COVID-19 Prompts TMCC Soccer Season to Move to Spring 2021

Courtesy: Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College says it is postponing its fall soccer season to spring 2021 amid the ongoing pandemic. 

TMCC Athletics posted this statement on its website on July 21:

On Monday, July 13, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) released an official announcement regarding the status of the 2020 fall season.

In response to the recent rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, NJCAA President and CEO Dr. Christopher Parker announced that the majority of fall 2020 competition will move to Spring 2021. The decision was informed by the NJCAA Board of Regents and Advisory Council, and applies to all close-contact sports originally scheduled to begin official practices and games in August. This includes men's and women's soccer, the two sports currently fielded by Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC).

As a member institution of the NJCAA, the Athletics Department at TMCC will comply with this decision. "The health and safety of the student-athletes and staff is paramount," said Tina Ruff, TMCC Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness. "The NJCAA made the best decision for everyone. It is unfortunate that we cannot play the fall season, but moving the season to the spring term gives us the best opportunity to play a competitive season."

Under the updated plan of action, official competition for these sports will be shifted to April and May 2021, and official practices will be permitted to begin in March. During the fall, teams will be granted a 60-day period where they are allowed to practice for up to 20 hours per week, and may also train for as many as eight hours per week outside of that 60-day period, similar to offseason activities. The NJCAA also provided guidelines for scrimmages and non-conference competitions.

When athletes return to participate in athletics activities, it will be under strict guidelines for health and safety that include social distancing, sanitation, and regular symptom screening. Additional planning is ongoing, and further discussions will be held with TMCC leadership and the Scenic West Athletic Conference to determine the outlook of the upcoming season.

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