GAME ON! MASCAC Update on Spring Sport Competition
WESTFIELD, Mass. – The eight Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Presidents announced today that they have approved a plan to have competition for the spring sports of baseball, men's golf, women's lacrosse, softball and men's and women's outdoor track and field. The presidents have also approved the continuation of practice for fall and winter MASCAC teams subject to health and safety, testing and tracing protocols in place to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
"The MASCAC continues to meet regularly with the presidents, athletic directors, athletic trainers and other essential staff as we bring our student-athletes back to the playing field, safely, while adhering to all state, federal and NCAA guidelines," said MASCAC Commissioner Angela Baumann. "It is our intention to have these athletic events as long as the conditions allow us to move forward safely. The MASCAC office and eight MASCAC Presidents will be monitoring practices and competition to ensure the continued health and safety of our student-athletes and staff."
It will remain the decision of each member institution to determine if they can safely participate in intercollegiate athletics this spring and in which sports they will permit competition. These decisions will be made in consultation with campus health professionals and the MASCAC Commissioner.
The presidents have approved a conference schedule where the institutions will play the same school each week in baseball, softball and women's lacrosse. In addition, the membership has approved a men's golf and outdoor track and field championship. Additionally, the presidents have authorized institutions to schedule non-conference contests, provided all non-conference teams follow prescribed MASCAC health and safety guidance and protocols. Institutions will not be traveling to compete against teams out of state.
As the MASCAC teams continue to participate in athletic activities, it is the continued responsibility of all student-athletes and staff to stay diligent in their safety efforts on and off the field of play. Individual member institutions reserve the right to halt competition if the health of the campus community is put at risk. In the event of an increase of COVID-related cases on any of our campuses, the schedules may be adjusted, which might include stoppage of play.
"The presidents are excited to move forward with plans for spring sports competition," said Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President James Birge, Chair of the MASCAC Council of Presidents. "As we plan for spring sports competition, we will continue to fine-tune protocols to ensure the safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff and the campus communities," said President Birge.
Consistent with state restrictions on gathering limits, spectators will not be permitted at MASCAC contests at this time. This policy may be revisited for outdoor sports if conditions improve and subject to state and local health authorities' guidance. For the enjoyment of family, friends and fans of our student-athletes, the MASCAC will continue to livestream contests on MASCAC.tv.
Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, the MASCAC will be celebrating its' 50th anniversary with special features, facts and trivia commemorating the event. Our conference has a rich history of success on the playing field and in the classroom. Over the academic year, the conference will be highlighting the student-athletes, teams, coaches, and administrators from the last 50 years.
President James F. Birge, Council of Presidents Chair
President Fred Clark, Bridgewater State University
President Richard S. Lapidus, Fitchburg State University
President F. Javier Cevallos, Framingham State University
Admiral Francis X. McDonald, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
President John D. Keenan, Salem State University
Interim President Roy H. Saigo, Westfield State University
President Barry Maloney, Worcester State University
Angela Baumann, MASCAC Commissioner
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The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation's oldest Division III men's and women's playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in the sports of football and men's ice hockey, while Western Connecticut State University joined the conference as a football affiliate member in 2013. Dean College, Eastern Nazarene College, Elms College, Mitchell College and Springfield College joined as men's golf affiliates in 2019.