SEC Announces Masks Required on Sideline in COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The SEC introduced its COVID-19 protocols for the 2020 season Friday, which include players and coaches being required to wear masks on the sidelines.

Non-competing athletes and coaches must wear masks at all times and practice social distancing when possible. Athletes who are competing must wear masks or neck gaiters on the sidelines and during timeouts when conferring with coaches.

Coaches and players will be tested at least twice weekly, once six days before a scheduled game and another time three days before the game. Medical staff and officials must be tested at least once per week.

A combination of masks and social distancing is advised to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A distance of at least six feet between people is the guidance for effective social distancing. 

The SEC will play a 10-game in-conference schedule this season, eliminating non-conference games in hopes of limiting player exposure to COVID-19.

Players will still travel via plane and stay in hotels like they would in a normal season, though. All 14 SEC schools will also resume in-person classes in the fall, possibly providing more likelihood of players coming into contact with the rest of the student body, though online classes are available at many schools.