CHARLOTTE, NC – Following the recommendations from the NJCAA Presidential Advisory Council and the NJCAA Board of Regents, the NJCAA has announced its adjusted plan of action for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Following the Board of Regents' vote on Monday, a majority of competition will be moved to the spring semester.
"This plan will impact how Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) can offer our 12 athletic programs this academic year. We are working closely with both Region XX and College leadership to make informed decisions regarding our ability to follow this plan and offer each of our 12 athletic programs," said Athletic Director Duane Herr '07.
"The health and well-being of our student-athletes and our ability to provide the safest possible environment for competition is our main focus. We will continue to support our student-athletes to the best of our ability through this transition, including continued remote academic, mental and fitness support until we can be together again in person. In conjunction with College leadership, the athletic department will announce a formal decision regarding our approach to this plan before the July 27 NJCAA deadline."
The most recent plan of action shifts all close-contact fall sports to the spring semester. These sports include football, men's and women's soccer, and court volleyball. The NJCAA cross country championships for all three divisions and half marathon championships will remain as their originally scheduled dates in the fall as well as Division III women's tennis.
All winter sports competition will begin in January with a majority of championship seasons moved from March to April. These sports include men's and women's basketball, wrestling, and swimming and diving. Men's and women's bowling and men's and women's indoor track and field will be held at the beginning of March.
Spring sports competition remains intact with minor adjustments to dates. These sports include baseball, softball, beach volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, track and field, and men's and women's tennis.
"Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "Through a unified effort from our Presidential Advisory Council, the Board of Regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful."
Along with the adjustments to competition season and championship dates, the NJCAA has provided information as it relates to scrimmage and practice dates and allowances in the fall.
Championship dates are subject to change based on championship facility availability.
View the complete NJCAA Updated 2020-21 Plan of Action (PDF)