ANNVILLE, Pa. - On Friday morning, the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) announced a revised statement regarding athletics for the upcoming fall semester. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAC Presidents have decided to suspend all intercollegiate athletic competitions for the 2020 fall semester.
The MAC will plan on working with the NCAA and/or regional conferences to develop spring competition opportunities for fall sports as circumstances permit.
Friday's statement by the MAC also leaves room for programs to work toward practicing in the fall. Cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, and women's volleyball will be able to participate in athletics activity that follows all campus protocols and procedures for health and safety and is phased in over time as contemplated by the NCAA resocialization of sport considerations. Winter sports will also work toward practicing in the fall to prepare for competition in 2021. The intent is to work toward full team practices if circumstances allow.
Earlier this month the NCAA announced more flexibility for Division III institutions in regards to their playing season. There is no longer a distinction between "traditional" and "non-traditional" seasons, instead there are 114 allowable days in the playing season for all sports in 2020-21.
The MAC is just the latest in a slew of Division III conferences that have suspended or canceled play for the upcoming 2020 fall semester and beyond.
Click here to see a full list of conferences and institutions that have altered their athletic plans for the 2020 fall semester.
For the most up-to-date information on Messiah's athletic schedule and plans, follow the Falcons on social media at @MessiahSports and on GoMessiah.com.
See below for the full statement from the MAC:
After careful consideration of internal and external circumstances and with the health and well-being of each campus and community in mind, the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Presidents made the difficult decision to suspend all intercollegiate athletics competition through the fall semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MAC Presidents are well aware of the important role athletics plays in the lives of student-athletes and are committed to exploring creative approaches and alternatives that will provide future competitive experiences for fall sport student-athletes in the spring semester as circumstances allow.
The MAC presidents, athletics directors and the MAC COVID-19 Advisory Group will continue to evaluate the athletics landscape throughout the 2020-21 academic year to address:
- Engaging fall, winter and spring sport student-athletes in the fall term with coaches following all institutional, local and national health and safety guidelines
- Shifting fall sport competitive seasons to the spring, insofar as possible
- Scheduling winter sports competition beginning in 2021
- Implementing league-wide and campus safety measures for practices and competitions when they do occur
- Developing league-wide and institutional personal and professional development programming
"This decision was very difficult, as we know how deep the love of the game is for our student-athletes and that intercollegiate events are an important part of campus life for our entire community," said Dr. Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Chair of MAC President's Council and Hood College President. "However, we are confident that our coaches and athletic staff will work with the students to build an engaging athletic experience for our student-athletes while mitigating the risk of COVID-19."
General questions will be addressed through an FAQ document available
here.
Questions about the MAC's response not addressed in the FAQs can be directed to
questions@gomacsports.com.
