NJCAA Decision Has Positive Effects on DCC
On Thursday, the National Junior College Athletic Association Board of Regents announced that all 2020-21 sport seasons (fall, winter and spring) will not count toward student-athlete eligibility.
Last school year they ruled that spring sports would not count towards eligibility because the seasons got cancelled in mid-March. At Dawson Community College, that affected baseball, softball and track. Some of those 2nd year athletes decided to return this year for a 3rd year at DCC.
With so many unknowns in this year due to COVID-19, this decision by the NJCAA is welcomed by athletes and coaches at Dawson. The eligibility relief due to seasons canceled or cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic is provided to all NJCAA student-athletes regardless of sport season. For DCC, this includes baseball, softball, track, cross-country, volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s basketball.
"I’ve been hopeful for the past four months that they would make this decision," Dawson Community College athletic director Joe Peterson commented. "There’s no question that it’s the right thing to do. With all of the uncertainty about our seasons and the possibility of some games being postponed or canceled, it’s good to know that these student-athletes get a free year. At this point, it only affects their eligibility in the NJCAA, but I expect the NCAA and NAIA will also recognize this with our athletes who transfer to play at that level. I could sense a big sigh of relief from our athletes and coaches when they heard the news! We are excited to get our seasons going in January and make the best of it."
The DCC basketball teams are set to tip-off their season on January 20th at Miles Community College. Volleyball will open on January 29th at home vs. Miles. Baseball will open the next day on January 30th in Colorado. Track and Softball will begin in February and March.
"The Board of Regents feels this decision is best for the success and well-being of our student-athletes and member colleges at this time," Christopher Parker, NJCAA president & CEO, said in a press release. "There is no right answer to this challenge and situation, but as an association, we are going to support the eligibility of all our student-athletes to help them succeed in their academic and athletic careers.”
Troy Tucker, NJCAA Eligibility Committee Chair, said in the press release. “Today’s decision by the Board of Regents to grant a blanket year of participation waiver provides our institutions and student-athletes with the ability to choose to participate this academic year without the fear of using a year of eligibility for a potentially shortened or interrupted season.”
