GNAC Updated Statement on Fall Sports Seasons

Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) member institutions are elated to resume a full schedule of exciting NCAA Division III competition this fall.  In alignment with ongoing commitments to prioritizing the health and well-being of student-athletes and athletics personnel, the GNAC Presidents' Council has approved updated COVID-19 protocols for GNAC conference and non-conference competition for the fall 2021 season.

The Presidents of the GNAC are committed to fully vaccinated campuses. Fully vaccinated GNAC student-athletes, coaches, and staff are permitted to participate during the 2021 fall sports season without any restrictions. Non-vaccinated student-athletes and personnel with approved medical or religious exemptions will be required to undergo twice weekly testing and must mask during all athletically related activities. Each institution is responsible for verifying the vaccination status of its athletes, coaches, and staff.

Officials working GNAC competitions are required to provide proof of vaccination. In addition, each campus will determine spectator attendance policies, taking into account local, state, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Non-conference schools will field a team made up of vaccinated or exempted student-athletes; all exempted student-athletes must be tested at least 2 times per week (PCR) or 3 times per week (antigen) and must remain masked throughout all competitions.

The GNAC Presidents' Council will continue to monitor updates at the local and state levels and adjust policies as appropriate.

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is an NCAA Division III association made up of 14 member institutions and over 3,500 student-athletes across the New England region. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 22 championships, while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity and community involvement in an effort to enhance the student-athlete experience. 

– #TheGNAC –