NAIA moves fall sport championships to spring 2021; NSAA begins team practices Aug 15

MADISON, S.D. (PlayNorthStar.com) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Council of Presidents (COP) voted on Tuesday, July 28 to postpone the national championships in women’s/men’s cross country, women’s/men’s soccer and women’s volleyball to spring 2021. This decision still allows NAIA conferences to compete in the fall and winter, if they so choose. The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Board of Athletic Directors, in conjunction with local and state health departments, is developing protocols to prepare for fall sports participation. The health and welfare of student-athletes and athletic department staff are the focus of all planning processes.

All sports can begin team practices on Saturday, Aug. 15. The official competition in the sports of volleyball,soccer and cross country is slated to begin on Saturday, Sept. 5. NSAA football will kick off their 9-game schedule on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Watertown is set to host the NSAA Super 6 Volleyball Tournament this upcoming fall.

The timing of the football national championship will be decided in another NAIA’s COP meeting on Friday, July 31.