email : Webview : Update on fall athletics season: Inter-Ac League

Dear Fords,

It is with sadness and regret for our student-athletes that I write to inform you of the Inter-Academic Athletics League’s decision regarding the upcoming athletics season.

Please see the below statement from the Inter-Academic Athletics League:

The members of the Inter-Academic Athletics League continue to focus on plans for the 2020-21 academic year with the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and their communities the primary concern. In response to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors of Athletics and Heads of School have been meeting diligently to address opening our schools safely, as well as the safety and well-being of our communities. Athletics engagement is an important part of the experience for many of our students, and member institutions remain committed to this experience. However, the Heads of School and Directors of Athletics have unanimously decided to suspend any inter-scholastic competition through Dec. 31, 2020. This decision was made given the unprecedented health concerns we face in our community and in consideration with Gov. Wolf’s strong recommendation, as well as updated policy recommendations from CHOP PolicyLab.

Additionally, member schools may maintain conditioning, skill development and sport practices from Sept. 14 through Nov. 20 in accordance with Gov. Wolf’s guidelines and CHOP PolicyLab requirements.

Should conditions permit, the League intends to hold three 7-week seasons for our student-athletes in the new year. Traditional fall, winter and spring sports may be moved due to health concerns, facility availability or weather conditions. Additional information regarding these seasons will be available shortly.

The Inter-Academic Athletic League members are deeply aware of the importance of athletics to our student-athletes and communities. This difficult decision was not made lightly, and every effort was made to maintain our fall athletic season. We are deeply saddened that this was not possible.

As mentioned in the statement, the School intends to offer as many athletic experiences and strength and conditioning opportunities as we can within the guidelines provided by the state and CHOP PolicyLab. At this time, the league is making plans to execute three 7-week seasons that would begin in January and give all of the programs an opportunity to compete. I will keep you informed about that plan as more details emerge.

The Athletic Department, in conjunction with the directors of each sport, are in the planning process for delivering a program that keeps our student-athletes engaged and developing their skills throughout the first semester, while keeping the entire community as safe as possible. While they will be separate, opportunities will be offered to both Middle School and Upper School students.

For the upcoming academic year, the Upper School’s two sport/activity requirement will be temporarily suspended. It will be up to the discretion of each Upper School student as to whether or not they choose to engage in these offerings. For Middle School students, the athletic period is contained within the regular school day schedule, so all students will be involved in this programming. Many programmatic details continue to evolve and we will keep you informed as these plans solidify. Please continue to monitor haverford.org/reopening.

Please know that we recognize that many will be disappointed with this reality and that we share in your disappointment. However, it is our hope that you understand that we have made this decision driven by our obligation to protect all those entrusted to our care in these uncertain times.

Go Fords!

Michael Murphy

Director of Athletics

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