Florida Gators

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference will review with its member schools the impact of the NCAA Championships cancellation in the sports of soccer, volleyball and cross-country.
 
The NCAA announced Thursday afternoon that national participation in those sports has fallen below 50 percent among Division I institutions. The NCAA had previously declared that if 50 percent or more of eligible teams in a particular sport in a division cancel their fall season, there would be no fall NCAA championship in that sport in that division.
 
"Our soccer, volleyball and cross-country student-athletes are working hard to prepare for their seasons and they have been diligent in taking personal health precautions and following protocols around COVID-19," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.  "We will support them in every way possible as we evaluate the impact of these cancellations on their fall sports seasons."
 

"We cannot, at this point, have fall NCAA championships."

NCAA President Mark Emmert discusses the latest developments in fall sports and looks ahead to winter and spring championships.

Hear more on the NCAA Social Series TONIGHT at 7 p.m. ET from @NCAA. pic.twitter.com/SmjC8FU0Uo

— NCAA (@NCAA) August 13, 2020

The NCAA also determined that "if fall sports championships are postponed in any division, a decision to conduct that championship at a later date will be based upon the scientific data available at that time regarding COVID-19, along with other considerations" according to an August 5 announcement.  That discussion is expected to take place at the next meeting of the NCAA Board of Directors.
 
Florida volleyball has appeared in each of the last 29 NCAA Championships fields. The Gator soccer team advanced to NCAA play in 22 of its 25 seasons, including the 2019 season. Florida last made a team appearance at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in 2018 when the women placed 16^th overall.