The American Athletic Conference is pushing back the start of its fall Olympic sports schedule until at least Sept. 1 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The decision allows member institutions additional time to implement protocols for a safe return to competition for student-athletes, coaches and staff members,” the league said in a statement Wednesday.
The delay includes exhibition and regular season competitions, with schools expected to handle rescheduling contests.
“The American’s presidents, athletic directors and senior woman administrators continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement read. “With guidance from its Medical Advisory Group, the conference has established aggressive and proactive testing protocols and guidelines that will ensure the health and well-being of student-athletes during fall sports competition.