The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Council of Presidents has decided to revise the 2020-21 conference schedule, according to a press release on Friday. The decision came after the conference considered evolving COVID-19 testing, travel, and venue standards.
The new schedule still consists of 20 games but eliminates much of the travel that is usually part of the conference schedule. The new plan calls for a double round-robin schedule with teams playing five home series and five away series apiece. The games will be played back-to-back on Friday and Saturday, with 24 hours between the contests. The men’s and women’s schedules will mirror each other so that if one team is playing an opponent for a two-game home series, then the other team will play the same opponent on the road.
The conference will also try to use the same officiating crew for both games if it is possible. The MAAC is retaining plans for a make-up week at the end of the season and a ban on fans through December. It was also announced that a team must have at least eight scholarship players and one coach to compete in a game.
“The MAAC’s goal with the revised scheduling format is to complete the conference season and meet the NCAA minimum of 13 Division I games to be played by teams,” said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “In light of the evolving state and local health standards, the increasing levels of infection rates, and decisions related to testing teams and officials three times a week for COVID-19, the MAAC membership revised its existing format for this season. The health and safety of our student-athletes and those associated with our programs is the priority of the Council of Presidents.”
The MAAC is one of several conferences to shift to the double round-robin schedule. Others include the America East, Big West, Northeast Conference, and the Horizon League. The updated schedule will be announced at a later date.
Edited by Bridget Reilly
