Courtesy of Mills College Athletics

Due to the continuing concern of COVID-19, APER has made the difficult decision of cancelling fall competition.

Athletic Director Allie Littlefox said earlier, "While this decision is in the best interest of health and safety, I know it is also a loss, particularly for our fall teams. Our goal is to continue to provide opportunities for you to connect with your coaches and teammates, both in small, in-person groups and virtually."

Fall Athletics FAQs

We will continue to update these as more information is available

Will there be competition in the fall semester?

Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns and scheduling challenges, Mills will not participate in traditional varsity athletics competition during the fall. Student-athletes who live on campus will be able to practice and train within relevant College and local guidelines, as well as those outlined in the NCAA Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport. 

When will student-athletes return to campus? Will there be a preseason? 

Student-athletes planning to live on campus will arrive with other students in accordance with the plan outlined by HMDS and Residential Life. There will be no preseason.

Will fall sports be able to compete in the spring semester?

APER is committed to providing competitive opportunities to fall teams if it is possible to do so. However, this is highly dependent upon health and safety guidelines, as well as NCAA policy. This will be updated as decisions are made by the NCAA. 

Will winter and spring sports compete?

No teams will compete in the fall semester. We will continue to evaluate and make a decision about the spring semester later in the fall. 

What kinds of athletic activities will student-athletes be allowed to participate in?

We anticipate that students who return to campus will have the opportunity to participate in individual and small group workouts and activities with members of the APER staff, including out of season activities in accordance with NCAA rules.

If I am not returning to campus, can I still participate in some way with my team? 

Yes, members of our teams will continue to be provided with workout plans, academic and personal support, and leadership development opportunities by coaches and other members of the APER staff. Even if you are not on campus, you will have the opportunity to connect with your coaches and teammates. While there are many details to be finalized, we will work to provide a positive experience for all of our fall, winter, and spring teams in the upcoming year. 

What is the impact on NCAA eligibility? 

According to NCAA rules, student-athletes will not use a season of eligibility if their team does not compete during the fall season. The NCAA has approved a waiver to grant a season of eligibility and two semesters back to any student-athlete whose team competes in less than 50% of their season. We are continuing to work with the NCAA to determine the impact of virtual and/or asynchronous competitions on eligibility. 

Will the Athletic Training room be open?

The Athletic Training room will use both telehealth and in-person appointments for evaluation, treatments, and rehabilitation of injuries for both on-campus and off-campus student-athletes throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. Hours and availability will be shifted to accommodate capacity limits and new safety procedures. Additional safety procedures and Training room changes will be communicated to student-athletes by the Athletic Trainers. 

What safety precautions and restrictions will be put in place? 

We will utilize the NCAA resocialization of sport guidelines, which call for a three-phased return to sports activity. In Phase I, workout/practice groups will be limited to ten people (including coaches), distancing will be adhered to, masks/face coverings will be worn when distancing cannot be maintained, equipment will not be shared among players, and training sessions will focus on individual skill work. In Phase II, workout/practice groups will increase to up to fifty people (including coaches), distancing will be adhered to, equipment may be shared, and training sessions may include organized group activities. Masks/face coverings will be worn based upon current state and College guidelines when distancing cannot be maintained. Phase III, which we will not fully enter during the fall semester, allows for groups larger than fifty people, shared use of equipment, organized group activities, and competition. Our athletic training staff will work with coaches and student-athletes to put enhanced personal hygiene and equipment cleaning practices in place. Small group and individual meetings will take place online or outdoors during Phases I and II. Meetings will comply with campus guidelines and all activities must comply with state, local, and College guidelines.