KANSAS CITY, Mo. (uj.edu) –– The NAIA Council of Presidents announced Thursday changes to the 2020 fall sports schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included a return to play threshold, a delay to start the season, and a reduction in the number of allowable contests.
With the delayed and shortened seasons, the University of Jamestown, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, and NAIA schools around the country will be revamping their schedules in the upcoming weeks.
Maximum Contests Allowed
With the delayed start dates, the maximum number of contests have been reduced as follows: cross country (7 meets, down from 8); football (9 games, down from 11); men’s and women’s socccer (14 games, down from 18); and women’s volleyball (22 matches, down from 28).
(This will affect the UJ Vs. VCSU football game. The Paint Bucket football game between the Jimmies and Vikings will not be played in 2020).
Return to Play Threshold
The COP Executive Committee approved a Return to Play Threshold system as a guideline for determining a return to play. The threshold goal is for about half of the participating institutions in each sport to receive clearance from local authorities to return to competition before the season can begin. For example, NAIA football has 95 participating institutions. When half (47) of these programs gain clearance from local authorities to play, the NAIA football season will be authorized to begin.
Delayed Start Dates
Assuming the Return to Play Threshold has been met, the earliest start date for football games will be Sept. 12, while all other fall sports can start competition on Sept. 5.
All sports can begin team practices on Aug. 15.
“The rationale behind the selection of these dates is to provide an adequate acclimatization, conditioning and practice period prior to competition for each sport, while minimizing the need for student-athletes to return to campus early,” the NAIA stated in its announcement. “Establishing start dates also creates a more level playing field for all institutions that are able to compete this fall.”
Currently, the NAIA intends to host all fall national championship events as scheduled.
