It is with great regret that the Roger Williams University Department of Athletics announces that Commonwealth Coast Conference competition will be suspended for the Fall 2020 season with the intent to hold their competitive seasons during the Spring. This difficult decision comes as a result of a consensus from the athletic directors and university presidents of the CCC in regards to the health and safety challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that continue to impact intercollegiate athletics, the country, and the world as a whole.
 
The RWU campus community and athletic department will continue to meet to assess the situation on a regular basis. If the opportunity arises to safely hold limited competitions for some fall sports, we will do so. The health and safety of our student-athletes, and the campus community as a whole, must be the priority when making these challenging decisions.
 
The Roger Williams University Department of Athletics will continue to develop healthy guidelines and procedures for our student-athletes to remain engaged in fitness and training together with their teammates, coaches, and athletic support staff throughout the fall semester. The Athletic Department will offer practice opportunities, team-building activities, and leadership programming during the Fall in order to provide some stability and structure for our student-athletes during these uncertain times.
 
Please see the following FAQ for more information.

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FAQ
 
This document will be updated as more information becomes available. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your coach or to Kiki Jacobs directly at kjacobs@rwu.edu.
 
Will fall varsity sports (cross-country, equestrian, field hockey, golf, polo, sailing, soccer, tennis, volleyball) be competing in the fall of 2020?
 
At this point in time, the Commonwealth Coast Conference has suspended fall sports until further notice and outside competition continues to be evaluated. Teams will be allowed to practice within the parameters of the State guidelines, CDC guidelines, RWU policies and NCAA resocialization plan. If circumstances change with the pandemic, then we will consider outside competition opportunities.
 
What about Club Sports?
 
Club Sports will follow similar guidelines as varsity sports. Practices will be allowed following State, CDC, University and NCAA guidelines. Club sports will not compete in the fall. All competition will be moved to the spring.
 
What does it mean that the CCC has suspended their season?
 
The Commonwealth Coast Conference has postponed fall sports until the spring – circumstances permitting. There will be no CCC championships until the spring. Institutions are allowed to practice and compete as they deem safe.
 
Can teams still practice together? Can the coaches be present?
 
Yes, under the guidelines of the State, CDC, NCAA, and Roger Williams University. We are committed to providing robust practice opportunities for all student-athletes during this challenging time.
 
Will student-athletes lose a year of NCAA eligibility if they practice with the team?
 
No, student-athletes will not lose a season of eligibility if they practice but do not compete. The NCAA granted a blanket waiver for this. More details can be found at:
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/diii-administrative-committee-approves-blanket-waivers-participation
 
Will winter sports teams (basketball, swimming & diving, wrestling) and spring sports teams (baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track & field) be allowed to hold practices during the fall 2020?
 
At this point, practices (under certain guidelines) will be permitted. Fall contests for winter sports will be determined at a later date. Spring sports will be allowed to practice during the fall under the guidelines set forth by the State, CDC, University and NCAA.
 
Can student-athletes use locker rooms and laundry facilities?
 
At this point in time, locker room facilities will not be open. Laundry facilities will be determined at a later date.
 
Do fall sport student-athletes still move in early?
 
No. Fall sport athletes will return with their class on their assigned day and time.
 
What about all of the medical paperwork for participation?
 
All student-athletes will still need to complete all medical requirements in order to practice with the team.  Requirements can be found here: 
https://rwuhawks.com/news/2019/6/6/student-athlete-clearance-and-communication-information-now-available.aspx
 
Will the Recreation Center, Fitness Center and Pool be open during the fall?
 
Yes. We will have strict protocols regarding social distancing, disinfecting and cleaning. More to come on this.
 
 
Updated:  July 17, 2020