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Posted: Mar 17, 2020

Spring Sports Canceled & NWAC FAQ Page regarding COVID-19 issues: Updated March 18, 10:50am

NWAC FAQ PAGE REGARDING COVID-19 ISSUES

March 18,10:50am: The Northwest Athletic Conference has decided to cancel all spring sport competition and NWAC Championship events, effective immediately. This is a decision that we do not take lightly but in consultation with the NWAC Executive Board, member colleges, and other conferences, NWAC believes it makes the most sense.  It is our desire to do our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the interest of the health and well-being of our student-athletes, school personnel, and our fans.  We have student-athletes who are having to make significant decisions in a short and crowded time space.

NWAC FAQ PAGE REGARDING COVID-19 ISSUES Updated March 18,10:50am

The recent announcements by President Trump and Governor's Inslee (Washington) and Brown (Oregon), discussions with our member colleges and the NWAC Executive Board, effective 3/16/20,  The Northwest Athletic Conference decided to cancel all spring sport competitions and NWAC Championship events, effective immediately. This is a decision that we do not take lightly but in consultation with our constituents and partners, NWAC believes it makes the most sense.  It is our desire to do our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the interest of the health and well-being of our student-athletes, school personnel, and our fans.  We have student-athletes who are having to make significant decisions in a short and crowded time space and we believe at this time is the best way to proceed.

What spring sports are affected by the cancelation of spring sports?
 The regular seasons and championships for Baseball, M/W Golf, Softball, M/W Tennis, and M/W Track & Field programs are canceled. Thursday March 3/12 NWAC cancelled the M/W Basketball Championship Tournaments.

Does this affect practices?
 While the NWAC made the decision to cancel spring sports competition, it will be up to each member college to follow their administration's guidelines regarding on campus activities. If teams do practice, it is imperative to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing and other preventative measures. President Trump announced no more than 10 people should gather at any one space.  NWAC has no authority on the decisions made by Member Colleges regarding the delivery of instruction.   Governor Inslee announced that in-person classes are prohibited.  Athletic departments are encouraged to be creative and find multiple ways to keep their student-athletes engaged and enrolled. Athletic department personnel should meet with student-athletes to discuss academic and/athletic options that may be available.   

** UPDATED: MARCH 18: 10:50am
Does this affect current recruiting efforts for next year?
While the NWAC made the decision to cancel spring sports competition, it will be up to each member college to follow their administration's guidelines on in-person recruiting, whether on or off campus and whether to bring recruits on campus.  It is permissible to email, phone call, text, video call,  etc. during this time. If coaches do bring recruits on campus, it is imperative to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing and other preventative measures. President Trump announced no more than 10 people should gather at any one space.

Are member schools allowed to sign recruits during this time?
 Yes, member colleges are allowed to sign recruits to NWAC Letters of Intent.

How does the cancelation of spring sports affect student-athletes eligibility?
 The morning of Friday March 13 our office made contact with our two-year contact at the NCAA office and he is working with the NCAA Eligibility council representing our two-year conferences on student-athlete eligibility.  Later in the day it was announced that in principle, the NCAA Council leadership agreed that eligibility relief is appropriate for all D1 student-athletes who participated in spring sports.  Spring sport student-athletes who were enrolled full time in 2020 (regardless of the number of games played in by the student-athlete) will NOT be charged a season of competition in the NWAC.  Additionally NWAC is considering 20-21 waiver limits and roster sizes to support returning athletes.

Do member institutions need to file spring eligibility reports. 
 No.  The initial report will suffice and no student-athlete will be charged a season of eligibility.  More information will follow.