The discontinuation of many fall sports activities put club sports in a unique position. Due to club sports’ varied operation and being more individual and student-run, the fall’s plan for sports does not necessarily include all club sports.
“Each club is unique,” Associate Director of Competitive and Recreational Sports Butch Fealy said. “From bass fishing to volleyball to rugby.”
In order to continue in the fall, teams will have to propose their own return to play plans. These plans detail how clubs will carry out activities while complying with University of Idaho policies.
Considerations for clubs include the sharing and sanitation of equipment, wearing face masks and the maximization of space.
“A lot of our sport clubs have governance from regional and national governing bodies for return to play aspects,” Fealy said. “Depending on the leadership of each club, it’ll be up to them what they want the semester to look like and really having just a plan for practices.”
With the registration process outlines, return to play plans will be reviewed and vetted to see if anything needs immediate attention.
As for travel, the rules are still uncertain as related policies are still being worked on. Without students on campus to vet questions and make decisions, the process is still early, according to Fealy. Some clubs practice off-campus and are still considering the risk of local practice travel.
“In this ever-changing time, we are recommending no travel right now,” Fealy said. “(But) some clubs’ practice places are in the community.”
Fealy said he hopes to be able to work alongside students to create the experience they are all hoping for.
“My goal is that the student experience is still able to happen,” Fealy said. “It is going to look very different, but we’re hoping to set guidelines and protocols by following the measures that the university is asking for, to ensure it is safe for the students and the community.”
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq