Update On COVID-19 And Its Impact On UMass Athletics

March 13, 2020 | Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Men's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Hockey, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming & Diving, Men's Track & Field, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Lacrosse, Rowing, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Track & Field, Athletics Department, Women's Outdoor Track

AMHERST, Mass. – In collaboration with the NCAA, Atlantic 10 Conference, Hockey East, the Colonial Athletic Association, and University of Massachusetts administration, effective immediately, UMass Athletics has cancelled all practices and competition for the remainder of the academic year, and special events through at least April 30, athletic director Ryan Bamford announced on Friday.

"The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is our highest priority and will remain top of mind as we navigate through this unprecedented time," Bamford said. "While we are disappointed that many of our programs have had their seasons cut short, we wholeheartedly agree with the ultimate decision to cancel competitions, including championships. At this time, we will continue to seek guidance from our university administration and health officials as we assess the situation on our own campus moving forward."

The Atlantic 10 Conference, Hockey East and the CAA announced that the following policies will be implemented:

• The cancellation all 2020 Atlantic 10 spring sports competitions (conference and non-conference), and 2020 spring conference championships, effective immediately

• The cancellation of the 2020 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

• The cancellation of the 2020 Hockey East Men's Tournament

• The cancellation of all CAA spring sports contests

• The NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee leadership put in place an immediate ban on in-person recruiting for Division I coaches. Additionally, the group advised schools to suspend any official and unofficial visits to campus from prospective student-athletes. This recruiting dead period will be in place until at least April 15, at which time the Division I Council Coordination Committee will evaluate. Telephone calls and written correspondence are allowed during dead periods.

In addition, the athletics department has suspended organized workouts and practices until further notice.

The University of Massachusetts and the Department of Athletics is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all members of our community. Please consult the UMass Amherst COVID-19 webpage for additional information, statements and links to important resources.

University of Massachusets Athletics

Update On COVID-19 And Its Impact On UMass Athletics

Related News

Related Videos