Pac-12 Conference Postpones All Sport Competitions Through End of Calendar Year

Full Pac-12 Release | Washington Athletics COVID-19 Updates

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Pac-12 CEO Group voted unanimously to postpone all sport competitions through the end of the 2020 calendar year.

The decision was made after consultation with athletics directors and with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee who expressed concern with moving forward with contact practice.  The report and updated guidelines of the Committee can be found here: Pac-12 COVID-19 Return to Play Considerations – Aug. 10, 2020 and a full list of Committee members can be found here: Pac-12 Medical Advisory Committee. The Conference also announced that when conditions improve, it would consider a return to competition for impacted sports after January 1, 2021.

Student-athletes impacted by the postponement will continue to have their scholarships guaranteed.  Additionally, the Pac-12 Conference strongly encourages that the NCAA grant students who opt out of competition this academic year an additional year of eligibility.  As part of their guaranteed scholarships, they will continue to have university support, including academic advising and tutoring, among other support services.

"All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans," said Michael H. Schill, president of the University of Oregon. "Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year."

"The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports has been our number one priority since the start of this current crisis," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.  "Our student-athletes, fans, staff and all those who love college sports would like to have seen the season played this calendar year as originally planned, and we know how disappointing this is."

Scott noted that while the Conference's detailed plan to keep student-athletes safe was working in accordance with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee guidelines and state and local government orders, the situation was becoming more challenging: "Unlike professional sports, college sports cannot operate in a bubble," he said. "Our athletic programs are a part of broader campuses in communities where in many cases the prevalence of COVID-19 is significant.  We will continue to monitor the situation and when conditions change we will be ready to explore all options to play the impacted sports in the new calendar year."

"We know that this is a difficult day for our student-athletes, and our hearts go out to them and their families," added Scott.  "We have made clear that all of their scholarships will be guaranteed, and that as a Conference we are strongly encouraging the NCAA to grant them an additional year of eligibility."

STATEMENTS

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce:

"It's tremendously disappointing to reach this point, but the continued spread of the coronavirus around the country, plus the new questions being raised about its potential health effects, forced our hand. We've said all along that our decisions would be guided by our commitment to our students' health and welfare, and that will continue to be our focus in light of this very difficult and disappointing decision for all of us. What we'll do now is support our students whose seasons have been disrupted and ensure they have what they need to stay healthy, be successful in their classes and maintain their fitness as we wait for the country to get to a place where it's possible to play college sports again."

Director of Athletics Jen Cohen:

"Today is an extremely difficult day for Husky Athletics. This decision impacts so many people, especially our student-athletes and coaches, and my heart goes out to each of them. Our students are committed young men and women who dedicate their time and talents to developing as students, athletes and leaders as they represent our programs, university and our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to give these students, and all of our students, an opportunity to compete this year. Our commitment to provide an environment for our students to thrive holistically – physically, mentally, academically and socially – does not change.  Though this is a disappointing day, we are supportive of the decision made by the Pac-12 CEO's in consultation with the Pac-12 Medical Advisory Committee and Pac-12 AD's which prioritized the health and well-being of all involved. We would also like to thank Husky Nation for all they do and provide for our students and our entire department. We have the greatest fans and supporters who have helped build this incredible place and we can't wait to be reunited with them again on Montlake when the time is right."

Football Head Coach Jimmy Lake:

"I'm so grateful for our medical team and our administration for the time they have committed the last several weeks and months to put together a plan as we worked to get back on the field this fall. The safety of our student-athletes and our staff will always be the number-one priority and we will continue to work with our medical staff, administration and the Pac-12 as we navigate the weeks ahead. We remain committed to providing the greatest experience possible for our players. We will continue to train and prepare and, when the medical experts determine the season can begin, the University of Washington Football Team will be ready to compete."

Men's Soccer Head Coach Jamie Clark:

"Our team is disappointed that they will not be allowed to compete this fall, but they understand this decision was made in the interest of their health & wellness. We will find a way to keep growing and getting better, and whenever we are able to compete again, our group will be ready to defend its Pac-12 title!"

Director of Cross Country Maurica Powell & Cross Country Head Coach Andy Powell:

"While it's disappointing that we'll have to wait a little longer for competitive opportunities, we fully trust that the medical guidance provided by the Pac-12 conference and our university leaders is in the best interest of our student-athletes.  We will continue to put the mental and physical health and wellness of our Huskies at the forefront of all we do here on Montlake, and we'll get through this, together."

Women's Soccer Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke:

"Yesterday's news about the season was very disappointing to our team. Our players have shown a remarkable dedication to the preparation for the season, but they understand that the health and safety of the team and community must come first. We would like to thank the athletic department and health professionals who worked tirelessly to try to make our return to play possible. We are all in this together and we look forward to our chance to represent ourselves and the Husky family when the time is right."