UMass Dartmouth football season canceled

UMass Dartmouth’s football season will not be going ahead this spring as previously planned after the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference announced the cancellation of the fall sports competition on Jan. 22.

The league’s Council of Presidents made the decision to cancel the competition that had been planned for the Spring 2021 semester due to uncertainty created by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a statement from the university’s Director of Athletic Communications Jim Seavey, the decision directly impacts the Corsair football program, which competes as a MASCAC non-voting affiliate member. 

Although member schools are allowed to schedule non-conference games for the upcoming season, Seavey stated that many leagues and schools have already opted out of competitive play.

“UMass Dartmouth shares in the disappointment this decision creates, though fully understands the action taken by the MASCAC to ensure the continued health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” the statement reads.

Seavey noted that the university will provide on-campus practice, training, and conditioning opportunities following all health protocols and guidelines established by the town, the state, and the CDC.

“While the University is exploring all possibilities to ensure the best possible experience for our student-athletes, there is a high degree of uncertainty about whether games will be possible,” he stated, adding that any plans may change depending on developments related to the pandemic.