Athletic facilities fall reopening plan

The Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation continues to update and develop plans for activities that take place in Williamson Sports Center and all adjacent facilities.

To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, our facilities will be open only for Skidmore student use at this time. Only symptom-free students with ID and faculty and staff who work in Williamson Sports Center will be allowed access to the facility. No other faculty, staff, guests or retirees will be permitted to enter.

Williamson Sports Center will open on Aug. 24 for classes. All students, faculty and staff entering the facility will need to swipe in, and everyone using specific spaces within the building will need to sign in and out of each space. We expect all to comply with our effort to diligently assist with all necessary contact-tracing protocols.

Varsity athletics: Most of our fall student-athletes are planning to return to campus by Aug. 17, while winter and spring student-athletes will return on their assigned move-in date prior to Aug. 24. With the cancellation of all Liberty League and New England Hockey Conference athletic competition through Dec. 31, it is important to note that all of our teams will conduct practices throughout the semester. Practices will consist of small groups to start and will transition toward full-time practices, with the possibility — if deemed safe — for scrimmages as the semester goes on. Coaches and athletes will wear masks when appropriate.

Physical activity classes: Our for-credit physical activity classes will be taught in person unless there is a reason to move to remote learning. Students and instructors will wear a mask and practice social distancing while in class. Students taking the class will need to assist with cleaning all equipment used in class, and cleaning time will be factored into each session. Racquetball and weight training classes have been canceled for the semester.

Replacement activities for canceled physical activity classes: A full offering of non-credit fun activities will be scheduled in place of the canceled racquetball and weight training classes. These offerings will be conducted outside for as far into the fall semester as weather permits. These activities will be offered at the same time as the classes were scheduled and are meant to allow for students to sign up in advance on a weekly basis.

Intramurals and fitness classes: Both offerings will be suspended for the fall semester and we will evaluate whether we can re-introduce them for the spring semester.

Recreational activities: Individual recreational activities will be permitted. However, we will need to adhere to New York state guidelines and mandates regarding specific facilities (see below). All permitted users will need to bring their own equipment when appropriate, as no department equipment (racquets, balls, etc.) will be available for use.

Cardio and weight rooms: Per New York state guidelines, these spaces are not permitted to be open at this time. Once the state allows for gym spaces to reopen, our facilities will be open to students only. We are waiting for further guidance from the governor on when and how that will happen.

Pool: The pool will open Aug. 24 with the start of classes, and because pools have different guidelines, the facility will also be open for recreational swimming beginning Sept. 7. Modified open swim hours will start Monday, Sept. 7. These hours are 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tennis courts: Tennis courts will be open for student recreational use and varsity team tennis practice.

Track: The track will be open for individual recreational use when varsity team practice is not being conducted.

Locker rooms: General locker rooms will not be open for changing or showering. Lockers will not be available for storage.

Masks: Masks must be worn by all, inside and outside of the building.

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Williamson Sports Center will have modified hours for the fall semester so a thorough cleaning schedule can be maintained. Assuming success, it remains our hope that we will be able to expand these hours and users for the spring semester.

Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation staff will work both in person and remotely when appropriate. There will be no time during the fall semester when all staff are present. Typically, we will operate at approximately 50% capacity.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to keep everyone as safe as possible.