By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA and its member institutions announced a plan on Monday (July 20) to delay the start of the fall sports practices until the week of August 31, and the start of fall competition until the week of September 28. The CEO Council will continue to monitor this plan and adjust it as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in MIAA athletics.
“While we are still uncertain on what is going to be realistic for the fall in this ever-changing environment, the action taken by the MIAA and its member institutions represents a commitment to exploring every possible avenue for our student-athletes, coaches, and community,” said FHSU Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke. “Taking the additional time to evaluate the most recent developments and guidelines with our coaches, administration, and health care professionals, will ensure we’ve been as thorough as possible in determining how and when we’ll be able to begin competition in a manner that is safe for all involved.”
The CEO Council supported the recommendation to delay the start of MIAA fall practices and competition; however, the group acknowledges that the ability to execute this plan is dependent on our students, employees and fans demonstrating socially responsible behavior during this public health crisis.In addition, it is important that student-athletes continue to practice socially responsible behavior to help protect the health of the team.
“This plan allows our student-athletes to get back on campus and get acclimated with the student body before we begin practices and fall competition,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “We remain hopeful that the MIAA student-athletes will be able to practice and compete this fall, but we need to be patient and make sure that we are doing that in a healthy and safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.”
The plan will allow member universities to continue to monitor the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, and to make decisions about athletics and other campus activities based on conditions in that community and with guidance from local and state health officials.
The health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and communities in the MIAA continues to be the Association’s top priority. The MIAA is taking these unprecedented actions to help our campuses and communities continue to address this public health crisis.
With this latest announcement, the first week of fall competition is now set for the week beginning Monday, September 28, if there are no further adjustments to the fall. The MIAA will not remake fall schedules. The first competition date listed on or following September 28 will be the first of the season for FHSU fall sports governed by the MIAA. There are no schedule adjustments yet for men’s soccer, as the Great American Conference governs the sport.