The College Squash Association (CSA) has been actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented impact it is having on colleges and universities, including our member institutions. We are encouraged that recreational squash is returning in some states with the implementation of effective public health guidelines. However, the disruption to college athletics continues, including the cancelation of fall semester competitions in many conferences.
The CSA remains committed to organizing and supporting intercollegiate competitions in its traditional winter season. At this point, the vast majority of dual matches will commence after January 1, 2021, subject to future decisions about the viability of winter sports in the face of ongoing health concerns.
Schedules and other important dates are still to be determined and verified with campus and conference partners, but the CSA does not expect to hold competitions outside of the traditional winter season footprint. The CSA will consider extending its traditional season end dates by a few weeks if it maximizes safe playing opportunities for squash student-athletes.
The CSA will support those member schools who choose to safely conduct squash activities, including competitions, at their own discretion during the 2020 fall semester.
If member institutions enable their squash programs to plan for a winter season, the CSA will support the implementation of measures intended to limit the spread of the virus on campuses. Examples of such measures include, but are not limited to, enforcing consistent return-to-play guidelines, eliminating overnight travel, scheduling only regional or conference competition, asking spectators to refrain from attending matches in person, and adjusting typical matchday rituals and behaviors.
As the higher education and intercollegiate athletics industries continue to navigate an uncharted and shifting landscape, the CSA stands poised to collaborate with its member institutions in order to create safe and meaningful playing opportunities for intercollegiate squash players during the 2020-2021 season.
The CSA will provide further guidance on plans for the season as the situation develops over the coming weeks and months. To receive updates related to this topic and future newsletters from the CSA, please sign up for the CSA mailing list.
