Pac-12 sets date for return of voluntary in-person athletic activities

The Pac-12 is allowing member programs to begin in-person, voluntary athletic workouts on June 15, according to a conference press release Tuesday afternoon. Schools will still be required to follow state and local regulations regarding in-person gatherings.

Student-athletes at Pac-12 member universities, including Colorado, will be allowed to do strength and conditioning work at team facilities. Student-athletes can work in small groups in the weight room or using other team facilities but larger groups will still be required to work online.

There are also new policies in place outlining the specific procedures to be followed if a student-athlete comes into contact with somebody who is infected with COVID-19.

The conference’s decision comes a week after the NCAA announced its decision to end its moratorium on voluntary team activities on June 1.

Like the Pac-12, the Big 12 will allow voluntary team activities beginning June 15. The SEC, the only other Power 5 conference that has chosen a return date so far, will allow voluntary team activities on June 8.

The Pac-12’s COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee recommended allowing schools to decide whether to participate in voluntary team activities because — at least in some parts of Pac-12 territory — the city parks and gyms are re-opening. The committee decided that it was safer for student-athletes to train in their school’s regulated facilities than in less-regulated public spaces.

The University of Colorado announced earlier Tuesday that its campus would be open for on-site courses this fall, but it has not yet announced whether voluntary athletic activities would be allowed on June 15, the earliest possible date.

Governor Jared Polis stated earlier this month that Colorado was ready for professional sporting events to be played in the state as soon as the leagues were ready to compete. Polis’ statement did not mention a return of collegiate sports.