Based upon the recommendations of the NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group and their collaboration with the CDC, the NCAA established standard testing requirements for all championships. Local medical authorities at each location help the NCAA to determine whether additional testing requirements are necessary, depending on location.
The NCAA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group advised that either daily PCR or daily antigen testing were equally effective models for basketball championships, and they recommended adopting the testing approach that worked best with the provider and local health officials. The protocol of daily antigen tests and weekly PCR tests was reviewed and approved by the director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.
Both men and women required daily antigen or PCR testing for seven consecutive days prior to arrival in San Antonio or Indianapolis. The directors of public health of Marion County and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District stated that either test was equally acceptable, and both stated they wanted one test to be PCR (which is the women’s protocol).
Accordingly, the NCAA adopted the approach that worked best with providers in Indianapolis and San Antonio respectively consistent with preferences of local health officials.
