Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

The health and safety of student-athletes remains the top priority and number one concern for Bethune-Cookman University Athletics. On this page, student-athletes and parents will find some important information concerning the return to sports and other Covid-19 related issues.

The NCAA Division I Presidents Council has approved protections for student-athletes whose seasons are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new measures include a prohibition on institutions reducing or canceling athletics aid for any student-athlete who, chooses not to participate during the 2020-21 academic year.

B-CU student-athletes who select to opt out of all countable athletic related activities (workouts, practices, competitions, team meetings & etc...) should download the attached form HERE, fill out and return to Ms. Stephanie Thompson, Director of Compliance and Academic Initiatives at thompsons@cookman.edu

In addition to the athletics aid protection for student-athletes who opt out of countable athletically related activities, the DI council extended the application of the previously approved extension of eligibility waiver (two semesters/three quarters) to student-athletes who opt out of countable athletically related activities for the 2020-21 academic year. Student-athletes remain eligible for the extension regardless of when they choose to opt out.

Student-athletes who opt out prior to competition this academic year will retain the use of that season.
 
Student-athletes who opt out after participating in competition will still be eligible for the season-of-competition wavier if the following three criteria are met:

• The student-athlete's team participated in no more than 50% of the sport's maximum contests/dates of competition for the 2020-21 academic year due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
• The student-athlete used a season of competition during the 2020-21 academic year.
• The student-athlete was eligible for competition while competing during the 2020-21 academic year.

Student-athletes with specific questions concerning their eligibility should contact Ms. Stephanie Thompson or Mr. Reginald L. Thomas.
 
If you are aware of concerns regarding implementation of the NCAA's Return to Sport guidelines, please call toll free 833-661-CV19 (2819) or email covidconcerns@ncaa.org with the name of the NCAA member institution, sport and brief summary of the concern.