Ivy League Cancels Spring Sports Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Ivy League Cancels Spring Sports Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Wednesday March 11th, 2020 3:00pm
The Ivy League has announced it is cancelling all spring athletic practices and competition through the remainder of the academic year.
The announcement is a huge blow to the college lacrosse landscape, as the league was having an incredibly successful start to the 2020 season. Four Ivy League teams are currently in the Maverik Mens DI Media Poll, with Princeton at No. 2. Three teams are currently ranked in the Maverik Womens DI Media Poll.
The decision comes a day after the NESCAC made a similar announcement in DIII.
Wednesday's announcement is escalation of the Ivy League's stance from earlier in the week. Previously, the Ivy League had said spectators would be limited to upcoming contests, but teams were practicing in preparation for the rest of their games.
According to Dana O'Neil of The Athletic, the league will put in a blanket request for an extra year of eligibility for players
Ivy League personnel just told me it will likely request a blanket waiver/extra year for all spring sport athletes whose seasons were just canceled.
Here is the announcement from the Ivy League:
PRINCETON, N.J. With further developments in the outbreak of COVID-19, the Ivy League Presidents are announcing their unanimous decision to cancel all spring athletics practice and competition through the remainder of the academic year.
Individual institutions will decide whether or not winter teams and student-athletes who have qualified for postseason play will participate.
In accordance with the guidance of public health and medical professionals, several Ivy League institutions have announced that students will not return to campus after spring break, and classes will be held virtually during the semester. Given this situation, it is not feasible for practice and competition to continue.