SMCC Delays Athletics to Spring Semester 2021

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—Athletics at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is an important part of the overall experience for many of our students, and serves as a powerful tool for engagement at the college. As the college community continues to make modifications to its fall offerings, the Athletic Department continues to align its offerings to meet the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to limits on campus attendance, sports competition in the fall semester will be delayed until the second semester with opportunities currently being developed to allow for fall varsity athletes to compete in some form after January 1.

SMCC Athletics is working in conjunction with the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) to coordinate plans for the return of athletics and provide meaningful experiences for students to continue to compete while meeting school policies and federal, state, and local health directives. We expect to have more details in the weeks ahead and will share information as it becomes available.

Q/A

Will there be any opportunities in the fall for student-athletes to function with their teams?

SMCC Athletics is currently in the development of policies that in which coaches will be permitted to engage with their teams. We anticipate providing opportunities for our coaches to work with student-athletes in the form of individual and small group workouts, advising, and academic support.

Who will SMCC Athletics teams compete against if other schools are participating in the fall?

SMCC Athletics is working with the YSCC to create scheduling options and postseason play and allow for competition to exist in the spring semester. Non-conference scheduling is being examined to determine availability and options.

What impacts will a possible reduced season have on student-athlete eligibility?

SMCC Athletics will continue to follow eligibility guidelines set forth by the USCAA. Discussions with the USCAA are on-going regarding each sport program’s impacts. If teams play a limited number of contests, or seasons end prematurely, the USCAA will provide guidance regarding student-athlete eligibility concerns as it did this past spring.

Read SMCC’s complete fall 2020 announcement HERE.

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