NECC Presidents' Council Supports Return of Competition for Spring Sports

MANSFIELD, MA - The New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Presidents' Council has formally approved policies and protocols that support the resumption of NECC competition this spring. The Council did acknowledge that despite its endorsement of health and safety protocols, it will remain the decision of each member institution to determine if they can safely participate in intercollegiate athletics this spring and in which sports they will permit competition.

"I am extremely pleased and highly supportive of the NECC decision to resume competition for our student-athletes," said Nancy P. Crimmin, Ed.D., Chair of the NECC Presidents Council and President of Becker College. "The impact COVID-19 has had on athletic competition has served to create a deep appreciation for the games, comradery, and competition that have sorely been missed. I know that student-athletes and coaches alike are eager to return to action and will engage in both practice and play following all health and safety guidelines and protocols."

Consistent with all decisions, the safety and well-being of our student-athletes and campus communities remains the primary focus of the NECC. The Conference will ensure all student-athletes and appropriate game personnel meet testing standards consistent with current NCAA protocol. Additionally, all NECC student-athletes and game personnel will be required to wear face coverings during all competitions.

"While the decision to cancel our previous three seasons was the right one to keep our campus communities safe, today is a day for optimism as to what lies ahead," said NECC Commissioner Jacob VanRyn. "I'm extremely appreciative of the many individuals that have worked tirelessly and cooperatively to chart a safe and responsible pathway forward for our spring sports to begin competition. I'm extremely appreciative for the resiliency that our student-athletes exhibited over the past year."

The team sport schedules for baseball, lacrosse, and softball have undergone significant revisions that maximize contests, while minimizing travel and are consistent with current interstate travel restrictions. The NECC's leadership understands that flexibility to address unanticipated changes will be crucial and athletics schedules will continue to be subject to the realities of the pandemic. Full spring sport schedules will be shared as soon as they are finalized by the conference.

The conference will continue to examine its postseason qualification polices and tournament formats. Additional information on the NECC postseason will be made available in the coming weeks.