Division III players could recapture a season of eligibility

Division III studentathletes could receive an additional year of eligibility even if they compete in the winter or spring sports seasons.

The Division III Management Council is forwarding that plan to the Presidents Council to be reviewed in a teleconference on Oct. 28.

“I want to commend the council members for their thorough consideration of the waiver request,” said Heather Benning, chair of the Management Council and executive director of the Midwest Conference in a release. “Several perspectives were brought to the table, and, ultimately, I believe the consensus point for the council is recognition of the undue stress and mental health impact the uncertainty of college sports amidst a global pandemic has placed on student-athletes. Providing this oneyear waiver will provide definitive guidance for DIII student-athletes making academic and athletic decisions for the winter and spring terms.”

If the recommendation passes, student-athletes at Albertus Magnus, Coast Guard, Conn College, Eastern Connecticut State, Mitchell, University of Saint Joseph, Trinity, Wesleyan and Western Connecticut State would benefit from a ruling that is similar to what is in place for Division I athletes for the winter sports season. The move would be made as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the college sports landscape.

The NESCAC, which includes Conn College, Trinity and Wesleyan, has announced that it has canceled conference play including conference tournaments during the winter sports season so NESCAC student-athletes on winter sports teams already have the option of not losing a season of eligibility in the winter.