If any of you are college basketball fans like I am, then you will know that March is the most important time of the season. Why? Because of none other than March Madness! Every year since I was in elementary school, I had always made a bracket with my father and sister. Last year’s March Madness tournament was cut short because of COVID-19, but they are able to have it this year. There are a few protocols that changed things this year, though.
For one, each region still had their own tournaments to decide the rankings and possibly who would participate in the tournament itself. Finally, when the teams were decided and the bracket was released, fans had until that Friday at noon to create and finalize their bracket(s). Any teams on the bracket that couldn’t participate because of COVID would be replaced with one of the teams that were in line as replacements. As far as I know, none of the teams were replaced, however one team did have to forfeit in the first round against Oregon because of COVID. Before being able to play in the tournament, teams were asked to “remain in quarantine until two consecutive tests on separate days are confirmed negative, at which time team practice may begin” (Blinder and Witz). Each team is expected to stay in their hotel rooms unless they need to receive food, to travel to their game, or any other necessity. These measures have been added in order to ensure the safety of the players as they compete at the highest collegiate level.
With the games already underway in Indianapolis, Indiana, I know that some people’s brackets have already gone down the drain. I have to say, I am still somewhat lucky with my bracket as it is somewhat intact. This year's March Madness is really living up to its’ name: complete madness with many more upsets. I wish everyone luck who is still in the running!!
Work Cited:
Blinder, Alan, and Billy Witz. “NCAA Changes Covid-19 Quarantine Rules for March Madness Tournaments.” The New York Times, 16 Mar. 2021, www.nytimes.com/2021/03/15/sports/ncaabasketball/coronavirus-ncaa-tournament.html.
“NCAA Announces Contingency Plans for Tournament Teams Forced To.” NCAA.Org - The Official Site of the NCAA, 25 Feb. 2021, www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-announces-contingency-plans-tournament-teams-forced-withdraw-due-issues-related-covid-19.
Comments