KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) said it will play tournament games despite the coronavirus.
Last week, the NAIA issued information to its championship hosts regarding the best practices and well-being of its student athletes.
The NAIA Basketball National Championships tip-off this week in both Sioux Falls, S.D. and Sioux City, Iowa.
Games begin Wednesday, March 18, in Kansas City, Missouri, at Municipal Auditorium.
“The one thing we want to stress to our community and to fans of these teams is that if you feel sick, please stay home,” said Corey Westra, co-tournament director of the Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship. “We want to provide a safe environment for all, and general health of our fans and workers can be a large factor in our efforts.”
We recognize, however, the fluidity of COVID-19 and will adjust as we deem necessary to protect our student-athletes and the public. In the meantime, we are working with our hosts to practice appropriate monitoring and risk mitigation at all events.
Each host city has agreed to the following:
- Increase venue sanitation.
- Public Address announcements reminding all in attendance of the importance of:
- Frequent hand washing
- Cough/sneeze etiquette
- Increase health care presence for the general public in the event of an emergency.
- If you have a student-athlete that is ill, they are to remain at home.
- Notify the NAIA of any travel restrictions or limitations that might be in effect for your region.
- No pre-game hand shake with the opponents or officials – use a fist bump or elbow bump instead.
