Campus News

UK Athletics Details Return to Activity Plans

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 11, 2020) — After the NCAA and Southeastern Conference voted in favor of a return to activity, University of Kentucky Athletics announced its plans for the phased return of student-athletes, which began on June 8.

“We will not compromise the safety and well-being of our student-athletes in this process, taking all possible precautions,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. “Once we take this important step in returning to activity, we will shift our focus to preparing to return to play and bringing the entire UK family — student-athletes, coaches and fans alike — back together this fall in a responsible and safe way.”

UK Athletics will follow the recommendations outlined by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force and the guidelines instituted by the university. Leading up to the return of student-athletes, UK Athletics will prepare facilities for use and ensure proper protocols are in place.

The only staff that will be present at voluntary workouts will be Athlete Development & Performance staff essential for the safety of student-athletes, including strength and conditioning staff, athletic trainers and nutrition staff. All other staff, including coaches, will continue to work remotely as they have since the University of Kentucky altered its operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As student-athletes return to activity, the following protocols will be in place:

  • An initial screening process for each student-athlete prior to beginning voluntary activities that includes antibody testing
  • Daily student-athlete and staff screening prior to entering a facility, including temperature checks and completion of a COVID-19 symptom questionnaire
  • Acknowledgement of vulnerable populations for both student-athletes and staff and following recommended accommodations and restrictions
  • Proactive education on COVID-19 best practices
  • Establishment of single entry and exit procedures and securing other doors to minimize facility use
  • Providing personal protective equipment for student-athletes and staff and setting rules for when masks must be worn

The phased return to activity will begin with the football team. Returning student-athletes who remained in Lexington were able to participate in voluntary workouts June 8 after the initial screening process. Returners who are coming back to Lexington from out of town began the screening process June 8 with the goal of beginning voluntary workouts June 15. Newcomers will begin the screening process June 15 with the goal of beginning voluntary workouts June 22.

Return to activity plans for other teams will be announced as they are finalized. UK Athletics will also continue to actively monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and respond accordingly in collaboration with University of Kentucky leadership.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.