NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - May 15, 2020 – The Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference concluded its 2020 Annual Spring Meetings Wednesday, which were held virtually for the first time in league history. The meeting covered key league topics as well as the many issued as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the national economic crisis facing higher education and intercollegiate athletics.
Decisions approved that will apply to only the 2020-21 season were to regionalize and condense conference schedules by 25 percent in the sports of field hockey, volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, baseball, softball and women’s lacrosse. These revised schedules will allow for institutions to ensure a safer environment, minimize travel and missed class time, and conserve cost while still providing competitive schedules for the student-athletes and coaches. Additionally, the 2020-21 Atlantic 10 Championships for volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, baseball, softball and women’s lacrosse were each reformatted to a four-team championship. This will minimize travel exposure, provide a final four competitive experience and allow for the championships to be conducted in one weekend. Other revisions to events and policies included the decision to conduct men’s basketball media day, sport committee meetings and administrative/governance meetings virtually, again minimizing travel exposure and time away while maintaining cost containment.
"The decisions made, including revisions to our conference schedules, championship formats, policies and procedures were extremely difficult," stated Bernadette V. McGlad, A-10 Commissioner. "However, each was considered and discussed with empathy, in consideration of the health, welfare and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, support staff and overall athletic programs."
"The hope is that there will be a return to campus and classes with the ability to implement the necessary COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester," added McGlade. "Should this not occur, the conference is prepared to go back to the drawing board and reevaluate with medical professionals all decisions in the best interests of our student-athletes and programs."
The directors and coaches also discussed a number of pertinent NCAA governance-related issues, including the transfer legislative and waiver criteria, pending discussions on regulatory adjustments directly impacted by the pandemic, as well as future decision-making frameworks and protocols for safe return to sport. Discussion related to the soon to be drafted legislation for student athletes’ use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), was vetted, allowing for meaningful feedback to the NCAA.
