NEWMAC Presidents Council’s Statement on Spring Sports

The following message was issued by NEWMAC on March 1, 2021: 

Westwood, MA --- The NEWMAC Presidents Council has outlined a path forward for Spring Sports. The Presidents continue to hold the safety and well-being of student-athletes and surrounding communities as its primary focus when making decisions around the impact of COVID-19 and the resumption of intercollegiate athletic competition. As part of this decision, the conference will require ongoing testing, universal masking and other modifications to game management standards as part of its health and safety protocols for student-athletes, coaches, officials and game personnel at institutions choosing to participate this spring. These additional precautions exceed the current NCAA guidance for spring sports. 

The Presidents Council also recognizes the complexity of the decision to compete and agree that each member has the autonomy to determine whether or not to participate in the 2021 Spring Season based on unique institutional considerations. The Conference supports the decision of each member school to opt out of play altogether or as the season progresses. 

Due to the variance of the rate of COVID-19 spread and the different local, state and institutional restrictions, the Presidents have proposed a conference-only schedule among member institutions willing and able to compete. Additionally, institutions should not participate if they pose or face a danger of spreading the virus. 

The Presidents Council and conference leadership will continue to monitor state and local guidance regarding COVID-19. Decisions related to all athletics schedules will be subject to the realities of the pandemic as the spring season approaches and after it commences. 

WPI updates:

WPI is planning to participate in the following NEWMAC spring sports: baseball, softball, and men's and women's track and field.  Additionally, WPI will compete in the sports of men's and women's rowing.  



WPI and the NEWMAC have a no in-person spectator policy at all events.



Livestreaming will be available for most competitions beginning March 20. Availability will be dependent on host and location. Visit https://athletics.wpi.edu for more information.



Baseball Schedule - Softball Schedule - Track and Field and Rowing schedules will be posted as they become available. 

Fans are encouraged to visit wpi.edu/athletics and www.newmacsports.com and for the latest information as it is released.