Let's Play Ball: Here Is My Plan

Even as some States begin to relax COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, many federal, state and local officials are beginning to develop plans on if, when and how their cities, states and the Country as a whole can eventually resume normal operations. These plans also include when large crowd events such as religious services, concerts and sports events can resume.

The fact that the ratings for something as mundane as the 2020 NFL Draft from the Commissioner's basement was among the highest rated TV "sports events" ever held demonstrates how important the need to get back on the field, the court, the rink or the track is in terms of healing the Nation's psyche and restoring any sense of normalcy.

While I am not a medical professional or elected official, I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and I also graduated from the University of Miami (with honors) so I decided I would give it my best shot at solving this situation.

We will divide this effort into four sections: The stadium requirements (seating and sanitizing), the players, coaches and other team personnel requirements (testing and treatment), the fan requirements (testing and PPE) and the season schedule (several options).

STADIUM REQUIREMENTS: 

All stadium personnel tested and cleared before returning to work and once a month during the season.

Sanitize entire stadium including food service areas, bathrooms and seating areas before each game.

Hand Sanitizer stations at entry gates and throughout stadiums at all food service and bathroom areas.

Stagger seating on each row (odd/even #seats) and/or skip rows in between.

First game 20,000 fans allowed with every fourth seat occupied (other seats marked with X).

Second Game 30,000 fans allowed every third seat occupied (see above).

Third Game 40,000 fans allowed every other seat occupied (see above).

Games 4-7 a total of 60,000 fans maximum capacity at all stadiums regardless of seating capacity.

If at any time an outbreak occurs then the season would be halted or canceled.

FAN REQUIREMENTS:

Pre-attendance negative test certification within 30 days of date of first game through private medical doctors, public testing facilities already in place and/or drive thru testing sites located at stadium parking lots (multiple sites/entrances) starting 30 days prior to the season beginning.

Mandatory quick forehead temperature scan at entry.

Fans required to sanitize at entry and throughout stadiums at food service and restroom areas.

Face covering or mask and gloves required for first three games and then recommended after that.

Free college emblem masks and team colored gloves at entry at scrimmage and first three games.

Only season ticket holders may attend. Maximum of 60,000 season tickets may be sold. Season tickets would be priced differently for attending 7, 6, 5 or 4 games in 2020.

This incorporates the fact that during the first three games only 20k, 30k, and 40k fans would attend. For those fans who are younger, in good health and are more willing to take more risk they would be able to attend all seven home games, while for those older or more cautious fans they could choose to attend as few as four games giving both groups opportunities and options.

This also makes testing much easier prior to the season starting and greatly minimizes the risk to a very small sub-group of the population (60,000 max). This also makes it easy to track and trace contacts of this group both while at the stadium and afterwards while in the community.

PLAYERS AND COACHES:

Test all players and coaches prior to practice resuming and scrimmages being held. 

Test all players and coaches prior to each regular season game. 

Any coach or player testing positive to be ruled ineligible to play/coach, isolated and treated with available drug interventions.

All travel is on team only chartered flights and/or buses.

GAME SCHEDULE:

Three week Fall practice schedule in normal time frame (August). Players/coaches tested weekly.

Fall Scrimmages: First scrimmage is closed to the public, no TV. Second Scrimmage is televised but no fans. Third scrimmage is public with 10,000 fans maximum (negative test certification required, social distancing and PPE required) and televised. 

Regular Season Option A: Gradual return with six conference only games with two weeks in between games (12 week season).

Televised team scrimmages in between games that count against other teams.

Two weeks between games allows for additional testing, diagnosis and treatment when indicated.

Two teams selected by conference to play in conference championship game at neutral site.

No National Championship first year, only conference records and championships recorded.

Regular Season Option B: Total return with 12 regularly scheduled games, conference and non-conference.

No changes to regularly scheduled games with seven home games and five away games.

No change to conference or National championship games.

Regular Season Option C:  Eliminate conferences for one year and only intra-state games allowed (8 game practice season).

Eliminates long flights or travel to highly affected areas.

Miami would play all Florida schools: FSU, UF, UCF, USF, FAU, FIU, FAMU, BCC, etc. Teams may play more than once if needed.

