Fans matter in college football and like the players and coaches, they need to be protected as well.
According to an announcement from the front office of the Southeastern Conference, guidelines have been released to all 14 schools on establishing expectations to manage the public health and safety of fans during the Coronavirus pandemic.
With the SEC moving forward with football for now, Commissioner Greg Sankey and others want to take all precautions in making sure each stadium has the necessary items and follows protocol to keep fans safe. While attendance for each game will be determined by the state or local guidelines of each school, face coverings are to be worn at all times by fans, stadium workers and athletics staff. When it comes to concessions stands, gate ingress/egress, and guest shuttles, the use of masks and face shields must be used by workers, drivers and guests at all times.
Social distancing must be taken into account too.
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Even when teams are walking into stadium, masks and face shields must be worn by coaches, players, team staff, athletic department personnel and fans. Institutions will also recommend physical distancing be done at all times for team walks.
Team walks shall be prohibited if physical distancing cannot be implemented during its entirety.
It is a long list of requirements, but one that needs to be followed for those that want football.
The SEC strives to keep everyone safe in this unprecedented time.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
