New Protocols for Home Sporting Events

In light of the risks related to COVID-19, new protocols have been put in place for attending home athletic events at Bluefield College.

Many athletes thought their seasons would be canceled or would be played without fans, but thanks to the efforts of the college’s Athletic Department, BC sports will be able to have fans this year, but with some restrictions.

According to Erika Bell, BC’s head athletic trainer, there are different protocols for each sport competing this year since each sport is played in a different setting.

“(East River Soccer) Complex (where BC’s men’s and women’s soccer teams play home matches) is used by many other entities and not easily controlled by Bluefield College,” Bell said. “The bleacher area is closed at home soccer events, and we ask that fans bring their own chairs or park at the top to watch the game.”

Additionally, Bell said only one person at a time will be allowed to use the restrooms at East River. Football fans at Mitchell Stadium, she added, will also be required to social distance. The bleachers at Mitchell will be available for fans, but only at a 50 percent capacity.

For women’s volleyball, basketball, and wrestling in the Dome Gymnasium, Athletic Director Tonia Walker said the lower level of the Dome will be off limits, and seating will only be permitted in the upper level. Also, capacity for the upper level is limited to 50 percent or 150 fans total.

 “All game spectators must complete a COVID-19 signs and symptoms questionnaire and have a temperature check,” Walker said. “Anyone who has a temperature over 100.4 Fahrenheit or is symptomatic will be confirmed by a member of the athletic training staff. Those who fail the recheck will not be permitted access to the game.”

Doors and gates will open one hour before games, and masks will be required for all spectators, as well as social distancing to limit face-to-face contact with others. All fall, winter and spring sports will have to follow these requirements. Exact guidelines have not been set just yet for spring baseball or softball, and no protocols have been established for non-spectator sports such as golf and cross country.

Bell mentioned that the college has also implemented additional cleaning procedures at all facilities to try to mitigate risks for fans. She also noted the importance of spectators abiding by the rules.

“If one person doesn’t follow the guidelines, it puts everyone else at risk,” Bell said. “We want everyone to enjoy being able to come to the game, but we need it to be a safe environment.”

Walker agreed, adding her encouragement for fans to follow the protocols.

“We are doing all we can to mitigate the risk for spreading the virus on our campus and transferring it to others in the community,” she said.

For more information on guidelines for sporting events, see page 21 of the COVID-19 Protocols on the Bluefield College website.