As the NCAA and the Power 5 conferences are working to develop their testing protocols for the upcoming season, the American on Thursday became the first to release theirs.
"With guidance from our COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group, our conference has established pre-competition testing protocols that will require all teams to be tested at least 72 hours prior to each competition," the statement said. "The testing protocols will apply throughout the regular and bowl seasons. Our overall operational protocols will be finalized shortly and may be revised as circumstances and new information warrant."
The statement does not outline exactly who must be tested -- presumably, that's coming shortly -- but this right here is likely biggest reason why Division II and Division III schools are opting out of this season. Assuming each team requires 150 tests of athletes and staff per week, multiplied by 12, gets 1,800 total tests -- just for one team. Someone has to pay for those tests, and the math can quickly get out of hand, especially when you can't sell tickets and you don't have a massive TV contract to make up the difference.
Expect similar communication from other conferences shortly. In the meantime, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.