Comments

[solarcane]

bam

[roachcane77]

The real bottom line about every single subject we talk about is what Windy said.
Win a bunch of games in a row games and players have a whole new reason to stay, and recruits have a reason to come to Miami.
We don`t win, players will avoid coming here and those that do will leave as early as possible
just as it ever was, just as it ever was
Posted by: solarcane | April 25, 2020 at 11:23 PM

Agree 100%!
Just as it ever was... Just WIN BABY! 🙌🏼
Posted by: roachcane77 | April 26, 2020 at 06:16 PM

[solarcane]

We have had the Terminator, The Transporter, The Equalizer, The Accountant, and now we have soup The Commissioner.
Some good ideas in that article soup.

Can you imagine the typical U fan in the 80s having his temperature taken and his hygiene checked before he got in the Orange Bowl?

"You want me wear this mask while I puke up this warm beer or can take it off for a second?"

haha

[roachcane77]

Very well "thought out" blog Soup!

Will be curious as to which "option" they will go with... (Or if there's another option out there.)

Just give us COLLEGE FOOTBALL BACK! 🙌🏼

[BigWindyCane1]

Great post Soup! IMHO, your COVID-19 pandemic plan will work.

Soup for Surgeon General!

[86Cane]

"You want me wear this mask while I puke up this warm beer or can take it off for a second?"

Posted by: solarcane | April 26, 2020 at 06:23 PM

We are a LONG way from 1986 my friend. Back then we didn't know how far U could go until U had gone too far. Now we know and so the beat goes on.

[86Cane]

Any other ideas to add to what I wrote up?

Terrance, where U at?

[86Cane]

Let's Play Ball!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTHuCOjAy8&app=desktop

[The Herb]

College football got to be played. I'll break into a cold sweat, if it isn't. Can't stand watching the pros.

[BigWindyCane1]

JT4 and Trevon Hill both signed as UDFAs with the Patriots. Good luck to them. Go Canes!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Option B and Total Agreement On Article! Great Job Soupster!

[Terrance Sullivan]

Only Thing That Needs To Be added is that conference networks must have deals with All Cable and Streaming Providers!

[alpine]

wow, lot of work went into this one

revved-up soupster

86 for ncaa president!

[pb]

Good stuff Tom..

I'd posted my spring 2021 schedule if we were postponed which may be what we are faced with.

Here was my idea for a 2 season in one year if that happens:

Begin practice as soon as students report back from winter break.
Eliminate all cupcakes and cross conference games like Miami-Wake Forest this year.
Play an eight game schedule, of which seven are conference games beginning February 6th and ending April 3rd.
Additional game scheduled so natural rivals like GT-Georgia, UM-FSU and S. Carolina-Clemson still get played.
All underclassmen MUST sit one (maybe even two) games of the season to avoid overworking.
Add additional game to redshirt rule.
Three P5 teams have a bye after game 4, the other two after game 5..
Conference Championships and bowl games played throughout April
College football Championship played in mid May.

[86Cane]

wow, lot of work went into this one

revved-up soupster

86 for ncaa president!

Posted by: alpine | April 27, 2020 at 06:13 AM

Thank you Sir!

[86Cane]

pb...I read your recommendations and appreciate your comments. I have a few issues with them. IMHO:

1. If you can't play college football in Fall of 2020 then I say just skip the season and add a year of eligibility and see you in Fall 2021.

2. Moving football to the Spring when other sports basketball and baseball are playing IF they are playing does not make sense. Nor does having a Spring football season and a Fall football season both in 2021.

3. I don't like the idea of forcing underclassment or any players to sit to avoid "overworking". If you are healthy and COVID free then you are healthy and COVID free, no reason to modify exercise and fitness and sports competition routines. This rule seems a bit too arbitrary to underclassmen and should be applied more in general that if ANY players feels stressed or fatigued then they can sit out a week without fear of consequences but even then not sure it is necessary.

4. Not sure where you are getting your dates from but you seem pretty specific about them? I find that interesting, not sure why.

[86Cane]

What I do think I left out of my plan was tailgating rules and stadium entry staggered scheduling. Here's what i would do:

Tailgating:

1. First admission to the parking area would be the first check of the required documentation of a negative test performed in the last 30 days. No test, no admission.

