MVC Presidents Council Announces Delayed Start for Fall Sports; PFL Announces Adjustments to 2020 Season
Monday, July 27, 2020
MVC Presidents Council Announces Delayed Start for Fall Sports; PFL Announces Adjustments to 2020 Season

Missouri Valley Conference Release 

The Missouri Valley Conference Presidents Council has announced that it will delay the start of competition in MVC fall sports until Friday, Sept. 18, and the league will conduct conference-only competition in men's soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball.

This decision does not include football-playing institutions that compete in leagues with separate governing bodies (members of the Pioneer Football League and the Missouri Valley Football Conference).  It also does not include non-MVC sponsored sports in which Conference institutions compete.

Fall competitive schedules for men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, and women’s tennis will also be delayed until Sept. 18, as will the non-championship fall seasons for baseball and softball.  Additionally, the start of fall practice for all MVC-sponsored sports may not start before Aug. 17.  Beginning with Sept. 18, student-athletes in those sports may compete against non-conference competition, provided that non-MVC institutions meet the necessary safety specifications as outlined in the NCAA's Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines.

At this time, schedules for winter and spring sports are not impacted.  MVC championship models for fall sports as previously announced are also not impacted.  MVC institutions may continue with permissible athletics activities at their discretion under approved safety protocols established in the NCAA’s Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines, while following state, local and institutional policies.

The MVC and its Presidents Council will continue to monitor national developments and, if necessary, will consider additional action as dictated by circumstances.

Pioneer Football League Release

ST. LOUIS – The Pioneer Football League’s Presidents Council has determined PFL fall schedules will not include any non-conference competition and, if conducted, a conference-only schedule will not begin before September 26.

The Council will vigilantly monitor national developments, ensuring the league’s plans continue to be supported by current medical evidence and guidance. It is the Council’s intent to ensure the health and welfare of student-athletes and the communities in which they live.