email : Webview : Update on winter sports: Inter-Ac League and School statements

Nov. 24, 2020

Dear Fords Fans,

As we conclude our fall season of competition, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on our plans for winter athletics. However, before I do that, I want to thank everyone, especially our coaches, trainers, faculty, and parents, who put so much energy and effort into providing an opportunity for our fall athletes to compete. While it may not have encompassed everything that a usual season would have, the athletes were given the opportunity to compete and make memories with their teammates that will last a lifetime.

We are striving to do the same for our winter athletes, and as with the fall there will be variances from what the typical season would look like. I will outline our current plans, with the caveat that some of this may change as conditions change.

Here is the statement from the Inter-Ac League that was released earlier today:

The Inter-Academic Athletic League Heads of School and Directors of Athletics are closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in our surrounding counties, as well as guidelines provided by our local counties, CHOP PolicyLab, and the CDC. As we conclude our modified fall season and prepare for our winter season, it is important that we pause to assess the most recent information available before we determine our course for the winter season.

Beginning December 1, 2020, League schools are permitted to conduct athletic activities in accordance with local and school guidelines. Additionally, the Directors of Athletics have developed several winter Inter-Ac League only scheduling scenarios that could commence after the New Year. In all scenarios, League schedules would conclude by the end of February.

Additional information about schedules, health and safety protocols will be forthcoming, including the probability of extremely limited numbers of spectators at venues.

As a school, we have made the following decisions regarding our Upper School athletic program:

There will be no athletic activities from Nov. 23 through Dec. 6 while we are in a mandated virtual mode.
If we return to in-person education in the Upper School on Dec 7, we will begin winter practices following the school day at 3:30 p.m. Coaches will supply specific details for each sport.
There will be no practices from Dec 23 through Jan 3 for any team at any level. This period will be shut down, and we will resume activity upon return to school in person on Jan 4, 2021.
If we are in virtual learning mode as an Upper School - THERE WILL BE NO ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES/PRACTICES while we are in virtual learning mode.
We have made the decision to cancel the US and MS ice hockey season based on a number of factors. Specific information will be shared with families involved with that program.
No contests will occur prior to the start of an Inter-Ac League schedule -- spectator information will be provided prior to the start of the season.

I recognize that there is high interest in Haverford’s plans for winter athletic competition, and with it, much concern about the safety, health, and well-being of our community. In talking with many of our faculty, students and parents, it’s also clear to me that students learn and grow in different ways and one of those is through the co-curricular opportunities that a Haverford education provides on the athletic fields.

We are proud of the fact that we were able to execute a fall season safely with no spread of COVID-19 traceable to activities in the athletic department. The indoor sports will present their own unique challenges, but we will work hard to develop individual plans for each sport that will enable us to execute them safely. If we do not feel that we can run them safely, then in the best interest of all community members, we will not have certain activities.

Lastly, we ask that all of the athletes and their families do all that they can to follow the School’s guidelines in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

GO FORDS!

Michael Murphy
Director of Athletics

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