The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponement of all Atlantic 10 fall athletics events. Friday’s announcement means that the fall seasons for VCU men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, volleyball, field hockey, and golf will not take place as scheduled.
VCU Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin said in a statement that “the health and safety of our student athletes, coaches, and support staff means much more to us than playing games.” McLaughlin said that the urgency of the decision was due to concerns regarding the spread of the virus and safety considerations especially with traveling while expressing his confidence that the student-athletes will be good to return to campus. “I have zero concerns with our student-athletes returning for the fall semester to attend class and practice. I look forward to the slowing of this pandemic and returning to play soon.”
The conference has allowed for the possibility of a fall sports “look-in window” in September, which could allow for a reduced schedule against conference opponents if the risk from COVID-19 has been substantially reduced.
According to the VCU athletics press release, “this look-in window would require medical and institutional protocols that would assure the safety of student-athletes, staff and the campus community.”
As of right now the league is planning on the fall sports to be rescheduled for the 2021 spring semester. Logistics and a schedule will be released at a later time.
Winter sports, including both men’s and women’s basketball, have not been affected at this time.
Here is the full statement from VCU Athletics.
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