Syracuse, NY — The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) announced Monday afternoon the suspension of all fall sports contests with the delayed start of winter sports through at least Jan. 1.
The decision was made by the SUNYAC Presidents in consultation with the SUNYAC Board of Directors, which is composed of the 10 directors of athletics from each member institution.
For the State University of New York at New Paltz, all of its fall programs (women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, equestrian and field hockey) will not compete this fall, while the men's and women's swimming and men's and women's basketball programs are still in the hopes they will start competition after the new year. The women's tennis season was moved to the spring as announced earlier this summer.
To read the full SUNYAC press release, click here.
Additionally, SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Stuart Robinson sent out a letter to all student-athletes Monday, which read:
"On behalf of the Department of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation, I hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy during what continues to be a trying and difficult time for all. Thank you for your patience through this period. After several weeks of discussion and consultations about a safe return to intercollegiate athletics, I regret to inform you that out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of all members of our campus community the Presidents of SUNYAC and the SUNYAC Board of Directors have decided to suspend intercollegiate athletic participation for the fall 2020 semester. I know that the decision is not the outcome that is ideal or the one that you had hoped to receive. As a result, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, equestrian, field hockey, women's tennis and women's volleyball along with men's and women's swimming and men's and women's basketball will not compete this semester. For the last several months members of our department as well as colleagues within the SUNYAC, the UVC, the NCEA and the IHSA have conducted countless meetings and have had many discussions to find a way to provide you with a semblance of a return to intercollegiate athletics in an environment that is safe and values the health and safety of everyone. Knowing all of the hard work, dedication and sacrifices that you make for your sport, this decision was not an easy one to make.
To be clear: Our number one concern has always been, and will continue to be, your safety and long-term health. Please know that we considered every possible scenario while trying to come up with a plan that we thought could work. However, given that it is impossible at this point to eliminate risk of exposure to COVID-19 even in situations without the close and sustained contact of intercollegiate athletic play, the decision to cancel fall competition was, in the end, the only one to make.
There is no doubt that this announcement impacts a significant part of your New Paltz experience. We are also disappointed that we will not have our normal athletic calendar this upcoming semester and that we will be unable to see many of you compete at the highest level and cheer on your successes. However, please know that the coaches, our athletic staff and I remain committed to doing everything we can to provide a worthwhile, engaging athletic experience for all of you, despite the circumstances. At this point, no determination has been made about winter and spring sports or what the second semester may provide for competition for any of you. I assure you that we will keep you informed as those conversations take place.
If there is some bit of positive news, whether on campus or not, our staff is preparing to work with you throughout the semester. For those of you returning to campus, fall athletes and winter athletes will be able to practice in small groups during the fall semester within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's, the state's, the NCAA's and the College's safety protocols, and that we are working on plans that allow those of you that are part of winter and spring sports to work with your team and coaches this fall too. All of these opportunities are voluntary. So, if you are concerned for your safety or health, please know that activities are not mandatory. Your coaches are working on plans and will try to answer the questions you have regarding your sport. Please understand that some details are still being worked out. For those of you who will remain remote, our coaches will continue to remain in touch with you. They will be providing workouts, academic support, personal support and assisting you in any way they can. Regardless of location, we will continue to provide as meaningful an experience as possible.
Thank you all for your patience, understanding and resilience during these difficult times. If there is anything that you need from us or that I can do to help, please do not hesitate to reach out."
For more information refer to the Q&A below:
Will there be varsity sports in 2020-2021?
There will be no athletic competition during the 2020 fall semester, through January 1, 2021. A decision has not been made regarding the 2021 spring semester. Discussions are ongoing, and more information will be presented at an appropriate time.
Will varsity programs who are not competing be allowed to practice in the fall semester?
On campus practices will be allowed between student-athletes and coaches. There will be no on or off campus competition. Virtual team meetings and virtual film sessions will be allowed. In person individual/small group meetings will be allowed in limited instances and only if proper social distancing measures are in place.
Will students use a season of eligibility through practicing with their teams?
No, student will not use a season of eligibility by practicing during the fall semester, as there are no competitions.
When will team activities be offered, and how frequently will they take place?
Teams will commence practice activities in September. The actual days and times of activity will depend on each sport, factoring in staff and facility availability. The frequency of activities may vary per team based on the availability of staff and needed facilities.
What approach will be used to determine allowable activity?
A phased in approach, consistent with the NCAA Resocialization of Sport Guidelines, will be used to determine athletic activity. In Phase 1, groups will be limited to 10 people, including coaches, and social distancing/facial covering protocols will be used. Training sessions will focus on individual work and conditioning, with no sharing of equipment. In Phase 2, groups may increase in size and equipment may be shared, and social distancing/facial covering protocols will remain in place. Training sessions may include group activities. Phase 3 will not be fully entered in the fall semester, as it includes outside competition. All activities will follow federal, state, local, and institutional safety guidelines. Enhanced personal hygiene and cleaning protocols will also be in place.
What facilities will be used for practice activities?
On campus athletic facilities may be used for practice activities. There will be no off-campus practices at this time.
Will student-athletes need to be cleared for participation?
Yes. Student-Athletes must be cleared medically by the Athletic Training Staff and by the Compliance Officer. Details of what is necessary will be communicated by the Head Athletic Trainer, Compliance Officer, and Head Coach of each sport.
Will student-athletes have access to athletic training services?
Yes, but services will be limited in scope. The Athletic Training Office will post their protocols on nphawks.com here.
Social distancing, masking and hand-washing requirements will be strictly enforced.
What is the impact on club sports and intramural offerings?
There will be no club sport offerings during the 2020 fall semester. Intramural offerings will be limited in scope, with a schedule released closer to the start of the semester.
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