CIAA is the latest college conference to suspend fall sports due to the coronavirus
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association is the latest conference to suspend fall sports due to COVID-19.
In a Thursday press release, the league announced that due to safety concerns and a rise in coronavirus cases, all fall sports will be suspended. The CIAA Board of Directors and athletic directors voted to reach the decision.
According to the release, one major concern was that several CIAA institutions are located in states with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. There are eight CIAA schools in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, 79,349 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic hit the state in early March.
“This was a difficult decision but remains consistent with our long-standing priority of always acting in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff,” CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams said in a press release. “While there will be no athletic competition in the fall, we will continue to support opportunities that enhance the experiences of our student-athletes, member institutions, and partners.”
The ACC on Thursday announced it’s postponing the start of fall Olympic sports until Sept. 1. The Ivy League announced on Wednesday that it is canceling fall sports for the year. UNC announced on Wednesday that 37 athletes and staff tested positive for the coronavirus. N.C. State announced on Thursday that five in the athletic department tested positive for the virus.
The CIAA will look into a modified schedule for football and volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s cross country during the spring of 2021, as well as honor athletic scholarships for fall sports athletes.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 6:20 PM.