2. Since the first three games would have significantly reduced attendance in my plan (20k, 30k, 40k) I would have the first game leave three parking spots between cars tailgating, then two the one then back to normal by game 4.

Stadium admission:

1. To avoid large crowds of people closely packed in all trying to get into the stadium 15 minutes before game time as usually happens I would be staggered over a one hour period at 15 minute intervals.

Times would be assigned by ticket number or section or people could sign up on line for which 15 minute interval they wanted: 60 minutes before game time (likes to watch warm ups), 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 15 minutes (need one last beer before going in). This spreads out the crowd at the entry gates.

[pb]

Posted by: 86Cane | April 27, 2020 at 07:40 AM

The reason I have them playing two seasons and not cancelling is because of the revenue. I honestly don't think a vast majority of college football programs can financially absorb the hit of not cashing in on half a basketball season, conference tourneys, March Madness then an entire football season.

They need to pay to get paid.

I put a must rest provision to protect kids from playing 20 plus games in one calendar year. Not even NFL guys do that and they are grown ass men who dedicate their entire lives to their bodies. At tee end of the day a lot of these players are 18-19 years old and after just one season have played more football than they ever have in such a short time frame. Understand your point, just thought from a physical development standpoint seniors would be better prepared AND it's their final hurrah. Making them sit will be a much tougher sell.

Used the dates to allow as much time to heal between seasons and let draft eligible players get adequate time to heal and prep for a delayed NFL draft that doesn't impede with the second season coming in the fall.

[Terrance M Sullivan]

Great Stuff. Soupster!

[Terrance M Sullivan]

Soupster on the Entry into the Stadium it starts 90 minutes before Game time so make it 6 15 minute intervals and it's absolutely perfect!

[86Cane]

Used the dates to allow as much time to heal between seasons and let draft eligible players get adequate time to heal and prep for a delayed NFL draft that doesn't impede with the second season coming in the fall.

Posted by: pb | April 27, 2020 at 07:54 AM

Lots of moving parts. Just don't see two seasons in one year and moving it to Spring. I guess it is one option but not sure if it is the best option? Who knows, it may be the ONLY option?

[86Cane]

Soupster on the Entry into the Stadium it starts 90 minutes before Game time so make it 6 15 minute intervals and it's absolutely perfect!

Posted by: Terrance M Sullivan | April 27, 2020 at 09:50 AM

Even better!

I just wanted planned, scheduled time of entry for all so as not allow 80% to wait until 15 minutes to game time and then rush the gates standing in lines and congregating in large groups. You go in to your assigned gate at your assigned time and avoid the crush.

[pb]

Who knows, it may be the ONLY option?

Posted by: 86Cane | April 27, 2020 at 10:03 AM

That sir is the billion dollar question. Literally.

[solarcane]

We are a LONG way from 1986 my friend. Back then we didn't know how far U could go until U had gone too far. Now we know and so the beat goes on.

Posted by: 86Cane | April 26, 2020 at 09:20 PM

Like you said those were the best days of your life, We had no idea things like terrorists on American soil could outsmart us, disease could bring the country to a halt, hopefully great times are ahead and all of us can prosper and be healthy,

Nice work on the effort you are putting in to Canespace soup.

[pb]

Fascinating article:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/05/04/seattles-leaders-let-scientists-take-the-lead-new-yorks-did-not

[HerbieIbis]

Ryan Rodriguez announces at 7:30. No problem with getting this 3 star as he is a projected center, if he chooses us, which is the projection.
If we get this dude, Manny needs to slow the 3 atar train down, as that will already give us 9 out of 13. Out of the last 12, 10 need to gold.

[86Cane]

Nice work on the effort you are putting in to Canespace soup.

Posted by: solarcane | April 27, 2020 at 12:19 PM

Right back at U!

[86Cane]

That sir is the billion dollar question. Literally.

Posted by: pb | April 27, 2020 at 10:43 AM

If you find it laying around please send the billion dollars to the COVID-19 relief effort. College football can play or wait, either way this Country needs to get well, quick!

#Tequila

[86Cane]

Let's Play Ball!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTHuCOjAy8&app=desktop

Posted by: 86Cane | April 26, 2020 at 09:39 PM

HUH, not a single comment.

OK then.

