Statement from the NAIA Regarding Coronavirus

The NAIA National Office staff, in concert with our championship hosts, continues to monitor all available guidance from local, state and federal health agencies related to COVID-19.  At present we do not believe cancellation or public spacing is warranted for our upcoming championships. 

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. 

Moving forward, each host 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 healthcare presence for the general public in the event of an emergency

Additional resources and education specific to the student-athletes and healthcare teams at each of our sites include:

• Increased availability of hand sanitizer
• Mandated towel service to decrease the person to person contact exposure between student-athletes (handling of bench towels)
• Increased sanitation practices in each championship athletic training area as well as bench areas
• Educational tools/resources onsite at each championship athletic training/locker room/student-athlete area

Additionally, the NAIA has provided direction to membership including:

• 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 may be in effect for your region
• No pre-game hand shake with the opponents or officials – use a fist bump or elbow bump instead