The St. Francis College Brooklyn Athletics Department has created the Back to Brooklyn webpage for you and your families as a way to respond to the many questions that we know are out there. We will update this page as necessary. If you have specific questions that are not answered here, feel free to reach out to your coach or anyone from the Athletics staff. If you have any questions regarding Student Housing please contact SFC's Director of Student Engagement & Residence Life Anilsa Nunez (
anunez5@sfc.edu).
Q1: What NCAA/NEC Championship season does my team compete in?
A: See the list below which indicates what Championship season each sport competes in:
- Fall: Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Volleyball, Men's Water Polo (TBA)^
- Winter: Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Swimming & Diving, Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Bowling, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Women's Indoor Track & Field
- Spring: Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Women's Water Polo, Men's Volleyball, Men's Outdoor Track & Field, Women's Outdoor Track & Field
^The CWPA has already announced the decision to not offer Fall 2020 competition in both the MAWPC and the NWPC.
Q2: When will athletic activity be permissible within my sport?
A: Approximate timetable for athletic activity:
- Fall Sports (Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Volleyball): September-November
- Basketball: TBA
- Other Winter Sports: TBA
- Spring Sports: TBA
*Please note that all timetables are subject to change. The NEC Council of Presidents agreed to reconvene again by October 1 to evaluate the public health crisis and competitive options moving forward.
Q3: Will practices still happen throughout the Fall even if there are no games?
A: According to the NCAA, practice is permitted provided that all institutional, local, and state guidelines are followed.
Q4: Do I need to alert the Athletics Department as to when I will be arriving in Brooklyn?
A: Yes, let your coach know when you are scheduled to arrive in Brooklyn so that they can share that information with the Athletics Department and the College. Additionally, all international student-athletes must notify Manager of SFC International
Bora Dimitrov (
bdimitrov@sfc.edu) and Director of Recruitment Rob Oliva (
roliva@sfc.edu) when they intend to arrive the USA.
If you are intending on living in the Residence Halls you should email Director of Residence Life Anilsa Nunez (
anunez5@sfc.edu) as to when you are expected to arrive. You will need to be approved to enter the Residence Halls before you can move in.
Q5: When should I get tested?
A: Testing should be done upon entrance to NYS prior to beginning the 14-day quarantine.
Q6: Do I have to test prior to traveling to NY?
A: You will test once you are in NY.
Q7: If I test negative prior to travel, do I still have to test in NY?
A: Yes, see below for local testing locations in Brooklyn. The Athletics Department in conjunction with St. Francis College is working to find one location for testing.
Local Urgent Cares:
CityMD Urgent Care – Brooklyn Heights
135 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (646) 346-7918
CityMD Urgent Care – Cobble Hill
228-230 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (718) 280-5362
CityMD Urgent Care – Boerum Hill
457 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 | (718) 530-1144
PM Pediatrics Urgent Care – Cobble Hill
240 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (718) 246-5437
Q8: If I test negative prior to travel, do I still have to quarantine in NY?
A: Yes, especially if you are coming from outside of the USA and states on the NYS quarantine list. As per NYS Executive Order by Governor Andrew Cuomo, travelers from states included on the restricted states list will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering New York.
See link for more information:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
Q9: If I test negative when I arrive in NY, do I still have to quarantine?
A: Yes, symptoms of COVID-19 can appear as late as 14 days after exposure. Therefore, a negative test cannot guarantee that you will not become sick. The full 14 days of quarantine are required.
See the FAQs regarding quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in NYS following out of state travel:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/nys-covid-travel-advisory-faq_0.pdf
Q10: What does the COVID testing regimen look like?
A: We will utilize the NCAA barometer for identifying the sports by risk level, Low to High. Using this process, we will use a blend of Deep Nasal Swab Tests and Rapid Testing sampling within our pod system. These two tests will be administered over the course of the semester. This feature will help us monitor our student-athletes using the NCAA mandated testing system. With the rapidly evolving testing mechanism, these tests are subject to change and we will update our SFC policy when applicable. We will be updating testing strategies constantly. We are always looking for the best solution for our student-athletes and athletics staff.
Testing will be done through an urgent care/medical associates that SFC will require using our NCAA system testing using New York State suggested providers. These providers are offering on-site (SFC Campus) testing services. These tests will be conducted initially (SFC student-athletes pre-participation requirements) bi-weekly and weekly depending on the sports risk standard as defined by the NCAA. The standards are subject to change.
Any symptomatic student-athletes will be directed to a local health care provider/NYU Cobble Hill Urgent Care where they will be evaluated and tested by the guidance of medical professionals. ATC and Athletic Administration will be monitoring the student-athlete and be on call for those symptomatic individuals.
- Low Risk: Women's Bowling, Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
- Medium Risk: Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Men's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
- High Risk: Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Volleyball, Women's Volleyball, Men's Water Polo, Women's Water Polo, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer
Q11: What is the plan for when a student-athlete tests positive for COVID?
