Skip To Main Content

University of San Francisco Athletics

Events

Composite Calendar +
Fall Sports update, USF Athletics, West Coast Conference

General

West Coast Conference Statement on Fall Sports Competition

San Bruno, CA – With the health and safety of student-athletes paramount in all decisions, the West Coast Conference Presidents' Council will delay the beginning of fall competition in all Conference sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WCC programs will not participate in any competition prior to Sept. 24, 2020, the WCC and its member institutions announced today.

The welfare of student-athletes is of primary importance in all decisions. Discussions focused on the health and welfare of WCC students, personnel, fans, and local communities. The Conference and its membership understand that providing a safe environment while dealing with this virus has an impact on each of our campus communities as well as our global community.

"This decision was made out of concern for the safety and protection of our communities, our campuses, and our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Joan McDermott. "We are working closely with University of San Francisco staff, as well as the West Coast Conference Presidents' Council, to monitor changing conditions and ensure the safest possible return for our student-athletes."

This decision includes the traditional fall seasons in men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer and women's volleyball. Baseball, beach volleyball, men's and women's golf, and men's and women's tennis, which hold their traditional seasons in the spring, will not participate in a fall competition scheduled prior to Sept. 24. The men's and women's basketball competition seasons, scheduled to begin Nov. 10, are not impacted by this decision.

In-person voluntary and mandatory athletically related activities outside of competition, including training and practices, may be conducted at the institution's discretion in accordance with NCAA regulations and local health and safety guidelines.

"While difficult, this is a necessary move to ensure we are providing the safest environment for our programs to compete," said West Coast Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. "We have worked on plans for a variety of circumstances and believe, with our actions guided by information and science, this is the responsible decision at this time. We will continue to evaluate our best path moving forward with the health and safety of everyone involved as the guiding principle of our discussions."

The WCC Presidents' Council made this decision following extensive review of various contingency plans. The Conference continues to discuss options for fall sports. Any further action will be shared at the appropriate time.
 
Print Friendly Version