UCM Athletics and the MIAA’s other 13 universities will operate at full capacity in all venues to begin the 2021-22 school year.
The department’s action plan for fans was announced by the MIAA on Monday, Aug. 30. The conference selected to follow NCAA guidance which states, “COVID-19 prevention and management strategies should be developed at the school and community level, in each case with federal, state and local public health guidance.”
Though fans will be allowed, stances on restrictions vary from school to school. Applying to the University of Central Missouri’s policy, which requires face coverings in all buildings on campus, crowd members will be required to wear a face covering at the UCM Multipurpose Building and other indoor athletic facilities.
As things stand, there is no policy for outdoor venues, including Walton Stadium and the Jennies Soccer Field. Fans will be encouraged to socially distance at all times.
Outside of social distancing and the mask policy, gamedays will otherwise be normal. There will be no health screenings, seating restrictions, concession stand restrictions, or spirit group (band, cheer, dance) participation restrictions.
Action plans for each individual MIAA university can be found at themiaa.com/sports/2020/10/27/GEN_1027203848.aspx.
