Big Ten announces COVID-19 forfeit policy

In a statement released today, the Big Ten conference detailed they would enact a forfeiture policy in regards to COVID-19 for the 2021-22 season.

Just in, from the @bigten: pic.twitter.com/fRMSRyrXMN

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 23, 2021

The statement reads as follows:

“In collaboration and communication with the Big Ten Conference Athletic Directors, Chancellors and Presidents, the Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the Sports Medicine Committee – effective today – the conference has determined that if one of its member institutions is unable to play a conference contest due to COVID-19, that contest shall be declared a forfeit and will not be rescheduled.

“That contest shall be considered a loss for the team impacted by COVID-19 and a win for its opponents in the conference standings. If both of the two competing teams are unable to participate in a scheduled competition due to COVID-19 and as a result the competition is unable to occur on the calendar day on which it is scheduled, the competition shall be considered a “no contest.””

The Big Ten’s policy could have gigantic implications on the 2021 season, as a team’s season could end due to something off the field, rather than on it.

The Big Ten’s policy on COVID-19 in 2020

Furthermore, this is in stark contrast to last season’s decision. In 2020, the Big Ten set clear guidelines, similar to the rest of the nation, in regards to resuming college football. 

As positivity rates increased, programs reduced activity. If these rates increased to 5% positive testing and 7.5% total infections, they were to suspend all football activities.

If a school was in the red guidelines for COVID-19, they could not play other teams. This resulted in the game being ruled “No Contest”. 

This year, schools around the nation debated further punishments for programs that are ineligible for play. As seen above, the ultimate punishment of forfeitures has come to fruition. 

The biggest difference in regards to making this year’s policy as opposed to last year’s? Of course, the ready-available vaccine that wasn’t present in 2020.

Big Ten COVID-19 Policy: Why forfeitures? 

In 2021, the Big Ten begins in full with the ultimate goal of playing every game. Last season, they were okay with the games not happening last season due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. This year, new information and new goals are paramount.

If a school is standing in the way of the Big Ten’s goal, the severe penalty will be levied. Schedules are too full already to allow for postponing games. If a game cannot safely take place, no second chance will be available. 

This creates major problems for schools looking for national attention. Of course, they need every game to show they’re worth a playoff spot or bowl game.

Ultimately, the Big Ten promises to be ready by the time the season starts. However, a stricter policy means their members run gigantic risk if a COVID-19 outbreak takes place.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this article.