Frequently Asked Questions for Student-Athletes
Westfield State University - Department of Athletics – COVID FAQ
Do I have to have a COVID-19 test with a negative result to practice?
Yes. You must participate in the Westfield State University weekly testing program.
If I am a multi-sport athlete, can I play two sports at one time?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes may not practice with more than one team during a season. Given the nature of the practice and playing season during the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping health and safety in mind it is Westfield State's policy that a student-athletes will not practice or compete with more than one team at one time. At a point where a given season has ended for one sport, a student-athlete may begin practices for a 2nd sport. This practice will allow for less risk for team contamination and will also align with the department's goals of offering conditioning and sport like activities in a safe manner.
Is Alumni Field available for recreational use?
Yes, during posted hours: https://www.westfieldstateowls.com/information/facilities/outdoor-facilities
What are the hours for the Ely fitness center?
Monday-Thursday 7 AM - 8 PM
Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday-Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM
What is required to enter the Ely Fitness Center?
- Use of hand sanitation upon entrance.
- Valid student ID with membership
- Bring a Fitness Center Waiver Form at your first visit
- Face masks (covering the nose, mouth, chin) must be worn while exercising.
- Social distancing of 14-feet.
- Wiping equipment down after use.
How do you obtain a Fitness Center membership?
By contacting student accounts and paying the membership fee each semester as part of your student bill.
Do you need a reservation to work out in the Ely Fitness Center?
Yes, sixty minute and ninety minute time slots will be available on the online system.
Where is the online system?
Create an account on IMLeagues.com. Please note that IMLeagues also offers a completely free mobile app called "IMLeagues" available FREE in both app stores. More instructions can be found at: https://www.westfield.ma.edu/images/uploads/fitness-center/Facility_Reservation_Signup_Instructions.pdf
Access the Fitness Center Waiver Form on the Ely Fitness Center website. You will need to bring this form filled out upon your first visit.
Do you need to make a reservation for the pool or an aerobics class?
Yes, you can call the Fitness Center to make an appointment for lap swim or an aerobics class.
What are the hours for the Woodward Fitness room?
The fitness center is only open for varsity team use, which must be scheduled by a coach through Dan Letteriello. dletteriello@westfield.ma.edu 413.572.8252
Is Parenzo Gym open for Open Gym?
No, the Parenzo gymnasium is closed due to the preparations for the upcoming renovation.
Will there be Open Gym in Woodward?
At this time, open gym has not been scheduled in Woodward. Athletics is exploring the option of students making an appointment for basketball shooting; one person per basket.
Will Alumni Field be open for use?
Yes, Alumni Field (Turf) will be open for use. Limited number of Students will be allowed on the field. Everyone must wear a face covering (covering nose, mouth and chin). Hours are subject to Varsity Practices.
Will students be able to check out equipment?
If there is open gym, student-athletes will be required to check out equipment (basketballs, etc.) from the Woodward Equipment Room.
Do I have to wear my mask in the Woodward Center or on the fields?
Yes, everyone must wear face coverings (covering nose, mouth, chin) in the Woodward Centers and on the fields.
Are Club sports allowed to practice during the spring semester?
No, club sports will not be practicing during the spring semester.
Will varsity sports be competing this spring?
Winter teams will not compete this spring. The status of competitions for fall and spring sports will be announced by the MASCAC Council of Presidents.
Do I need to carry a full-time course load to practice?
Yes, student-athletes need to take a minimum of 12 credits.
What is the first practice date for each varsity sport (weather permitting)?
All are subject to change
Fall Sports – April 1
Winter Sports – March 9
Spring Sports – February 8
Can student-athletes use the athletic facilities before and after practice?
Yes, if available. All activity required social distancing and must be contactless.
What will practices look like?
Gradual return to activity; student-athletes and coaches will work in pods of 10 the first week of practice with no contact activity. If COVID positivity numbers remain low, some contact in pods for Week 2 may be allowed. Face coverings are required at all times.
Will student athletes be issued a loop?
Yes, each student-athlete will receive one loop during the first week of practice.
Will student athletes pay for the loop?
No, student-athletes will not be required to pay for the loop this year.
How will the loop system work?
The Equipment Room will let each student-athlete know the details for loop retrieval and drop-off. Initially loops will be distributed from the equipment room. Eventually student-athletes practicing outdoors will likely pick their loop up at the entrance of Alumni Field. Loops which need to be laundered will be dropped off in the hall bin or eventually, the outdoor bin.
What is a loop?
Designated athletic practice wear (shorts, shirt, mask) which is provided and laundered by the athletics department.
