Chapman Athletics and SCIAC Update on Fall 2020
Chapman University Athletics has worked closely with the University and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) to prioritize a safe reopening of athletics in the Fall 2020 semester with the health and safety of the Chapman community at the forefront of every conversation.
The SCIAC stated in an announcement on Friday morning, "In accordance with public health guidance and safety standards, as well as NCAA Resocialization recommendations, the SCIAC Presidents have unanimously agreed to cancel conference competition for NCAA categorized high-contact risk sports in the fall semester. The following sports are included in this decision: men's and women's soccer, men's water polo, football, women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball. If state regulations allow for the resumption of residential living opportunities for conference competition in low and medium contact risk sports will be considered for the fall. These sports include men's and women's cross country, tennis, golf and swimming and diving. Discussions and decisions related to winter and spring sport competition will continue to take place throughout the fall semester."
Each institution still has the autonomy to conduct athletic-related activities as allowed by the NCAA and Chapman University remains committed to providing a meaningful athletic experience for all student-athletes. Chapman Athletics will follow the NCAA Resocialization Guidelines for all student-athletes returning to campus. While student-athletes in medium to low risk sports may have an opportunity to practice and compete in outside competition, student-athletes in high risk sports may also have opportunities to continue to train with Chapman's coaches and in Chapman's facilities as local guidelines permit.
Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced requirements for public schools that outline a return to in-person instruction can only take place if the county they reside in is off the State's county monitoring list for more than 14 consecutive days. Orange County is currently on this list and there is no indication that the guidance for higher education will be any less restrictive. With only six weeks until the start of the traditional semester and some programs starting sooner, the University must prepare for the possibility that we may have to start remotely, while also being ready for a shift to in-person instruction as soon as feasible.
As soon as Chapman University safely reopens and students return to their on- or off-campus housing, Chapman's coaches for all sports will be available for Chapman student-athletes in a limited meeting capacity. Certain athletic facilities will be available for use in accordance with the NCAA Resocialization Guidelines as well as guidance from local health officials.
The Athletics Department will be hosting a Town Hall for student-athletes and their families on July 28 at 4 p.m.
Q&A for student-athletes and families
Q: Which sports will not compete in Fall 2020?
A: Fall competition for high impact sports – football, men's water polo, women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball – are cancelled through the end of Fall 2020. Chapman, the SCIAC, and the NCAA are exploring possibilities for these sports to compete during the spring semester.
Q: Will any sports be able to face outside competition in Fall 2020?
A: Low to medium impact sports – men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's golf – may be allowed to compete in conference-only competitions during the Fall 2020 semester.
Q: Will any athletically related activities be allowed on campus?
A: As local guidelines permit, all student-athletes may have access to coaches for supervised strength & conditioning, virtual workouts and small group or one-on-one training sessions in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations.
Q: Will student-athletes be able to work out on campus?
A: All athletic training services, access to the weight room and all athletics facilities will adhere to NCAA Resocialization Guidelines and well as guidance from Chapman University and local health officials.
Q: Do I still need to complete my medical eligibility paperwork?
A: YES. In order to participate in team activities – virtually or in person – all student-athletes must complete their medical eligibility paperwork by August 1.
Q: How will this impact my athletic eligibility?
A: The NCAA Division III has already passed a blanket waiver for all student-athletes in 2020-21 to retain athletic eligibility if their team does not compete in at least 50% of an allowable schedule.
Q: What should I do if I have more questions?
Athletics will host a Town Hall for student-athletes and their families on July 28 at 4 p.m. We encourage all student-athletes and their families to attend and ask any questions that you may have.