Big Ten updates COVID-19 forfeiture policy

The new policy states if a team is unable to compete in a game due to COVID-19, the game will no longer be automatically considered a forfeiture.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Big Ten Conference has decided to update its COVID-19 forfeiture policy for the remaining 2021-22 conference contests across all sports.

The new policy states if a team is unable to compete in a game due to COVID-19, the game will no longer be automatically considered a forfeiture.

Instead, the Conference office will review the situation and decide whether the game will be rescheduled or declared a no contest or forfeiture.

The conference office plans to reschedule any conference games postponed due to COVID-19. The decision-making process includes the availability of at least seven scholarship student-athletes and one countable coach.

Even if a team is below the needed number, the Conference office will not automatically postpone the game.

A team that may be above the needed number may still determine that it is unsafe to compete. The institution would need to demonstrate to the conference office the circumstances that led the team to believe the competition would be unsafe.

A team that cannot demonstrate why it is unsafe to play, will be assessed a forfeiture.

“The well-being of our student-athletes and our entire athletic communities is our top priority and we are updating our forfeiture policy to support their health and safety as well as the integrity of conference competition,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren.