Fall Athletics Update - August 26
The members of the Inter-Academic Athletics League continue to focus on plans for the 2020-21 academic year with the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and their communities the primary concern. In response to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors of Athletics and Heads of School have been meeting diligently to address opening our schools safely, as well as the safety and well-being of our communities. Athletics engagement is an important part of the experience for many of our students, and member institutions remain committed to this experience. However, the Heads of School and Directors of Athletics have unanimously decided to suspend any inter-scholastic competition through December 31, 2020. This decision was made given the unprecedented health concerns we face in our community and in consideration with Gov. Wolf’s strong recommendation, as well as updated policy recommendations from CHOP PolicyLab. We have decided that member schools may maintain conditioning, skill development, and sport practices from September 14 through November 20 in accordance with Gov. Wolf’s guidelines and CHOP PolicyLab requirements.
The Germantown Academy Athletic Department has already begun designing our individual plan for Upper School student-athletes to run from the week of September 14 through the week of November 16. We are committed to developing a program to meet the goals of keeping those student-athletes engaged, healthy, and happy. The new Upper School Athletic Program will be released the week of September 7.
Should conditions permit, the League intends to hold three 7 week seasons for our student-athletes. These three seasons would begin on January 4 and end on June 1. Traditional fall, winter, and spring sports may be moved due to health concerns, facility availability, or weather conditions. Additional information regarding these seasons will be available shortly.
We know how invested our students are in athletics and the many traditions that surround them, and I am sorry for the inevitable disappointment and sadness so many students, coaches, and community members will feel with this postponement of interscholastic athletics. We are equally invested in doing everything we can to ensure these vital components of the GA experience will happen when it is safe to do so. Please be as patient as you can be while we work with our colleagues in the Inter-Ac to plan rescheduled seasons and events. If you have urgent questions beforehand, don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Tim Ginter
Athletic Director
tim.ginter@germantownacademy.org