Athletics FAQs

In the face of continued uncertainty surrounding the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Empire 8 Conference (the conference in which Nazareth's teams compete) unanimously decided Monday to suspend all fall season intercollegiate athletic competition for the fall 2020 semester. 

Instead, the Conference is now developing plans to allow fall season sports teams to play and compete during the spring, concurrently with traditional spring sports.
 
"Our athletics teams bring an energy and excellence that invigorates our campus culture all year round," said President Beth Paul. "While we are sadly disappointed that health and safety protocols concerning COVID-19 have temporarily curtailed our fall teams' ability to compete—as well as those teams at peer colleges in our conference—this fall we'll do all that we can to ensure that our Golden Flyers will still soar." 
 
The Nazareth College Athletic Department is committed to ensuring that our student athletes have a challenging and rewarding athletic experience this fall, advancing their skills and developing the strength of their teams even in the context of COVID-19. 
 
To that end, we plan to conduct practices that include skill instruction, team development, and strength and conditioning consistent with what our teams are accustomed to while in-season. "We will offer a thorough and robust athletic environment for our student-athletes this fall while also protecting both their health and safety and that of our overall college communities," said Athletic Director Pete Bothner. 
 
Following recommendations and guidelines of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the frequency and activities of practices will be intentionally structured so as to minimize health and safety risks for our athletes as well as our entire campus community. New campus policies have been implemented to comply with NYS guidelines and will include social distancing requirements, limited group gatherings, restrictions on travel, and visitors to campus.