[VA Cane]

I watched it and part II soup...he says what they are is the real explanation...the other is a political explanation ...interesting

"They are using this to see how much freedom they can take from you and will you roll over and stay in your house" ....their quote...Doctors said Faucci has not seen patient in 20 years.

I see it as they say it...it is an illness we are not used to ...we are used to the flu and this appears similar per doctors

Even THAT guy in DC does not listen to experts he just says stupid things about a lot of things and lies...after all he knew more about ISIS than the generals....just because a guy boasts he is a great businessman (6 Chapter 11s to date.... he is not!) and the economy gets hot does not mean he is bright smart and intelligent.....

I also see this as the last attempt by a CERTAIN group with ideas of controlling society trying its last effort to get rid of THAT guy they hate cannot get rid of and who they think leads another CERTAIN group of people. Its the same old stuff we get from DC...its all politics for power.....

I am a fan of neither group...and I love America...America is you and me and sports and outdoors and spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain....and people in FL, CA MI NY NC IA OK OH HA and so on....who work hard at their craft love their families and kids love their college football teams cold beer or soda have pets fish hunt hike boat...like we do....BUT that is America! I despise the Fed Govt and it is NOT represented by our flag....its great on paper but quit working that way not long after....people who have power and money ruined it....its not the system its the lousy people we ...yes WE elect....their lies and shortcomings are carried out to keep them....both of THOSE groups.... in power to keep us down....there is really not 2 THEYS....their is 1 THEY....THEY = Power and Money people... who have a foot on our throats and a hand in our pocket....

I take the Keith Richards attitude he told an English judge in 1967...."your petty laws and morals do not apply to me"....walked that road a long time...I do about whatever I want...legal or not!....or Dylan..."To live outside the law you must be honest"....

Nice article and eye opening video Soup!

[VA Cane]

My honest comment Soup....theres 1 anyway!!

[Old Skool]

Ryan committed

[The Word From The Herb]

Politics, nothing more than 2 frats, Rep. & Dem. If one party has a good idea, no matter how good it is the other won't vote 4 it. Brats, nothing but and the Democrats don't care about the public, all they care about is getting rid of Trump.

[HerbieIbis]

Good get, for our future center.
Maybe if anything comes out good from this Virus, is that most parents will want their kids close to home and those studs down in So. Flo., regardless of where their love is now, may end up staying at home.
It won't hurt the Herb's feelings one way or another that Taylor, Marshall, Kinchens and the Brooke's boys have Miami as their backup plan, currently. Maybe this is the miracle we have been waiting for that works in our favor. Who knows but this may end up happening.

[AeroCane]

Herb
Agree and truth to both your last 2 comments

[VA Cane]

Hope we can play this year....I miss my guys both young and college but talk to a lot of them each day....i am their positive vibe Mon!

Herb agreed all part of the same class...Power and Money all out to keep both sides in power.....like I said...their laws have never applied to me....i do pretty much whatever I want...just quiet and smart!!!!!

[solarcane]

VA

I think you and this dude are cut from the same cloth

Diogenes was a controversial figure. His father minted coins for a living, and Diogenes was banished from Sinope when he took to debasement of currency.[1] After being exiled, he moved to Athens and criticized many cultural conventions of the city. He modeled himself on the example of Heracles, and believed that virtue was better revealed in action than in theory. He used his simple lifestyle and behavior to criticize the social values and institutions of what he saw as a corrupt, confused society. He had a reputation for sleeping and eating wherever he chose in a highly non-traditional fashion, and took to toughening himself against nature. He declared himself a cosmopolitan and a citizen of the world rather than claiming allegiance to just one place.

[VA Cane]

I like that solar.....I take that very personally and kindly. You have certainly nailed it on this; I fit a lot of that take. I like that a lot.....sent it to my wife ...at her mothers....she said "that is you for sure!"

I did promise you a token and I am usually good at my word. PO here is rural and odd hours, and I have been BZ!....Still....no excuses!

you are a wise man with great talent and insight...and I am getting my token to you in the mail. It is not new, but I think it will tell you the above about me...and I KNOW you will really like it!!!

Thanks for the take my friend....I appreciate the insight!

Soup for comissioner.....Nah.....Comiss and PREZ!!!
great article and loved the video 86....you are the "Fearless Leader" for sure!!!

