STILLWATER – Oklahoma State updated their policy on attendance at athletic events nearly a week and a half ago when they went to full capacity and that included the final game Bedlam softball series, last weekend’s conference baseball series with Baylor, and the series with New Orleans in baseball that starts with President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch on Thursday night. Now, the NCAA is following suit, sort of. The NCAA announced that for their remaining championship events this school year that they will conform to local rules and accepted behavior.
Based on recommendations from the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group, the NCAA on Wednesday, May 19 announced new health and safety guidance for upcoming championships. Beginning May 20, local public health authorities will determine fan capacities at championship events. The NCAA will not set a predetermined limit.
Masks and physical distancing will also not be required unless mandated by public health authorities. Each person attending an NCAA championship should make an informed decision about wearing a mask and physical distancing in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Dr. Brian Hainline, NCAA chief medical officer.
The guidance is subject to change based on emerging trends and science around COVID-19.
“The effectiveness and prevalence of vaccinations in our country have allowed the Medical Advisory Group to provide this guidance that has tremendous impact on student-athletes, coaches and fans attending NCAA championships,” Hainline said. “It’s still important for anyone attending championships to remember common sense measures like hand washing, hand sanitization and proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing.”
Pokes Report contacted the OSU athletic department and a representative said while there are less than 48 hours until the start of the Stillwater Regional at Cowgirls Stadium that they had discussed it and prepared for it and will be able to implement the new protocols be 1 p.m. when No. 5-seed Oklahoma State plays Campbell in the opener. In other words, they will make all seats available in the stadium. The plan was to immediately start contacting season ticket holders that missed out initially.
Related: Cowgirls Prepare for Path They Earned in NCAA Softball
