ILLNESS and COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATES FOR ATHLETICS
Updated as of March 2024 - subject to change as CDC, State, University and NCAA guidelines change
General Illness and Covid-19 Reporting:
Student-athletes experiencing General Illness and/or Covid-19 symptoms and/or positive tests must report them immediately to the Sports Medicine staff by emailing j5obrien@bridgew.edu. As outlined in the EAP and staff manual, coaches are required to report student athlete injuries and illnesses to the sports medicine staff.
General Illness and Covid -19 information for student athletes:
Please stay home if you are sick and have a fever. Message us on healthy roster to let us know (regardless of type of illness). For Covid-19 infection, you must report if you are positive for Covid-19 IMMEDIATELY to j5obrien@bridgew.edu. If positive, you must have a negative antigen test with Sports medicine BEFORE returning to BSU athletic team activities including practices/contests, sports performance, meetings, locker room etc...
The Protocol to return after any illness, including Covid-19, is to remain home at least 24 hours after symptoms and/or fever are gone. For Covid-19 you must take additional precautions through 5 days. Additional precautions include proper hygiene, improved air quality, antigen testing and wearing a mask indoors/in vehicle. Antigen test at home after symptoms subside and when negative, message us on healthy roster to schedule an antigen test with sports medicine staff. Anyone with moderate or severe symptoms (ie shortness of breath, lingering/continued cough, prolonged fatigue and body aches, high fever that lasts for several days etc.) will need to be medically cleared by their physician prior to returning to athletic participation. The Covid-19 gradual return to sport protocol must be completed prior to full participation for those with moderate to severe symptoms.
Vaccination Status:
Please be prepared to show us documentation of vaccination status.
Mild Symptoms:
Can return to sport particpation 24 hours after symptoms subside as long as the student athlete is feeling well enough. Upon return the student athlete with mild symptoms will be required to notify sports medicine staff if any symptoms arise (ie shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pressure, lightheaded) with exertion or at rest.
Moderate to severe symptoms:
Referral to physician for clearance and full Covid return to sport protocol with minimum of 6 days after symptoms significantly improved or resolved.
Covid Return to Sport Protocol following moderate to severe symptoms:
If the student athlete has been able to be active during Covid illness they can be inserted into Day 2 once physician clearance is obtained.
Day 1: 15 min of light cardio (60- 70% HR max)
Day 2: 30 min of moderate cardio (70-80% HR max)
Day 3: 45-60 minutes of Cardio, resistance training, regular practice (up to 80% HR max)
Day 4: 60-120 minutes of Cardio, regular practice (up to 80% HR max)
Day 5: Full practice and/or contest
If no symptoms arise go to next day.
Our Mission:
The BSU Athletics and Recreation Department will follow the guidance of the CDC (Center for Disease Control), State of Massachusetts, NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), the MASCAC and Bridgewater State University and is subject to change as potential new variants arise, as well as new research and scientific developments progress. Masking, testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols will reflect the current recommendations.