Lee University in partnership with the Gulf South Conference will postpone competition in basketball, soccer, and volleyball until at least Jan. 1.
These sports are identified as high contact risk sports by the NCAA and are subject to significant testing requirements for all student-athletes and "inner bubble" personnel.
Three significant factors helped the conference Board of Directors in determining this course of action:
- Health and safety of student-athletes and campus communities;
- Mandated participation protocols from the NCAA Board of Governors, most notably the requirements related to Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition;
- NCAA Division II Fall Championships cancellation.
Cross Country and Golf competition will be permitted during the fall semester with the GSC Cross Country Championship date potentially moved to better accommodate the calendar.
Designated as low contact risk and medium contact risk, these sports feature more manageable testing and monitoring requirements per NCAA medical guidance as well as limited competition opportunities.
"Given the directives from the NCAA, I believe the GSC Board of Directors decision to postpone our high risk sports until January 1 gives us the best chance to have a significant season for each team," said Lee Athletic Director Larry Carpenter. "Allowing the golf and cross country teams to compete in the fall is very encouraging. It presents an opportunity to compete against other institutions at a minimal risk, while allowing us to evaluate the protocols we've put in place.
"I appreciate the diligence of our Presidents and the leadership of Commissioner Matt Wilson. These decisions show they have the GSC, their institutions and the student athletes' best interest at heart."
All practice, strength and conditioning, team meetings, and other countable athletic related activities (CARA) shall be subject to NCAA rules, NCAA health and safety requirements, and institutional discretion.
In the sports of football, soccer, and volleyball, the conference will evaluate options for spring competition that provide meaningful competition for these student-athletes. A spring season may not feature the use of traditional formats for regular season play or tournaments.
In the sport of basketball, the GSC will work over the next several weeks to outline a calendar for this year's basketball schedule and tournament. Further, the conference will work through the NCAA governance process to advocate for additional weeks of competition in the spring semester.
There is no change in spring sport competition at this time.