Student Athletes Return Announced

The Michigan State Spartans will begin to return to campus for voluntary summer workouts starting June 15. MSU announced this decision was made following safety guidelines from the CDC, State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, on-campus medical professionals, and guidelines from the NCAA and Big Ten Conference.

Student-athletes from football, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball will be the first to arrive on campus and undergo testing. These student athletes will report to the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center for COVID-19 testing, and their reporting time will be staggered by sport. Following their testing they will be directed to self-isolate for a week in their on- or off-campus housing. Any positive results will mean that athlete will quarantine for ten days. On June 22, a second round of testing will be done which will then clear student-athletes to begin their voluntary summer workouts.

The workouts will be under the supervision of strength and conditioning and athletic training staff. Staff who will be present will also undergo testing. Student-athletes will be split into workout groups based on who they are living with to keep social distance practices during their workouts.

Other measures in place include limiting entry at the Smith/Skandalaris/Daugherty building to just one door which will include a check-in station that includes screening and a temperature check. The same will apply to the Breslin Center. Hallways throughout the buildings will have directional arrows to limit interaction of individuals. Common areas such as locker rooms, team lounges, and fueling stations will remain closed, but rehabilitation appointments will be available by appointment.

Per NCAA rules, voluntary, on-campus athletic related activities are allowed, and strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers may be present for them. Coaches may not be involved in any student-athlete workouts. Through June 30, virtual, non-physical activities such as team meetings or film review are permissible in all sports. These activitites are limited to eight hours per week, however.

Freshmen and incoming transfers for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball will be allowed to return to campus June 29. Hockey student-athletes will be allowed back for testing on July 6, with other sports return dates to be determined.

You can read the full press release here.