The American Southwest Conference Council of Presidents announced July 25 the delay of conference-scheduled competition and championship events for fall championship sports programs with the anticipation of resuming ASC competition and championships in spring 2021. The delay of competition and championships includes traditional fall sports – cross country, football, soccer and volleyball. Non-conference competition is at each institution's discretion.
 
This page of FAQs will continue to be updated as necessary.
 
Updated | July 25, 2020
 
How was this decision made?
The decision by the conference presidents was made after evaluation of Division III legislative waivers and Association-wide actions; consideration of conference fall championship sport scheduling options; and review of current public health guidelines issued for COVID-19. The delay of competition and championships includes the fall championship sports of cross country, football, soccer and volleyball.
 
Will there be an opportunity for fall sports to have a competitive season in the spring?
The ASC remains committed as a conference and as individual institutions to building an academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes that is as robust as possible. This includes plans for competitive conference opportunities for the fall sports (cross country, football, soccer, volleyball) in the spring semester, as appropriate.
 
The American Southwest Conference membership anticipates approval of NCAA Division III playing and practice season waivers allowing greater opportunity for students in all sports to have a broad athletics experience throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Under the waiver, each campus will have flexibility in conducting individual and team skill instruction, strength and conditioning, and practices along with the prospect for enhanced academic and personal development, and other athletically related activities as health and safety conditions allow.
 
The proposed playing and practice season waiver will most allow schools to use a 114-day count for athletics activity. The current Division III structure requires a weekly count for the sports activity and does not provide as much flexibility as offered in the proposed waiver. A final decision on the waiver is expected following the Division III Presidents Council meeting the first week in August.
 
What will it be like to participate on a team this fall?
The delay in conference competition and championships for the fall championship sport teams is for the fall semester. In the meantime, the fall sports teams will be able to practice and gather in the fall semester under the supervision of their coaches and athletics department as the school allows.
 
The ASC continues to plan for positive interactions and programs for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, including personal and professional development opportunities, throughout the fall semester and into the spring.
 
Will this decision affect spring sports in their non-traditional season?
Decisions around practices and athletics activity for spring sports programs remain institutional per Division III legislation and blanket waivers for 2020-21 year. Schools will work with their coaches, staff, and student-athletes to plan for the best experience in the fall semester for all sports programs.