The Big Ten Conference on Tuesday updated it’s forfeiture policy for the remaining 2021-22 athletic contests across all sports. If a team can’t participate in a scheduled game due to COVID-19, a forfeit will no longer be automatic.
The Big Ten says instead, they will consult with Big Ten Chief Medical Officer, Dr. James Borchers and the competition may be rescheduled, declared a no contest or a forfeiture. The Conference office will be responsible for rescheduling any conference competition postponed due to COVID-19.
“The conference office and all 14 Big Ten member institutions have been in continuous contact about developments related to COVID-19,” says Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren. “The well-being of our student-athletes and our entire athletic communities is our top priority and we are updating our forfeiture policy to support their health and safety as well as the integrity of conference competition.”