ACC votes to change COVID-19 policy before conference play

COVID-19 is running rampant through college basketball once again, causing game cancelations nearly every day.

In an effort to make sure conference games get played, the ACC has changed its policy surrounding the virus. According to Matt Norlander, the conference’s athletic directors voted to “rescind the league’s forfeit rule” and it will come into effect immediately.

On Tuesday, Boston College had to cancel their matchup against Wake Forest due to COVID-19 issues within the program. Since the new rule was not implemented, the Demon Deacons were awarded a win and moved to 2-0 in conference play. The ACC has not yet determined if the game will be rescheduled.

Additionally, in order for schools to play, the conference is implementing a “seven-and-one” rule. Meaning — each team must have at least seven players and one coach. If not, the game will be postponed and played at a later date.

Following the Christmas break, Wednesday, Dec. 28 is the first full slate of ACC matchups set to take place. A few programs within the conference are dealing with COVID-19 issues including Florida State and Louisville. Duke is scheduled to take on Virginia Tech on Wednesday night and for now, is scheduled to go on as planned.

ACC not only conference to change policy

According to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the Big 12 and Big West conference are reversing their forfeit policies due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“News: Two leagues reversed their forfeit policies on Tuesday,” tweeted Norlander. “Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby tells CBS Sports (as Ross Dellenger first reported) the Big 12 will no longer have forfeits. Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly also told CBS Sports his league’s ADs reversed the rule.”

Moreover, Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated first reported the rule change was taking place. He elaborated on what it meant for the conference.

“The Big 12 is finalizing plans to restore its policy deeming COVID-impacted league games “no-contests,” sources tell SINow,” tweeted Dellenger on Tuesday. “Would eliminate forfeits. If a team doesn’t have available 6 scholarship players & 1 coach, game would be no-contest or the teams will work to reschedule.”