SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference has updated its COVID policies for the 2021-22 academic year, which were reviewed and approved by the league's directors of athletics.
 
The most notable change is to the cancellation policy, which now dictates that a league game missed due to COVID-related issues will be declared a forfeit loss for the team unable to compete, while its opponent, if it is able to compete, will receive a win. Makeup contests for games missed due to COVID will not be permissible.
 
The remainder of the SoCon's COVID policies mostly mirror those of the NCAA, with only minor departures. Whether to COVID test during non-competition weeks during a sport's competition season will be an institutional decision, while masking policies during non-athletic activities must adhere to institutional, local or state guidelines.
 
"With the full support of our conference leadership, it is believed that we are in a position this year to return to our traditional scheduling formats, which includes not rescheduling games," SoCon Commissioner Jim Schaus said. "We are hopeful that we will be able to have complete seasons and avoid any COVID-related cancellations. Health and safety will continue to be our foremost priority. We encourage all conference participants to receive medical advice regarding COVID vaccinations and adhering to sound health protocols."