America East Fall Sports Competition Postponed for Duration of First Semester
NEWARK, NJ – With the health and safety of its member institutions’ communities, the importance of successful institutional campus reopenings and the overall well‐being of its student‐athletes as its top priorities, the America East Conference Board of Presidents announced today a postponement, not cancellation, of all America East fall sport athletics competition and championships for the duration of the first semester.
The conference--of which New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a member--will develop plans for a competitive structure in the second semester and will identify a working group to begin studying this immediately. Athletics activities and student‐athlete services for fall sports, including but not limited to training, practice, strength and conditioning, athletic training and academic support, will be permitted at each institution’s discretion in adherence with NCAA rules and local and state health and safety guidelines.
The decision and framework for fall sport operations were unanimously approved by the league’s Board of Presidents.
Further, the conference will continue to monitor the landscape and conditions surrounding the pandemic, locally, regionally and nationally, and make any decisions or announcements at a later date regarding its winter sports, as necessary.
Statement from America East Board of Presidents Chair Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany
“The past few weeks have been unquestionably difficult in working our way through the process that led us to this outcome. However, this proactive decision by our members to postpone fall sport athletics competition for the duration of the first semester is in the best interest of all America East student‐athletes, athletics departments and university communities. Right now, it is imperative that each of our institutions can safely reopen to their broader campus communities and this decision supports those efforts. We have always maintained that the health, safety and well‐being of everyone within our conference, especially our student‐athletes, is paramount. Unfortunately, given the current persistence, restrictions and uncertainty associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is clear to us now that this difficult, but responsible decision must be made.”
Statement from America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen
“This was not an easy conclusion for our membership to reach but it was made with care and diligence and with health and safety as the highest priority. For the last several months, we have been working extensively with our membership to prepare for the fall sports season, including developing health and safety protocols, revising schedules and creating contingency plans. We have remained optimistic that we could safely conduct a fall sports season, however, there are several external factors outside of our institutions’ control that will limit and disrupt our ability to deliver our student‐athletes an experience they deserve. While several outstanding issues and questions remain, we are hopeful that creative thinking and solutions will emerge in concert with improved measures to reduce the risk associated with COVID‐19 as the academic year unfolds.”
Statement from NJIT President Joel S. Bloom
NJIT President Joel S. Bloom said of the decision, “We are disappointed for our student-athletes and athletics staff, but we believe this delay gives them the best possible chance for a full, uninterrupted, and safe season of competition. This approach also allows the America East member institutions to focus on preparations for the Fall semester at this time.”
Statement from NJIT Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Lenny Kaplan
"As in March, I am saddened that it has come to this after a long and arduous process. I really believed, as we came out of the initial stages of the pandemic earlier this summer, that our fall sport student-athletes would be able to have their seasons with some adjustments. Unfortunately, with this recent spike of cases across the country, it has become clear that will not be possible in a safe and responsible manner. Unlike last spring, there remains hope, as we are able to postpone, not cancel, our fall seasons. I look forward to welcoming our student-athletes back to campus next month and moving forward with plans for them to compete during the spring semester. I know our coaches and staff will remain focused on ensuring the best experiences possible for all of our student-athletes as we move forward.”
Statement from NJIT Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Michaela Dungan, Women's Volleyball
"As devastating as this news is, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our student-athletes. We will continue to provide support to all students and use this time to become stronger athletes and stronger together as a student body. "
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student‐athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field
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