KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released a statement Friday in response to the NCAA's decision earlier this week to cancel all fall sports championships.
"Like last winter and spring, our hearts break again for MIAA student-athletes and coaches who will not have an opportunity this fall to compete for NCAA national championships," MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy said in the state. "Our student-athletes train to be the best in the country in their particular sport, and it is very difficult to accept when that pinnacle event is taken away."
The NCAA also announced requirements that include testing protocols for all student-athletes and key athletics personnel, and legal and insurance restrictions for schools that decide to practice or compete this fall in any sport. The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force, MIAA Athletic Directors and the MIAA CEO Council continue to meet and discuss how these new requirements impact MIAA plans for athletic department activities this fall. The MIAA CEO Council is scheduled to meet again on August 13.
"As an association, we are committed to exploring every option available for MIAA student-athletes and coaches to be engaged in meaningful intercollegiate athletic activities this fall," Dr. Steve Scott said. The Pittsburg State University President who serves as chairperson of the MIAA CEO Council added, "our commitment remains that we will do this in a healthy and safe environment for MIAA students, coaches and staff."