A: Student-athletes will have to quarantine for 14 days, as per the CDC's guidelines on COVID positive cases.
Q12: If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID will all their roommates get tested?
A: No, but they will need to quarantine.
Q13: Will student-athletes be paying out of pocket for the test?
A: Currently, testing costs in New York State are being waived through one's medical insurance. However, rapid tests have a premium and SFC will cover those costs when performed on campus along with any other type of COVID-19 campus test required by athletics on-site. We anticipate all of our student-athlete pod tests being performed on-site using our medical urgent care provider who will administer the test.
Q14: For conference games, will there be a system in place to do pre-game testing for both teams?
A: Yes, NCAA suggestion is to have testing and results done 72 hours prior to competition.
Q15: What is your plan with Contact Tracing?
A: The Athletic Training staff is trained in Contact Tracing, per NYC Dept of Health guidelines SFC will contact them and they will perform the contact tracing.
Q16: Do the student-athletes have to fill out a daily symptom form?
A: As per NCAA and NEC requirement this will be done. Every student-athlete will fill out a daily symptom check form every day, even on off days, that will also ask about their recent contacts in the last 24 hours. This will be done on the SportsWare app.
See sample COVID-19 Screening Form:
https://sfcathletics.com/documents/2020/7/27/ATC_Form_COVID_19_Screening.pdf
Q17: If I test positive for antibody, do I still have to quarantine?
A: Yes, if you are coming from outside of USA and states on the NYS quarantine list. If you have traveled from within one of the designated states with significant community spread, you must quarantine when you enter New York for 14 days from the last travel within such designated state, provided on the date you enter into New York State that such state met the criteria for requiring such quarantine.
See link for more information:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
Q18: If I arrive early or late, how does the quarantine affect roommate/housemate?
A: It will affect everyone that you will be living with. (See questions, answers, and requirements detailed below in Questions 19 and 20).
Q19: Quarantine schedule will apply individually or as a house?
A: 14-day quarantine for International and Domestic student-athletes coming from "hot spots" will be applied for EVERYONE that you live with. The quarantine is 14 days from the last person to arrive.
Q20: How to separate within the space?
A: The requirements to safely quarantine include:
- The individual must not be in public or otherwise leave the quarters that they have identified as suitable.
- The individual must be situated in separate quarters with a separate bathroom facility for each individual or family group. Access to a sink with soap, water, and paper towels is necessary.
- Cleaning supplies (e.g. household cleaning wipes, bleach) must be provided in any shared bathroom.
- The individual must have a way to self-quarantine from household members as soon as fever or other symptoms develop, in a separate room(s) with a separate door. Given that an exposed person might become ill while sleeping, the exposed person must sleep in a separate bedroom from household members.
- Food must be delivered to the person's quarters.
- Quarters must have a supply of face masks for individuals to put on if they become symptomatic.
- Garbage must be bagged and left outside for routine pick up. Special handling is not required.
- A system for temperature and symptom monitoring must be implemented to provide assessment in-place for the quarantined persons in their separate quarters.
- Nearby medical facilities must be notified, if the individual begins to experience more than mild symptoms and may require medical assistance.
- The quarters must be secure against unauthorized access.
- See the FAQs regarding quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in NYS following out of state travel: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/nys-covid-travel-advisory-faq_0.pdf
Q21: During the quarantine, can I go out for shopping?
A: No. Below are some suggestions for delivery.
Q22: What are the quarantine requirements for international/domestic (certain states) travel?
A: 14-day quarantine is required per NYS Dept of Health, people can become symptomatic anywhere from 3-14 days after exposure, and may not test positive initially. Hence coming to NY and taking a COVID test will not exempt you from the quarantine.
See link for more information:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Q23: If I drive rather than fly do I still need to quarantine?
A: It depends where you are traveling from.
See link for more information:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
Q24: With the pod safety system of the eight student-athlete cohort should one test positive then will all need to quarantine for 14 days? Will the cohort of eight be responsible for ensuring all eight student-athletes practice safe living?
A: Yes, the pod would help ensure that each student-athlete is practicing the required quarantine. We will monitor accordingly and expect you to follow the SFC acknowledgment form.
Q25: If I cannot get into the US on time, then what happens?
A: You will remain a member of the team and stay home and can continue your studies online.
Q26: What do I do if my country is not flying into US?
A: Stay home until you are able to get back into the states.
Q27: During the quarantine can I still get training?
A: Per NCAA regulations virtual workouts; individuals may not be in public or otherwise leave "the quarters that they have identified as suitable."
Q28: Do we have to get insurance prior to arrival?
A: Yes.
Q29: If I don't have insurance yet, do I have to pay for testing?
