MIAA implements conference-wide approach to daily health monitoring

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As part of its new winter sports protocols, the MIAA announced that it will launch a new health monitoring and education tool through the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH). The tool will allow MIAA student-athletes and coaches to conduct daily health screenings and to receive important educational materials and resources regarding COVID-19 infection control mitigation.

According to USCAH, this MIAA new health tool called the “Mitigation Information and Assessment App”, makes the MIAA the first collegiate organization (in any division) to take a uniform, conference-wide approach to monitor student-athlete health and to deliver important, timely educational resources on a daily basis.

“To be the first to commit to a conference-wide approach, focusing on the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and gameday personnel in regard to COVID-19 is an important milestone for our Association,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “Our campus administrators and health officials made it known that we want to return to competition, but we are committed to doing that in a way that keeps us in alignment with our core values and mission. USCAH’s guidance and expertise have taught us that the key to mitigating the spread of this virus on our campuses is through education and behavioral change.”

With the health app, individuals will be asked a series of questions in regard to their health situation involving COVID-19, including a daily temperature check. Educational resources to emphasize a person’s responsibility to mitigate the spread of the virus will also be made available to everyone who uses the app. The app will also feature a delivery tool for important health updates for student-athletes and coaches, including announcements from the CDC, NCAA or the MIAA. 

“The US Council for Athletes’ Health is a proud partner of the MIAA and its member institutions, emphasizing the importance of athlete healthcare and safety in planning a safe return to competition,” added Dr. James Borchers, MD, MPH, President & Co-Founder of USCAH. “USCAH will continue to work with the MIAA in providing its member institutions strategies and programming to ensure a consistent approach to athletic healthcare and safety.”

The Association and USCAH will make the app available to each full-time member and associate member starting in early November, a few weeks before the start of the MIAA basketball schedule. 

Along with the MIAA’s new health tool, the CEO Council approved the Return To Competition Protocols for Winter Sports. The document outlines testing requirements, reporting procedures, and gameday protocols for MIAA schools. MIAA Basketball is scheduled to be the first winter sport to get underway with tip-off set for November 19. For the latest 2020-2021 MIAA Basketball Schedule, click here.    

MIAA Release