BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced Tuesday the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) will resume spring sports on March 20.
The following sports will all have seasons:
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track and Field
On January 20 Malatras sent a letter to SUNYAC asking the league to develop a plan to return to play for the spring season. The final plan was adopted Monday night which includes:
- Conference will be split into East/West region to limit travel and overnight stays.
- Masks worn at all times by athletes, coaches, officials, except for athletes during competition or active practice.
- No spectators pursuant to New York State Department of Health guidance.
- Regular weekly testing/COVID symptom checks prior to competition.
- Prior to road games, athletes will be tested within three days of departure.
- No eating, masks worn on buses for travel; bus capacity reduced to 50 percent.
- No handshakes, group celebrations or pre- or post-interaction with opposing team.
In addition to the guidance above, officials say the plan also includes that rising COVID positivity rates could delay or pause competition.
You can find the full plans here and here.
“The pandemic has kept our student athletes off the playing field for too long, but thanks to the great work and effort of SUNYAC Commissioner DiCamillo, our campus presidents, the SUNYAC leadership, athletic directors, coaches, and our athletes, we’ve developed a workable plan to resume athletic competition at SUNY,” said Chancellor Malatras. “I look forward to all of the great competition this year, and SUNY, like always, will aggressively handle any situations related to COVID as they emerge. I have confidence in our students—both on and off the field—to stay the course and comply to keep one another and our entire campuses and communities safe.”
