The Tufts University Athletic Department recently updated its guidelines regarding the return-to-play procedures for student-athletes who contract COVID-19. As of January 11th, 2022, student-athletes who test positive for COVID-19 are prohibited from participating in their sport in any capacity from day 0 (the day on which they test positive) to day 10. Day 11 marks the beginning of the return to play process, which involves monitored physical exercise and limited participation in the athlete's sport. Athletes are only able to compete in official games or matches on day 12 at the earliest, nearly two weeks after testing positive. Such an extensive return to play process can cause athletes to miss anywhere from 4 to 6 games, which is equivalent to a quarter of many athletes' seasons. It is also worth noting that Tufts University COVID policy permits asymptomatic students to return to the classroom on day 6 after testing positive. 

We have complied with everything the university has asked from us in terms of vaccination, receiving the booster, and restrictions such as prohibiting spectators from attending our games or matches. We believe these changes are unreasonable, unnecessary, overly restrictive, and not sufficiently supported by scientific data. We therefore respectfully request that the university update the return to play protocol to match the guidelines that are currently provided by the NCAA, effective immediately.