The MIAA CEO Council has announced emergency action for the Association and its member institutions in regard to the 2020-21 athletic seasons and campus sport activities. The emergency action comes as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, the NCAA announcement to cancel Fall National Championships, and the recently released NCAA Board of Governors’ directives regarding the Resocialization of Collegiate Sport.

A news release says all MIAA fall sport competitions will be suspended until January 1, 2021. The Association will continue to explore the possibility of a limited number of competitions in football, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer in the spring, as permitted by the NCAA. The Conference office also has canceled the 2020 MIAA Virtual Football Media Day in light of the suspension of the MIAA football schedule.

Steve Scott, President of Pittsburg State University and chairperson of the MIAA CEO Council says: “The health and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and our communities continues to be the Association’s top priority. The MIAA is taking these important actions today to help our athletic departments comply with these new NCAA membership requirements, and to assist our campuses as we continue to address this public health crisis.”

All NCAA athletic-related activities (in all MIAA sports), including in-season practices, out-of-season practices, weight training, team athletic-related meetings and voluntary workouts directed by staff or in institutional facilities shall be permitted this fall based on each institution’s ability to comply with the August 11 NCAA Policy Clarifications document regarding the requirements for each division to conduct fall sports (non-competition) activities.

The Association will delay a decision on the winter sports competition schedule until October 1 at the latest.

MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy says: “The MIAA CEO Council will continue to monitor this fluid and evolving situation for college athletics, and make necessary changes to this plan per updated NCAA guidance and restrictions.”

MIAA leadership at member institutions will continue to work together and seek guidance from the NCAA on the NCAA Board of Governors’ directives and the Resocialization of Collegiate Sport Guidelines. The Association will continue to place the health, safety and well-being of MIAA student-athletes, coaches and administrators as its top priority.