to get your eligibility back for an additional year.
 
If I am enrolled full time, will the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters count against my 10 full-time semesters allowed by the NCAA?
Yes, if you are enrolled as full-time student, it will count against the 10-semester rule.  A blanket waiver it available to submit to the NCAA and they will determine any exemptions.
Important Links

• NCAA COVID Updates: http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/coronavirus-covid-19

 
All of this information is subject to change at any time.  All of these rulings are determined by NCAA regulations.  Please contact Travis Spencer at travis.spencer@centenaryuniversity.edu with any further questions.