American University

Department of Athletics and Recreation

To fulfill the university mission of providing NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic, and recreational fitness opportunities for the student-body, the Department of Athletics and Recreation is planning for a phased resumption of operations.  This preparation is being coordinated through the University Health & Safety Task Force, in alignment with AU Forward 2020, and will adhere to all university and DC health guide-lines and recognizes the primacy of the health and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and broader AU community.  Additional communication on the department’s planning will be found at AUeagles.com and in future university communications.

Please Follow Us Online Only; No Fans or Spectators Permitted on Campus

• Per Washington, D.C. and American University guidelines, and for the health and safety of our coaches, student-athletes and campus community, no spectators are permitted at athletics events in 2020-21.
• This policy is a stipulation of our approval to host athletic events from D.C. Department of Health and D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
• We do not anticipate a change in these guidelines this semester. Violators will be asked to leave, and will jeopardize our ability to host athletic events for our student-athletes.
• All American University athletic events played on campus this spring will be streamed on ESPN+ (FAQ HERE) and can also be watched through the Patriot League's International Video Stream.
• Schedules and game updates can be found at www.AUeagles.com and our Twitter account @AUeagles.
• All scheduled events and start times are subject to change. 

Athletics Compliance/Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions (updated February 5)

The information outlined below may be subject to change and is dependent upon further institutional, Patriot League, and NCAA regulations and guidance.  Any questions can be directed to your head coach, Andrew Smith, or Kari de Hof. 

Q: Will athletic competition be held during the Spring 2021 Semester?

A: Yes. The Patriot League moved forward with a league-only schedule for men's and women's basketball beginning January 2. Schedules for other winter sports, sports that were unable to compete in the fall and spring sports are also finalized and available on each sport's page.

Q: Has the NCAA made any changes to the Division I Championship Scheduled for 2020-21?

A: The NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved a plan that moves all fall championships to the spring. Click HERE for more.

Q: Will I retain a season of competition for the 2020-21 academic year?

A: Student-athletes will not use a season of Patriot League or NCAA eligibility in the fall or winter, whether or not they enroll and/or compete in some capacity. Student-athletes who wish to pursue competition during a 5th year will need to work with the Compliance staff in accordance with department and Patriot League policy to determine their options beyond their current anticipated graduation date.

Q: Can a student-athlete train/compete with an outside team? Does this answer differ whether we are enrolled in classes or on a leave of absence?

A: Beginning with the first day of classes on the Spring semester, student-athletes are  NOT permitted to train with an outside amateur team. Additionally, student-athletes on a leave of absence are not permitted to compete in outside competition without prior approval from the Athletics Compliance Office, as it can limit a student-athlete's ability to take advantage of NCAA and Patriot League academic waivers upon their return.

Student-athletes should consult with the Athletics Compliance office before participating in any outside athletics activities, including training, as some rules are sport specific. We are currently working with the NCAA to see if flexibility will be considered based on the current circumstances and will be sure to communicate any additional flexibility for competition, if approved by the NCAA.

Q: Who should I speak to about my enrollment options for the 2020-21 academic year?

A: Student-athletes should direct their questions to their head coach and/or their respective academic support liaison.

Q: If fall sports do compete in the spring semester, will they use a season of eligibility? Or would it be similar to a normal non-championship segment?

A: Fall sports competing in the spring will not use a season of eligibility. 

Q: If a student does not have the opportunity to compete in the 2020-21 academic year and wishes to take advantage of a 5th year at American, may they complete their undergraduate degree and pursue graduate work while competing in their final season of competition in the Patriot League?

A: Yes, this would be permissible under Patriot League guidelines, however the opportunity to participate as a graduate student would be made upon the recommendation of the head coach and approval by athletic administration.

Athletics and Recreation: Frequently Asked Questions (updated January 13)

Q: What is the University COVID-19 Health & Safety Task Force and Athletics COVID-19 Task Force process for determining the safe return of student-athletes, coaches, and staff to campus?

A: The process is a collaborative effort between the groups.  They are focused on identifying the areas of operation that need adjustment to support a potential return to operations.  The planning is on-going and reflects best practices in preventing the spread of the virus and re-designing institutional controls to afford the student-athletes an opportunity to train and develop their skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Q: When will student-athletes, coaches and staff return? 

A: As outlined in the university’s announcement of 07/30/2020 (HERE), that will depend on public health circumstances, and in coordination with AU Forward 2020 opening of campus.  Currently, all athletic training and in-person team activities, along with the re-opening of Athletics & Recreation fitness centers and facilities are suspended until further notice.

Q: What guidance has been given by the NCAA, Patriot League and other university affiliations?

A: AU Athletics will continue to utilize guidance of the university Health & Safety Task Force and their coordination with the ReOpen DC Advisory Group.  We also remain informed by the NCAA’s Resocialization of Athletics guidance and will comply with Patriot League guidance HERE. Other professional groups across the sports medicine and intercollegiate athletics landscape are being consulted by our staff including (but not limited to) National Athletics Trainers Association (NATA), NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, as well as other peer institutions. 

Q: When will competitions begin?

A: The Patriot League moved forward with a league-only schedule for men's and women's basketball beginning January 2. Schedules for other winter sports, sports that were unable to compete in the fall and spring sports are in the process of being finalized, per a January 8 release from the Patriot League.

Q: What COVID-19 prevention education will staff and students receive when campus does re-open?

A: The plan commits to a variety of educational and training modules for all student-athletes, coaches and staff.  Additionally, AU Athletics is participating in campus-wide training and signage programs to ensure compliance with personal hygiene, surface cleaning and transmission mitigation efforts.  

Q: What are the plans for competitions and how will the health of fans, players and staff be addressed? 

A: Plans are still being formulated for safety protocols at any possible future competitions and will be provided at a later date.

Q: What are plans for intramural and club programming?

A: Intramural and Club Sports operations will remain suspended until further notice. 

Q: Will the fitness centers be open for use?

A: All fitness centers are currently closed. We expect to reopen Cassell Fitness Center, by appointment only, on Monday, January 25. Please see the RecFit website for additional details. https://www.american.edu/recfit/