Fall Sports At Rider University Canceled

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), of which Rider University is a member, has canceled its fall sports season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the conference announced on Monday.

The MAAC Council of Presidents will decide whether sports normally played in the fall will be played in the spring at a later date, according to the conference.

Athletic activities and training at Rider will be determined by the university based on its procedures and New Jersey state regulations.

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"The fall sports impacted by the council's decision include men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and men's and women's cross country and sports that conduct non-traditional season segments in the fall,” MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor said. “The MAAC Executive Committee will explore with the Committee on Athletic Administration (COAA) the goal of providing the student-athletes with a schedule of contests among conference members in the spring of 2021 in accordance with each institution's procedures and applicable state regulations. It is the goal of the MAAC to ensure it recognizes a MAAC champion in each sport and it will review possible championship formats for the fall sports in accordance with evolving state and local regulations."

“For all of us who take pride in Rider Athletics, today’s decision touches us deeply," Rider University President Gregory G. Dell’Omo said. "I feel the pain of disappointment along with every individual who contributes to our programs, particularly our student-athletes. While we must continue to prioritize their health among any other concerns, I want to recognize that the grit, discipline and passion they display on a daily basis will always be worthy of our admiration and our respect. We all look forward to the day when we can see those traits displayed through competition once again.”

MAAC student-athletes whose seasons have been canceled will still be permitted to train when they return to campus. Institutions will be responsible for implementing their own training guidelines in accordance with state and local COVID-19 regulations and guidance provided by the NCAA in its Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition including testing protocols.

"While I am extremely disappointed and heartbroken for our fall student-athletes, coaches and fans, the health and safety of all involved in our competitive environment remains a top priority," Rider Athletic Director Don Harnum said. "We will get through this tough time together and continue to support our student-athletes in pursuit of their educational and athletic goals."

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