LEXINGTON, Ky. — After the NCAA and Southeastern Conference voted in favor of a return to activity, UK Athletics announced its plans for the phased return of student athletes beginning June 8.

 

What You Need To Know


  • University of Kentucky announces plans to return student athletes

  • Student athletes to begin return June 8

  • UK adopts various health and safety measures

 

“We will not compromise the safety and well-being of our student athletes in this process, taking all possible precautions,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. “Once we take this important step in returning to activity, we will shift our focus to preparing to return to play and bringing the entire UK family – student athletes, coaches and fans alike – back together this fall in a responsible and safe way.”

UK Athletics will follow the recommendations outlined by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force and the guidelines instituted by the university. Leading up to the return of student athletes, UK Athletics will prepare facilities for use and ensure proper protocols are in place.

The only staff that will be present at voluntary workouts will be Athlete Development & Performance staff essential for the safety of student athletes, including strength and conditioning staff, athletic trainers and nutrition staff. All other staff, including coaches, will continue to work remotely as they have since UK altered its operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As student athletes return to activity, the following protocols will be in place:

  • An initial screening process for each student athlete before beginning voluntary activities, including antibody testing
  • Daily student athlete and staff screening before entering a facility, including temperature checks and completion of a COVID-19 symptom questionnaire
  • Acknowledgement of vulnerable populations for both student athletes and staff and following recommended accommodations and restrictions
  • Proactive education on COVID-19 best practices
  • Establishment of single entry and exit procedures and securing other doors to minimize facility use
  • Providing personal protective equipment for student athletes and staff and setting rules for when masks must be worn

The phased return to activity will begin with the football team. Returning student athletes who remained in Lexington will be able to participate in voluntary workouts June 8 after the initial screening process. Returners who are coming back to Lexington from out of town will begin the screening process June 8, beginning voluntary workouts June 15. Newcomers will begin the screening process June 15 and begin voluntary workouts on June 22.

Return to activity plans for other teams will be announced as they are finalized. UK Athletics will also continue to actively monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and respond accordingly in collaboration with University of Kentucky leadership.