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.
With this announcement, the conference 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.
To view the America East's list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the postponement of fall sports competition, click here.
Statement from University of Hartford Interim Director of Athletics, Maria Feeley, Esq.
"The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is paramount, and it is our number one responsibility. This was not an easy decision for the America East to make — we all want to have a fall season for our student-athletes, fans and others — but it was made with health and safety as the highest priority. We look forward to a return to play as soon as we can, and I am confident that we will be stronger than ever when we can compete once again."