ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports
season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to
ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In making its decision, which was based on multiple factors, the Big Ten Conference relied on the
medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten
Sports Medicine Committee.
“Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students, faculty
and staff,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and
Northwestern University President.
“The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of
every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward,” said Big Ten Commissioner
Kevin Warren. “As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for
Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear
that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to
compete this fall.
“We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the future of the talented
young women and men who compete in the Big Ten Conference. Although that knowledge made this a
painstaking decision, it did not make it difficult. While I know our decision today will be disappointing in
many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families, I am heartened and inspired by
their resilience, their insightful and discerning thoughts, and their participation through our
conversations to this point. Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member
institutions is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The fall sports included in this announcement are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey,
football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Big Ten Conference will continue to
evaluate a number of options regarding these sports, including the possibility of competition in the
spring. Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated.
The Big Ten Conference is proud of…
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