Pac-12 postpones fall sports
By Sam Catanzaro
There will be no sports at UCLA this fall as the Pac-12 has postponed its athletic season.
On Tuesday, the Pac-12 Conference made the decision to postpone all fall intercollegiate athletics competitions among its member institutions, which include UCLA, and to examine the possibility of a return to play in the new year.
The decision was made after consultation with athletics directors and with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee who expressed concern with moving forward with contact practice. The Conference also announced that when conditions improve, it would consider a return to competition for impacted sports after January 1, 2021.
Student-athletes impacted by the postponement will continue to have their scholarships guaranteed, according to the Pac-12. Additionally, the Pac-12 Conference said it strongly encourages that the NCAA grant students who opt out of competition this academic year an additional year of eligibility. As part of their guaranteed scholarships, they will continue to have university support, including academic advising and tutoring, among other support services, according to the Pac-12.
“All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans,” said Michael H. Schill, president of the University of Oregon. “Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year.”
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said the decision is a disappointment to Bruins, but still expressed support
“This was a decision that I have discussed at length with our athletic director Martin Jarmond and our health and safety experts, and it is one I fully support. Amid the continuing hazards posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to protect the health and welfare of our student-athletes must remain paramount,” Block said. “While the postponement of fall competition may not come as a surprise, it is nonetheless a disappointment to Bruins near and far. I am saddened for our student-athletes, many of whom have been training throughout the summer while diligently following safety protocols, yet who will not be able to showcase their talents and compete in the sports they love. Our coaches and staff have similarly invested a great deal of time and energy building modified training programs and flexible competition schedules. And, of course, there are tens of thousands of UCLA students, alumni and fans across the globe who will not be able to come together to cheer for our student-athletes and support our institution in one of the ways we cherish.”
