WKTV - Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA has made adjustments to health and safety protocols and rule changes for student-athletes.

Announced today, the most recent changes impact hockey.

This reported by the US College Hockey Organization.

Changes include amendments to the 21-year old rule:

“For the 2020-21 academic year, prospective student-athletes who turn 21 years old during the season (i.e., early 2000 birthdates) will not lose a year of Division I eligibility if they play a junior hockey game after their birthday. Typically, those players would have to enroll full-time in a post-secondary institution in order to retain their four years of Division I eligibility.”

Rules for outside competition have also been updated:

“Current student-athletes whose institutions will not be playing hockey during the fall semester will be permitted to participate in non-collegiate, amateur competition i.e. junior hockey on an outside team during the fall 2020 term (subject to school and conference approval). These student-athletes may compete on an outside team while remaining enrolled in their NCAA institution, which typically would not be allowed.

An institution or conference may not provide expenses for such competition and the student-athlete must be in good academic standing. A student-athlete who remains enrolled at the institution may not miss class to participate in outside competition. All competition should adhere to federal, state, local and other applicable guidelines related to COVID-19.”

Standardized tests and initial eligibility requirements have been enhanced.

In July, the NCAA approved rule changes for the 2020-2021 hockey season in regards to overtime, faceoffs and postgame handshakes.