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NWAC COVID-19 UPDATE Graphic with NCAA and NAIA Logos
Posted: May 20, 2020

COVID-19 Update

NWAC COVID-19 RESPONSE: Update 5.20.2020

VIEW NWAC COVID-19 PAGE  | VIEW PRINT VERSION

When the COVID-19 epidemic first hit in Everett, Washington, and the NWAC was right in the middle of it, we seemingly went from an athletic conference to a de-facto triage unit. We have been discussing and determining our future by identifying concerns, priorities, and trying to sort out what we do know from what we do not know. 

During this time we are holding to the principles of:  1) Decisions need to be timely and more importantly thoughtful. Specific to COVID -19, we are not going to rush decisions just because we have people clamoring for a decision yesterday; 2) Do what is in the best interest of the team (our student-athletes).  The dilemma of COVID-19 no one can control. We have a responsibility to help student-athletes learn how to navigate through extremely difficult times in competition and more importantly in life; 3) Listen first, then communicate clearly and consistently. Often times in a situation such as this, the tendency is to speak first.  Speaking wisely is more important. Our message needs to be simple, clear, practical, and honest; 4) Planning needs to be early, sound yet flexible, comprehensive, and provides short and long term solutions. Wise planning takes into account the known and works towards identifying the unknown.  You don't want our answers today to create problems for tomorrow.

As the COVID-19 continues to evolve around us and discussions are picking up about the resumption of collegiate athletics, NWAC will need to continue its flexibility in responding to and planning for our future return to competition. Following are some guiding principles for the NWAC as we entertain one day going back to college campuses and enjoying our student-athletes compete again.

Immediately after the cancelation of 2020 spring sports, NWAC staff, executive board members, college presidents, regions, and sport committee chairs have been in consistent dialogue surrounding fall sports. NWAC has conducted surveys of administrators, reviewed potential multiple fall sport scenarios, and stayed in touch with our peer conferences (CCCAA and NJCAA), as well as four-year conferences (NCAA and NAIA) to gain as much information and plan accordingly. All done so when a decision is made regarding fall sports, NWAC has been comprehensive in our efforts. 

NWAC AD's have been given weekly updates from our office on the issues we currently are addressing and our plans to address issues that seem to pop up from every direction. It is the hope that AD's disseminate this information to their coaches, and coaches share with their student-athletes. As you look around the waiting game is not specific to the NWAC. All conferences are trying to determine their best course of action in the midst of a constantly changing landscape.

Through this ordeal NWAC though small in numbers, huge in heart, resilient, is determined to get back to serving student-athletes. As never before, our motto of Character, Competition, and Community has truly been demonstrated by our athletic director's, support staff, and coaches. They walk the talk!

Additionally NWAC Athletic Trainers are working on a document of recommended policies and procedures for return to play for the health and safety of our student-athletes.  That document is being reviewed and formalized so our member colleges can have a consistent format and standards from which to provide for the safety and health of our student-athletes.

The NWAC Executive Board has targeted the middle of June as a possible time when a formal decision on fall sports will be made. That decision will call for all involved to be patient, flexible, and creative. Whatever the decision, it may not sit right with some, but it will be well thought out, and done in the best interest of most. Whether it is March 15, May 6, or June 18, those same traits need to be at the foundation as the NWAC moves onward.