Will team equipment be cleaned?
Yes, team equipment will be cleaned after practice. Drop off locations will be determined with the coaches.
Will water be available for practices?
No. There will be no water coolers or portable hydration stations at practices due to limited sanitization. Student-athletes are to bring their own personal water bottle (preferably large stainless-steel bottle) filled prior to practices.
Will I be able to heat or use foam rollers before practice?
No. There will be no heat packs or foam rollers available before practice due to limited sanitization.
Can I get taped for practice?
Yes, if you have an injury and are doing rehabilitation with an athletic trainer. Student-athletes must wear a face covering when receiving or waiting for treatment. Outdoor teams will receive treatment in an outdoor Athletic Training area.
What do I do if I don't feel well?
If you do not feel well, please do NOT show up to practice. Notify your coach and athletic trainer. Call health services at (413) 572-5415 to arrange for an appointment.
Will I need to complete a COVID-19 symptoms check every day?
Student-athletes will need to complete a daily COVID-19 symptoms check on the ATS online portal each day they have practice. The form needs to be completed by 12:00pm Monday-Friday and 8:00am on Saturday.
How do I schedule rehab with my athletic trainer?
Rehabilitation will be by appointment with your athletic trainer. Students will go to the ATS portal and click on "request appointment".
Can I go to the Athletic Training Center to have an injury evaluated?
No. There will be no walk-in AT services. Student-athletes will receive detailed directions regarding appointment scheduling during their team medical checks.
Can I use the ice bath?
No. Cold whirlpools will not be available for practices due to limited sanitization.
Will there be hand sanitizer at practice?
Yes, hand sanitizer will be available at each practice.
Can I get ice after practice?
Yes. Ice bags will be premade and available to student-athletes. However, plastic wrap will not be used to limit close contact exposure.
Will the locker rooms be open prior to practice?
Yes. However it is preferred that student-athletes arrive dressed for practice. The locker rooms will be open for those teams practicing on a limited basis and the capacity will be 10.
Will the showers in the locker rooms be available?
No.
Will my team have a team room?
No. Team rooms will not be assigned this year and the small rooms will not be open.
Will student athletes be issued a locker?
No, due to sanitation requirements, student-athletes will not be issued a locker for the fall semester. Student-athletes will be asked to bring minimal items to practice. A location for backpacks or bags will be assigned at each practice site.
When is the deadline to be medically cleared?
Student-athletes must submit and complete the medical requirements in the ATS site by September 11th. Go to www.WestfieldStateOwls.com and click on Athletic Training.
Do I need a physical?
Yes, each student-athlete needs to submit an updated physical within 6 months prior to the first date of practice.
Will there be varsity team compliance meetings?
Yes. There will be mandatory zoom sessions for teams to review the NCAA, conference, and Westfield State compliance rules.
Will there be compliance paperwork?
Yes. Student-athletes are required to complete the Student-Athlete Information/Compliance Form found at https://www.westfieldstateowls.com/student-athletes/preseason-camp-registration/index.
Will I use a year of eligibility this year?
Fall and winter sport athletes will not be using a season of eligibility. If any student athletes want to participate in practices, they must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. At this point, we are planning full spring sport seasons and NCAA and institutional eligibility rules will apply. Other questions regarding academic eligibility, use of full time semesters and use of seasons can be addressed to coach Andrea Bertini at abertini@westfield.ma.edu
Will I need to complete NCAA paperwork?
Not for practices. The online NCAA documentation will be required prior to outside competition and will be sent to your University email address later in the semester.
Will first-year student-athletes be required to attend study hall?
Yes. In place of traditional study hall hours, first-year student-athletes will be attending weekly check-in "meetings" over the phone with our graduate assistants who will act as another resource for them and their academics.
Is the C.A.R.E. program active this semester?
Yes. The C.A.R.E. program is active for academic support for student-athletes. We will be holding Study Hall hours – information will be sent to student-athletes who qualify academically and confirmed by their Coach. Three hours/week is mandatory. Interested student-athletes contact Marlee Berg-Haryasz for more information and/or academic support.
mbergharyasz@westfield.ma.edu c#978 337 8133
Will official and unofficial team meetings be held virtually?
Yes, all meetings should be done virtually or outside, while social distancing.
Is athletics hiring student workers?
Yes on a limited basis.
What jobs are open in Athletics?
Contact Dan Letteriello in Athletics dletteriello@westfield.ma.edu to inquire about a job. Contact Myra Ahern mahern@westfield.ma.edu to inquire about a job in the Ely Fitness Center.
updated 1-28-2021