NAIA members,
I wanted to give you an update as the NAIA continues to navigate the path forward for offering fall sports and championships. There are many moving parts that are changing daily. The fact that this is a complicated process goes without saying and I know you are dealing with the same challenges on your campuses.
Most of the decisions we’re analyzing fall into two categories. The first, and undoubtedly most important, is the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. The national office is working with outside resources to establish the appropriate institutional requirements and recommendations including the proper screening protocol, testing logistics, safety standards, and quarantine options.
The second category relates to preparing for the unpredictability of COVID-19 and the resulting impact on minimum participation requirements, scheduling scenarios, and crowd management. All of these elements are intertwined, making our due diligence even more critical in hopes of maintaining fall athletics.
Beginning next week, we will survey institutions to assess each school’s anticipated time frame for allowing athletics on campus, as dictated by local and state authorities.
This will be a weekly survey to presidents and athletics directors that will help us determine scheduling and appropriate travel parameters.
Our goal is still to share our plan with members no later than July 1 and we are on track to meet that deadline. We know our institutions are under pressure and would appreciate answers sooner rather than later. Please know that finding a safe way forward for fall 2020 athletics is the NAIA’s top priority and we will share any definitive information as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these difficult times and please let me know if you have any questions.
Be well,
Jim
