SCAC Statement on Alternative Playing Seasons for 2020-21

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In an announcement made late yesterday, the NCAA Division III Management Council – on a recommendation from the Playing and Practice Season Subcommittee – passed along a legislative proposal that would eliminate traditional and non-traditional seasons for all sports in 2020-21. This legislation, which remains subject to ratification by the Division III Presidents Council, effectively opens the door for fall sports programs to participate and compete in intercollegiate activity during the spring semester.

"This is potentially great news for our student-athletes, especially those who participate in fall and winter sports," said SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "We obviously have little control over how things may look at the beginning of 2021, but this legislative waiver gives us the chance to actively explore all options as we seek meaningful playing opportunities for our student-athletes in the spring semester. We are already hard at work to try and find a way to make this happen."

Anticipating the NCAA might move in this direction, the SCAC assembled a COVID-19 Scheduling Task Force last week to begin immediate planning for maximizing athletic opportunities for all sports impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Focus at this time is on conference-sponsored fall sports (men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer and volleyball) that had their seasons suspended, and will include other sports that may be impacted with future decisions to be made by the NCAA, Conference and individual institutions.

"It no doubt presents a unique challenge – attempting to find the correct scheduling mix for fall, winter and spring sports across just one semester – but we are committed to an outcome that provides a quality experience for as many of our student-athletes as possible," said Hanberry. "Obviously, as these discussions progress, the safety and welfare of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff will remain at the forefront of any decision we make." 

The conference announced on July 16, due to health and safety concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of NCAA intercollegiate competition during the Fall 2020 semester.