All stay safe....but we are strong and will be OK!

VAC

[BigWindyCane1]

Good luck to the Draftees, Shaquille Quarterman to the Jaguars, Deejay Dallas to the Seahawks, kJ Osborne to the Vikings and Jonathan Garvin to the Packers, along with UDFAs JT4 and Trevon Hill to the Patriots, Bandy to the Steelers and Finley to the Chargers.

Not a bad draft for a team with only 6 wins. Perhaps if they won more, their draft status would have improved. The Canes were lucky to get any draft picks with they way the Canes played, especially down the stretch.

Rousseau has the top five draft projections next year, but if the Canes don’t win and he doesn’t produce double digit sack totals, he will not be a first round pick.

These Canes need to practice and train this offseason like never before, and they need to realize that they can’t take anything for granted. Everything will be determined on the field, so they need to prepare to win big if they want to make an NFL roster

[BigWindyCane1]

It’s interesting that Garin Justice is recruiting South Florida OLs. So far, so good. The Canes have enough OL in South Florida to clean up, and I like what Justice is doing so far.

The Canes haven’t had much success with OL recruiting, and recent recruits from out of the state have been consistent busts.

The Canes should know local recruits well. I have seen Joel Rodriguez, and he has good size, but he will definitely play inside. Still, I hope we just recruit the players we need to run Lashlee offense. We don’t need the prototype OTs to be successful in the spread, although it would be nice to have

[AeroCane]

Catch 22
We need to win to get the recruits but how do you win when we are picking up 5’10, 160 lb 3 star DB, while a kid like Marshall, in our own back yard who’s 6’2, 180 and 5 stars and probably heading to gators! Great job rumph!

[58 Straight]

These Canes need to practice and train this offseason like never before, and they need to realize that they can’t take anything for granted.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | April 27, 2020 at 11:37 PM

"But I am tired and it is hot outside."

Back to my nap...

[AeroCane]

On a baseball note:
It will be interesting to see how the mlb draft of 5 or 10 rounds pans out - for cane purposes, the less rounds the better.
We currently have 3 guys ranked in the top 150:
McMahon
Cecconi
Zamora
All the above, even if seniors can come back for 1 more year if they feel ‘unloved’ by mlb
Also, not sure of our signees other than 6’4 infielder from Westminster, yohandy morales, who is ranked around 136

[AeroCane]

These Canes need to practice and train this offseason like never before, and they need to realize that they can’t take anything for granted.

Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | April 27, 2020 at 11:37 PM

Lol
How many years now have we been saying the same crap?

[AeroCane]

Catch 22
We need to win to get the recruits but how do you win when we are picking up 5’10, 160 lb 3 star DB, while a kid like Marshall, in our own back yard who’s 6’2, 180 and 5 stars and probably heading to gators! Great job rumph!
Posted by: AeroCane | April 28, 2020 at 09:47 AM

Ok, so I solved it
BEAT ALL the teams we should beat - that’s seven wins
Out of: MSU, FSU, UNC, UVA and Pitt
Win at least 3. That’s 10 wins and enough excitement to start keeping some studs home (not counting that I’m not sure anyone on our defensive coaching staff can recruit)

[HerbieIbis]

Keep saying this, aside from losing to teams we shouldn't lose too and losing recruits in the process, this conference doesn't help matters. Way to many mediocre teams, that will rise up occasionally and go 9-3, every once in a while get a 10 spot but for the most part at least 8 or 9 of these ACC teams are 5-7 to 7-5, for the most part. Just not enough big time games or stadiums. It's a league where satisfaction and celebration is 8 wins.

[solarcane]

VA
you are welcome.

Sometime when you have a moment

Google looking for an honest man , or looking for an honest man with a lantern that should bring you some stuff you will enjoy.

I read some ancient history and mythology over the years and some of it stuck.

[AeroCane]

Herb
Can we switch to the SEC?
Do they even want us? I would say for recruiting purposes, the gators, tide, dawgs etc would not want us in the sec.

[solarcane]

We need to win to get the recruits but how do you win when we are picking up 5’10, 160 lb 3 star DB,

Posted by: AeroCane | April 28, 2020 at 11:56 AM

That kid is money when we eventually move down to Pop Warner

[AeroCane]

Solar
Now you get it! Lol