Big Ten Announces New COVID-19 Forfeit Policy for 2021 Season

Last year if a Big Ten team was unable to play a game because one or more of it's players, coaches, or staff tested positive for COVID-19, the game would be cancelled and the league would try to re-schedule.

This year, the team that causes the cancellation will now FORFEIT the game and it WILL NOT be rescheduled.  It will be considered a LOSS for the team responsible and a win for the opposing team. If both teams are unable to play the game will count as a no-contest.

This new policy is in line with other Power Five conferences including the Pac-12, ACC, and Big 12.   Those conferences had already announced there would be forfeits if a team in unable to play because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The SEC is said to be considering a similar policy but haven't announced anything official yet.