ASC FAQs Fall Sports 2020

RICHARDSON, Texas – The American Southwest Conference Council of Presidents announced on Friday to delay conference-scheduled competition and championship events for fall championship sports with anticipation of resuming ASC competition and tournaments in spring 2021. The delay includes the fall sports of cross country, football, soccer and volleyball.
 
Action by the Council of Presidents to delay the ASC fall championship sports seasons does not preclude individual institutions from engaging in athletics-related activities, including non-conference competition, conducted in accordance with Division III legislation as well as institution, local, state and federal public health guidelines.
 
The decision by the presidents was made after evaluation of Division III legislative waivers and Association-wide actions; consideration of conference scheduling options for fall sports; and review of current public health guidelines.

Director of Athletics Ronda Seagraves understands the disappointment of postponement, but believes it is the best and safest decision for all parties.

"The decision to delay the start of the fall sport season gives each athlete, coach, and campus the opportunity to engage their student-athletes with their coaches in similar ways as they would in normal circumstances," Seagraves said. "The advantages to the model the NCAA and the ASC gives us now, allows much more focused training and skill work prior to competition.  Our goal, even before the pandemic, was to offer our student-athletes a quality, competitive experience in the safest possible manner and this plan allows us to deliver on that promise."
 
The American Southwest Conference membership anticipates approval of NCAA Division III playing and practice season waivers allowing greater opportunity for students in all sports to have a broad athletics experience throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Under the waiver, each campus would have flexibility in conducting individual and team skill instruction, strength and conditioning, and practices along with the prospect for enhanced academic and personal development, and other athletically related activities as health and safety conditions allow.
 
"The ASC Council of Presidents recognizes the disappointment of students who normally participate in conference-scheduled regular-season and championship competition during the fall semester," said Amy Carlton, commissioner of the American Southwest Conference, "The conference leadership and administrators will continue planning for fall sports to resume conference competition and tournament opportunities in the spring semester as appropriate."