2020 Framingham State University Fall Athletics Update
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) announced this morning the suspension of upcoming fall varsity athletics for the fall 2020 semester, due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. This very difficult decision was made with the safety of student-athletes, coaches and staff in mind.
At this time, Framingham State does not have any athletic competitions scheduled for the fall semester for the seven fall varsity sports – women's soccer, men's soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball, men's cross country and women's cross country. Although there will not be fall contests the State Universities are planning to provide student-athlete with on-campus, in-person practices, conditioning and training opportunities during the fall semester to support their physical and mental well-being. These practice and training opportunities will not use a year of NCAA eligibility and will be done in compliance with the campus, city, state, federal and NCAA COVID guidance and protocols. More details on these activities will be released in the coming weeks.
A decision on the status of the winter varsity programs will be made in the fall. Framingham State is currently exploring the possibility of having the spring sports – baseball, softball, women's lacrosse and women's track and field – hold their non-traditional seasons that normally occur in the fall. However, if this is to occur, the non-traditional seasons will be reduced and modified to provide the safest environment for our student-athletes, coaches and staff and will not include any competition.
"While we are saddened to have to suspend fall sport athletic competitions at this time, a decision had to be made with the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff in mind," said Framingham State Director of Athletics Tom Kelley. "We understand how upsetting this news will be for many of our student-athletes and we will continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and it is our hope to have our student-athletes back on the field and court as soon as it can safely be done."
Framingham State understands the important role of varsity athletics in the experience of our student-athletes and does not take the decision to suspend play lightly. At this time, no decision has been made regarding winter or spring sports competition during the Spring 2021 semester. It is our hope that 2021 would bring a safe and healthy environment for winter and spring athletic seasons.
Framingham State University is engaged in planning for the 2020-2021 academic year with the health and safety of all members of the campus community in mind. The University has previously announced that classes will resume with reduced on-campus instruction and limited capacity in the residence halls.
As always, the members of our coaching staffs and the FSU athletic department staff are here for all of our student-athletes to provide support and guidance as we all navigate this unprecedented time.
Update July 24th - Club sports have been cancelled for the Fall 2020 semester. A decision on club sports to occur during the spring semester has not been made at this time.
Student-athletes are encouraged to follow the University's and Athletic Department's updates regarding the 2020-2021 academic year on the University and Athletics websites as well as on all of our social media platforms. Please use the link below for the most up-to-date information.
Framingham State University COVID-19 Updates – www.framingham.edu/covid