PHILADELPHIA, PA – Following a vote today by the league’s Board of Governors, the Philadelphia Catholic League will delay the start of its 2020 Fall Sports season due to Covid-19 concerns and the most recent Return To Competition Guidelines issued by the PIAA on July 29.
“The PCL is committed to a safe return to competition, but the safety and welfare of our studentathletes, coaches and athletic staffs is the primary focus,” says Archbishop Ryan Principal Mr. Joseph McFadden, Chair of the League’s Board of Governors.
“I commend the athletic directors for taking a cautious yet systematic approach to resuming athletic activities that is reflected in each of the school’s Athletic Reopening Plans. We hope our student-athletes can enjoy a competitive and safe athletic experience this fall if the opportunity presents itself.”
The league’s Board of Directors met last week and voted unanimously to push back the start of the Fall sports season.
Football Heat Acclimatization will begin on Monday, Aug. 31, with opening contests set for Sept. 18-19. Strength and conditioning workouts for football student-athletes will continue until Friday, Aug. 14.
For student-athletes competing in soccer, girls’ volleyball, field hockey, cross country, golf and girls’ tennis, practices will begin on Monday, Sept. 14, and contests will begin on Oct. 2-3. Strength and conditioning workouts for student-athletes participating in the aforementioned sports may continue until Friday, Aug. 28.
Plans could be adjusted as more information and guidelines becomes available from the PIAA. Complete 2020 Fall sports schedules and PCL Championship dates will be announced in the coming weeks and posted on www.aopathletics.org
