Presidents from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association member institutions, announced today that they intend to return sports to MIAA campuses this fall, and are committed to providing a safe and competitive experience for all student-athletes that participate throughout the conference.
In making this announcement, the MIAA, with guidance from the conference commissioner and institution athletic directors, acknowledged that MIAA athletics in 2020-21 may look different than in years past. The conference office said in their release that a “new normal” will evolve as everyone continues to deal with the effects of COVID-19.
“It is with great optimism that we are looking forward to the next academic year,” said Penny Allen-Cook, MIAA Commissioner
“This has been a very challenging time for winter and spring student-athletes as they saw their seasons cut short,” said Cook. ” And our fall sports student-athletes have had to deal with the anxiety of not knowing their status for the coming year. In making this announcement today, we hope to provide some reassurance to MIAA student-athletes and their families.”
With guidance and direction from member institution’s team doctors and athletic training staffs, protocols are being developed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in every way possible. All of their decisions have been data-driven and are based on guidance from federal, state, and local health officials.
Cook also said in the release that MIAA member institutions understand that the final status of return to play is subject to state and local guidelines, along with the readiness of its members to return students to campus in the fall.
“The MIAA will continue to develop and perfect plans as the response to the pandemic evolves, and that everyone associated with the conference is excited about the prospect of providing a safe and practical competitive environment for student-athletes this fall,” said Cook
This article is comprised of media and information from an MIAA press release. For more sports, news and entertainment, follow us on Twitter@MWSNsports or like our page on Facebook.