A: You can go to a free clinic. Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
See link for more information:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing
Local Urgent Cares:
CityMD Urgent Care – Brooklyn Heights
135 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (646) 346-7918
CityMD Urgent Care – Cobble Hill
228-230 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (718) 280-5362
CityMD Urgent Care – Boerum Hill
457 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 | (718) 530-1144
PM Pediatrics Urgent Care – Cobble Hill
240 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | (718) 246-5437
Q30: For the mandated insurance will there be an e-mail sent out giving student-athletes the options and directions so that they can cancel insurance through home? Will there be vision or dental or just medical?
A: Yes, emails have been sent directly to the student-athletes' SFC email. Refer to the emails that were sent out to the student-athletes.
See link for more information:
https://sfcathletics.com/documents/2020/7/27/Update_Insurance_form.pdf
Q31: How soon can international student-athletes sign up for insurance?
A: Most plans allow for student-athletes to sign up 30 days prior to the start of school.
See link for more information:
https://sfcathletics.com/documents/2020/7/27/Update_Insurance_form.pdf
Q32: Do any of the insurance plans cover COVID-19?
A: Yes, all the insurance plans that the Sports Medicine Department has suggested cover COVID-19 related illnesses.
Q33: What is the breakdown for medical coverage, is it monthly or annually?
A: For international insurance plans, they are typically month-to-month policies. For domestic insurance plans, they are typically annual policies.
Q34: What is the locker room usage in preseason?
A: No locker room usage as of now.
Q35: Masks: will players/coaches/staff/referees wear them during practices and games?
A: Every student-athlete, coach, staff member on the sideline of competitions will be wearing masks. The conference is working with the officials to have a unified code as well. For practice when social distancing is not capable and they are not in the play of the game our student-athletes will have face coverings on. Coaches will wear masks/face coverings during practice. Each student-athlete will be given two face coverings to wear for the year.
Q36: What is being done to limit the potential spread during practice and games?
A: We will be following the NCAA and NEC requirements. Coaches have been instructed to limit the close exposure during practices. Teams will be encouraged to practice social distancing requirements even when not at a game or practice (e.g. avoid or significantly limit celebrations) in order to help prevent the spread of COVID. Gameday activities will have modifications and expect to follow these new safety measures.
Q37: Who is in charge of oversight when positive cases begin to increase?
A: All of the College's decisions are informed by guidance from federal, state, and local public health and government agencies. The College will continue to work with these agencies, among others, in the event of an increase in cases. Upon notice of a positive COVID-19 case on campus, the College is required to inform local and state public health authorities and work with those agencies to minimize spread.
Q38: Who makes the decision of when to stop athletics?
A: SFC President and Board of Trustees.
Q39: Will student-athletes be given the option to abstain from the season while retaining their scholarship and eligibility?
A: Yes, if you do not compete you do not use a season of competition. However, the five-year clock for eligibility does not stop. We will be following the NCAA guidelines.
Q40: Do the rules regarding outside competition apply if our season is cancelled or a student-athlete elects to not return to school due to COVID-19?
A: The NCAA has issued a blanket waiver, permitting student-athletes in sports other than men's and women's basketball (and football, which St. Francis does not sponsor), who are not competing during a particular term, to compete as a member of an outside
amateur team during that term.
Keep in mind that the team cannot include any participants who are paid or otherwise compensated based on performance. This is an exception to the standard outside competition regulations, and will be in effect through at least the fall, 2020 semester, possibly beyond that time. The standard summer rules, regarding limits on the number of student-athletes from St. Francis College participating on a team, as well as the involvement of St. Francis College coaches on such teams, will apply. This rule is to be utilized only by student-athletes who are in their home cities. Student-athletes who are on campus and participating in athletic activities with their St. Francis College teams are not to compete or practice with outside teams, since such activities would intrinsically involve the student-athlete coming into contact with participants outside of our established team pods, thereby placing themselves and others at a health risk.
Q41: If the Fall season is cancelled, what will eligibility look like?
A: Similar to the actions taken for spring sport student-athletes during the spring, 2020 semester, the NCAA is permitting fall sport student-athletes to receive a season of competition waiver, as well as a five-year clock extension, for the 2020-2021 academic year, provided that the student-athlete is eligible for competition during the fall, 2020 semester. So, you will not be charged with using a season of eligibility by competing this year, as long as you are eligible to compete this fall. This will be the case, regardless of whether the sport's competitive championship season is transferred to the spring. Note that, at this time, the NCAA's action applies to traditional fall championship season sports only (not winter or spring sports).
Q42: Do you suggest that Spring sport student-athletes stay home until next semester?
A: Rely on the advice from SFC's academic authorities.
Q43: Do I need a new I-20 or can I use the same one as last year?
A: Please contact Elizabeth Baldwin (
ebaldwin@sfc.edu) from SFC's office for International Affairs.
