ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Southern Athletic Association's Presidents' Council has decided to suspend all conference athletic competition through the 2020 fall season. Austin College competes as an affiliate member of the SAA for the sport of football.

"While we are disappointed, we fully support this decision as our primary focus is on the safety and welfare of our student-athletes," said Austin College Director of Athletics David Norman. "We have already begun planning a safe, positive, and engaging fall semester for all of our programs and are excited to welcome our teams back to campus in August."

Over the last several months, the council has met to weigh the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to plan for the 2020-21 athletic season. 

"The highest priority at each institution is the health and wellbeing of our campus communities, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and spectators," said SAA Commissioner, Jay Gardiner. "As the pandemic evolves, the SAA will continue to monitor the situation and intends to resume fall sport competition in early 2021."

During the fall, each institution will have an opportunity to work with student-athletes for training opportunities outside a traditional season, consistent with federal and state public health authorities, the NCAA, and institutional guidelines. 

We intend to join other Division III conferences in requesting that the NCAA postpone fall championships until the spring semester of 2021.