FREELAND, MI (WTVB) – Presidents from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association member institutions have announced they intend to return sports to M.I.A.A. campuses in the fall and are committed to providing a safe and competitive experience for all student-athletes throughout the 2020-2021 academic year.
According to a news release issued on Friday, the M.I.A.A., with guidance from the conference commissioner and institution athletic directors, acknowledged that conference athletics in 2020-21 may look different than in years past, and that a “new normal” will evolve as everyone continues to deal with the effects of COVID-19.
Conference leadership is developing scenarios and plans. These scenarios range from having a normal return with a phased-in practice and competition schedule consistent with guidelines set by governing bodies, to delaying the start of practice and play which would result in shortened seasons.
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 decisions will be data-driven and based on guidance from federal, state, and local health officials.
M.I.A.A. Commissioner Penny Allen-Cook says 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.
