PAC Presidents’ Council working towards “Return to Sport” in 2020-21

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Presidents' Council of the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), during its May 19 virtual meeting, reaffirmed its commitment to planning for a "Return to Sport" framework for varsity intercollegiate athletics during the 2020-21 academic year.

"Student-athletes and their competition are a vital part of our undergraduate experience," said Dr. David Finegold, president at Chatham University and current chair of the PAC Presidents' Council. "We are looking at all aspects of what will be necessary to resume sports competition next academic year while doing all we can to protect the health of our student-athletes in light of the global pandemic."

As part of the planning, the presidents approved the formation of three working groups, consisting of conference executive leaders, administrators, health professionals and coaches to address issues and create a clear working plan for the league. The groups – covering the areas of Health and Safety, Scheduling and Financial Considerations – will report back to the PAC Presidents' Council with recommended guidelines, best practices and strategies for the upcoming academic year.

Federal, state and local guidelines will be primary considerations for the conference's 10 full members and two affiliate football members as the summer leads into preseason practice and then into competition. All 12 PAC institutions are represented on the working group rosters.

"We are grateful for the collaboration and hard work proceeding to open the best possibilities for wholehearted competition among student-athletes in the PAC," said Dr. Calvin L. Troup, president at Geneva College and incoming chair of the PAC Presidents' Council.

Presidents from the 10 full conference member schools have been in communication with PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko regarding individual campus contingency planning in an effort to coordinate conference logistics and support.

The PAC anticipates making final decisions regarding the structure and timeline for varsity athletics in the fall 2020 semester sometime in late June or early July, subject to any changes to come regarding public health best practices or federal, state and local guidelines.

*Provided by the Presidents' Athletic Conference

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