Following numerous conversations by the conference's Presidents Council and its Athletic Leadership, the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) has decided to suspend conference play during the winter season due to the ongoing health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19.
The sports impacted by this decision include Becker's men's and women's basketball's programs. The NECC's decision to suspend conference play during the winter season does not affect Becker's men's and women's ice hockey programs, who are associate members of the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC).
The well-being of all constituents is at the heart of every decision the NECC makes and, with that in mind, the conference has deemed it would not be prudent to participate in conference competition during the winter season.
As was the case during the fall, this announcement does not preclude member institutions from competing locally or regionally at their discretion.
Assuming the spread of the virus is contained and safety can be assured, conference play will resume during the spring semester.
"As disappointing as this decision will be for our student-athletes, their health and safety is always our primary concern," said Nancy Crimmin, Ed.D., Chair of the NECC Presidents Council and Becker College President.
She continued, "I am especially proud of our athletes, coaches, and athletics staff who, despite the challenges they faced this semester, continue to display unwavering resiliency and dedication. With most of the schools shifting spring academic calendars for a later start, travel restrictions and scheduling challenges, and the overall uncertainty with the virus, the decision to suspend the winter season became more clear."
Practice and other athletic training opportunities for enrolled student-athletes will be permitted provided they are structured in accordance with each institution's procedures and in accordance with local and state regulations.
The NECC's member institutions are continuing to work together to provide extended and non-traditional opportunities for their students.
