Emory Oxford Athletics Update on Spring Competition

Emory Oxford College Athletics has been cleared this spring to return to intercollegiate competition on a limited, phased approach. Each varsity sports program will monitor their progression as we move toward fall competition.    

Emory remains committed to having everyone safely back on campus this fall. To achieve this collective goal, the University will begin incorporating expanded levels of activity and programming in measured stages. 

While Emory remains in the 'orange' operating condition, current COVID-19 indicators have been assessed to support policy expansion within this operating status. Based on the Emory campus community continuing to comply with public health practices and testing protocols, the following outlines initial expanded gathering and activity levels this spring. 

Beginning March 10, the following changes will be implemented: 

• Emory Oxford Athletics will progress to their protocol for the next recovery phase and resume limited spring intercollegiate competition, beginning with practices and possible away games and matches.  A comprehensive safety plan, that includes enhanced testing, cleaning, and compliance protocols, was developed in collaboration between athletics and public health groups to help guide and direct a safe return to competition for athletics. 
• The indoor and outdoor gathering policy limit will be raised from 10 to 25.  The inclusion of a faculty/staff member present at the gathering or event is at the discretion of the event sponsor. Gatherings are still subject to our other safety protocols, including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and registering events and activities. 
• The visitor policy will be updated to allow for visitors to come to campus to perform in a small, organized social activity in an outdoor setting – i.e. an outdoor performance -- with size limits as outlined above.

In addition, beginning March 15: 

• Access to recreation facilities currently open on both campuses will be expanded to include all Emory students, both those living on and off-campus, who are subject to and in compliance with mandatory screening testing protocols.   
• As a reminder, off-campus students who access campus for any reason are required to onboard, test weekly, and complete a screening test within 7 days of visiting campus. Students living on campus need to continue testing twice weekly.  

All policy changes undergo a formal review process within the Emory COVID governance model and will continue to be evaluated regularly. As changes are made, each may be supported in new and enhanced ways with differing protocols – all with the purpose of supporting the safest and healthiest environment possible as the University moves forward towards our collective goal for a full return.