College football is nearing a potential return with fall camps expected to begin August 7.
Conferences voted Thursday on the NCAA College Football Oversight Committee recommendations for returning to the field, though the coronavirus-related protocol still varies by state and conference.
Results of the vote were not released but the committee’s final recommendations are expected to be released next week.
The tentative dates include permitting player interaction July 13 and starting fall training camp in August.
Starting July 13, weight training, conditioning and film review is allowed. The current window, which began June 1 and ends June 25, is limited to voluntary and virtual activities that are not physical in nature.
Starting July 24, teams can conduct walkthroughs.
For teams with games scheduled for Week 0, camp could begin on July 31.
All other teams can report August 7.
The oversight committee meets Wednesday (July 17), when it’s expected to finalize the upramp to the 2020 regular season.
Many universities adjusted their fall calendar to begin the semester early and dismiss students at Thanksgiving for an extended break.
To be determined beyond the baseline recommendations are the potential for coaches to be required to wear masks on the sideline and whether fans will be permitted at games. Some states remain more stringent with gatherings through the summer, while others are operating with minimal recognition of social distancing.
–Field Level Media
