The NCAA Division I Council has recommended several eligibility adjustments for athletes in football and other fall sports whose seasons have been or still might be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to an announcement by the NCAA late Wednesday, the D1 Council recommended that fall sports athletes get an additional year of eligibility and an additional year in which to complete their eligibility — neither of which will count against roster limits for 2021-22. In order to take effect, the changes must be approved by the NCAA Board of Governors when it meets later this week.

The Council had already ruled that athletes who opt out of fall sports or have their seasons cut short get an additional year of eligibility — provided that they participate in 50% or less of their team’s games. Those who opt out must also remain on scholarship.

In addition, the Council has formally recommended that fall sports championships — in every sport except FBS football — be played in the spring. This includes FCS and lower-division football, plus soccer, volleyball, cross country and field hockey.

“We continue to be committed to providing opportunities wherever possible,” said Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Pennsylvania. “We know how much our student-athletes value these championship opportunities and will continue to exert maximum flexibility to sponsor them.”

Those conferences who have canceled fall sports — including the Big Ten, Pac-12, MAC and others — will also allow their athletes to engage in up to 12 hours of countable athletics activities per week (with two days off per week) during the fall.