By Paul MyerbergUSA TodayAmid concerns that a potential outbreak of the coronavirus in the U.S. could jeopardize major sporting events, the NCAA's Sports Science Institute has issued memos to its members directing schools toward Centers for Disease Control resources while maintaining preparations for the upcoming NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments, which begin on March 17. "NCAA staff continues to prepare for March Madness but we are keenly aware of coronavirus and will continue to monitor in coordination with state/local health authorities and the CDC," said NCAA associate director of communications Chris Radford. On Tuesday, Nancy Messonnier, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, warned that an outbreak of the virus, also known as 2019-nCoV or COVID-19, could lead to school closings and the cancellation of major sporting events. "Disruption to everyday life may be severe," said Messonnier. In the two memos issued to athletics directors, health care administrators, conference commissioners and head athletic trainers and team physicians, the NCAA shared links to CDC resources on travel, coronavirus symptoms and topics to discuss with campus leadership. "Regarding championship play for the winter and spring seasons, the NCAA is taking concerted steps to maintain the first-rate delivery of NCAA championship experiences for participating student-athletes, team personnel and fans," read the second of the two memos, which was sent to member schools on Feb.Read more on NewsOK.com