Mid-American Conference cancels fall season due to COVID-19: reports

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced Saturday the postponement of all scheduled fall games and MAC championships due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made by the conference’s Council of Presidents in a unanimous decision to place priority on the health and wellbeing of players, coaches and staff as the U.S. grapples with rising COVID-19 cases, according to an official release.

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— #MACtion (@MACSports) August 8, 2020

The decision impacts 12 schools near the Great Lakes region stretching from Western New York to Illinois. Schools affected include the furthest western member, Northern Illinois University, all the way to the University of Buffalo in New York.

The NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletic conference added it intends to provide competitive opportunities for fall sports in the spring semester of 2021.

“The fall sports affected are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball,” according to MAC’s official statement.

The conference added there is not yet a decision about winter sports.

MAC announced plans are underway for restarting competitions in the spring 2021 semester and will continue to monitor the pandemic situation with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other government health official guidances.

Updated: 1 p.m.