Strict health protocols will be in place for limited, weekend-only, NESCAC schedule from mid-April to mid-May
In line with the decision of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) to conduct a shortened spring season, Tufts University anticipates resuming intercollegiate athletics under strict health protocols next month.
If conditions permit, Tufts’ spring athletes, who missed last year’s season when the pandemic struck, may play a limited, weekend-only, NESCAC schedule from mid-April to mid-May. The affected teams include baseball, men’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s rowing, sailing, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field.
“We are very excited at the prospect of seeing our Jumbos compete this spring along with our NESCAC partners,” said John Morris, director of athletics. “The NESCAC has created an impressive set of safety protocols, and while the return to play is contingent on current positive health trends continuing through the spring, we are optimistic that our Jumbos will soon be back in action for the first time in a year.”
NESCAC play will resume only with important health and safety protocols in place, including: mask wearing at all times; off-field physical distancing; close supervision by medical training staff, coaches and athletics department staff; and testing for all competitors, coaches and officials.
Additionally, there will be no spectators, no game-related gatherings of any kind, no overnight trips, and no use of locker rooms by visiting teams. All schedules, which have yet to be determined, will be regional, pitting schools against geographically close teams, and will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of local and state public health authorities.
A decision about whether the university will participate in potential post-season tournament play will be made at a future date and be based on public health conditions at the time
Tufts health advisors will continue to monitor COVID-19 data and trends, locally and regionally to determine if adjustments to the plan are needed at any point before or during the shortened season.
