2020-21 Allegheny Athletics Spring Semester FAQ
MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny College Director of Athletics and Recreation
Bill Ross has announced the intention for the Gators' winter and spring varsity teams to return to intercollegiate competition during the Spring 2021 semester.
The sports of men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's golf, baseball and softball are scheduled to compete in their regular playing season, while the winter sports of men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving will also participate in a very limited number of contests later in the spring semester.
"We are committed to the health and safety of our student-athletes, our opponents, and the campus community," said Ross. "All of our protocols have been developed with guidance from local and national health organizations and the NCAA and North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)."
Athletic department personnel have been working closely with the Allegheny College Health Agency (ACHA) on both practice and contest protocols and schedules based on institutional and conference parameters. These protocols include, but are not limited to: comprehensive testing for all student-athletes, coaches, game personnel and officials, as well as universal masking, physical distancing, hand washing and symptom screening. In addition, Allegheny will be competing solely against institutions that share its commitment to COVID-19 mitigation measures on their campus and within their intercollegiate athletics program.
The NCAC has adopted geographically-based divisional schedules in all spring sports for one year, as most schools are not permitting overnight travel. This will lead to Allegheny's schedules being focused more locally.
"Flexibility and patience will be the key to a successful spring sports season," said Ross. "The department stands ready to pivot at any moment as we continue to monitor the campus, local and state public health landscape. Due to following the NCAA's guidelines regarding increased testing for our student-athletes as well as our opponents, we will be able to respond quickly and make adjustments in our schedules if needed."
Sports which hold their traditional seasons in the fall will be afforded the opportunity to take part in a more robust nontraditional season than usual, resulting in more team-related activities and culminating with intrasquad scrimmages.
Schedules for those sports competing this semester are in the process of being finalized and will be made available in the near future. At this time, spectators will not be permitted at any home event, but department personnel will be constantly evaluating the possibility of evolving this policy.
