Athletics competition has been canceled for the 2020-21 academic year.

For those students who are on campus and who are members of our fall, winter, and spring varsity programs, practices will be permitted in accordance with institutional, state, and NCAA safety protocols, including physical distancing. We are working on a model for non-traditional practices that would allow for an extension of the non-traditional season, as well. We are also working on provisions that would allow for team strength and conditioning activities. Completed pre-participation forms will be required for anyone participating in team activities, whether in-person or remotely.  

Per NCAA rules, athletes may practice with their teams without using a season of eligibility. As long as your team does not compete, you will preserve your eligibility. Please discuss any concerns you might have about eligibility with your coach. 

Facilities will be open for the campus community while observing state and institutional guidelines, including physical distancing. As this is a fluid situation, we cannot guarantee what will be available or when. We are working on plans that will best monitor the usage and cleaning protocol of these spaces. Access to facilities may change during the course of the semester, depending on changing state and institutional guidelines.

The NCAA has made some changes. The minimum number of competitions required for sports sponsorship has been reduced by one-third. Additionally, the start date for fall sports has been adjusted, although that will not impact Swarthmore. There have been no announcements regarding NCAA championships, as of yet.

Click here to view more updates from the NCAA.

The Centennial Conference announced on July 7, "In response to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centennial Conference Presidents Council has been meeting diligently to address the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and their communities. As institutions finalize their plans for the coming year, federal, state, and local health guidance, as well as institutional policies, will guide their independent decisions regarding reopening.

Given health and other related concerns, the Centennial Conference Presidents Council has decided to suspend any inter-collegiate competition for sports scheduled for the fall semester. The presidents will reevaluate this decision by the end of September, based on work to be done by the Conference to assess sports-specific activities and the experiences on the schools’ campuses. The presidents have determined football will not be played in the fall. The Conference will also explore the possibility of shifting certain fall sports, including football, to the spring."

Club sports will not be able to compete in the fall semester and we are in the process of working with the institution on a final decision as to when club sports teams will be able to practice. Students should contact Max Miller, Assistant Athletics Director for Recreation and Wellness with questions.

Swarthmore College has made the difficult decision to suspend all in-person club sports travel, competitions, practices, and organized team activities until the end of Winter Break II, February 14, 2021. 

Athletics and physical education play a significant role in maintaining and strengthening the well-being of our community members; we are designing offerings for the upcoming academic year to support the community's physical and mental health.

Yes. First-years and transfers are eligible for a gap semester or year and must make that request through the office of admissions. Returning students may take a leave of absence of a semester or a year and must request that through the dean’s office. Gap years or leaves of absence will not jeopardize NCAA participation eligibility. Students considering these options should contact the Dean’s office or the Admissions Office as soon as possible.