The Corona Virus outbreak and college lockdowns has resulted in an abrupt end to the college sports careers of so many students. Imagine the heartbreak these students-athlete would have faced by not being able to play their last season and being denied the opportunity to make or break records. The senior year is the meat of the season for student-athletes and losing out on playing is a regrettable waste to all the practice and planning that would have gone into preparing for their last and final season. Graduating student-athletes prepare hard for a shot at the conference and NCAA championships. They look forward to other events such as “senior day” and college commencement that commemorates their contribution to college sports and offer the recognition they very well deserve. All such events are unfortunately turned to dust in the wake of the Corona Virus outbreak.
The NCAA had suggested that it is considering the spring sports athletes would get an additional year of eligibility. After cancelling all remaining winter and spring championships, the NCAA Board of Director/Governors had directed all three divisions to enact modifications, changes or waivers to legislation and rules, wherever appropriate, to provide relief due to regulations and policies impacted by the outbreak. In case athletes are given an extra year of eligibility, it has a multi-fold impact on college sports and recruitment in the following years. Some student-athletes may opt to enrol in the graduate school of their respective college and continue to play college sports. Others may not be able to afford the cost as most athletes are not covered by full scholarships.
The impact on foreign student-athletes may also be equally adverse. Though the NLI signing date for Fall 2020 recruitment has been extended till April 15th, and may get further postponed, many student-athletes may simply not be able to attend college this Fall. With USCIS not being able to offer any foresight on the resumption of services, Visa application timelines for foreign students are completely unpredictable. Imagine the cascading effect this will have on coaches’ recruitment offers and roster plans. For future athletes, the cancellation or postponement of summer ID camps and showcase events is another matter of concern and casts yet another shadow of uncertainty in the entire process. The only silver lining amongst all this ambiguity is the NCAA’s empathy and concern towards the student-athletes plight and their constant and proactive actions to mitigate these adverse effects.
