Dear ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I write to announce that the Patriot League Council of Presidents has endorsed a plan for a Patriot League men’s and women’s basketball schedule for the 2020–21 season, beginning on Saturday, Jan. 2. The commencement of competition will be contingent on the league and its member institutions being able to do so in ways that protect the health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff members, and the community. The Council of Presidents believes this model offers the best opportunity for a successful league season, and places the highest value and priority on the safety and wellbeing of its players.
Consistent with this prioritization of health and safety, the 2020–21 basketball schedule format features a significant reduction in travel and overnight stays. No teams will be permitted to fly to games during the regular season. All safety measures will be monitored throughout the season. At this time, all competition will take place without spectators due to state limitations on venue capacities.
The league also announced rescheduling of the 2021 Patriot League Swimming and Diving Championships and continued planning work with respect to the Track and Field Championships. Specific information on the schedules for these two Patriot League sponsored winter sports, as well as the ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ Men’s and Women’s Hockey schedules, will be announced by Vice President and Director of Athletics Nicki Moore.
Further, the Council of Presidents also called for continued planning for the conduct of fall sports during the spring semester. In the Patriot League, this includes the sports of field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, as well as a championship event in the sports of men’s and women’s cross country.
Again, more specific information about these schedules, the precautions we will take, and ongoing planning will be announced by our athletics director.
I would like to thank the Task Force on Reopening and the Emergency Operations Center, which have considered these emerging plans and will continue to help ensure that any athletic competitions abide by ¸Ô±¾ÊÓƵ’s reopening plans, with a central interest in the health and safety of our community.
Sincerely,
Brian W. Casey
President