A letter from the Chancellor – December 18, 2020
Spring Athletics Update
I want to provide an update on our decision regarding MCCCD athletic programs. In my most recent communication on Nov. 25, I supported the recommendation that would have allowed MCCCD athletic teams to hold practices and NJCAA competitions beginning January 4, 2021.
Leaders from across the system including college presidents, athletic directors, the athletics ad hoc committee, and other stakeholders have re-evaluated and analyzed the most recent COVID data from local, state, and national health authorities. The spike in positive cases the county and state are experiencing following the Thanksgiving break is substantial and public health experts are expecting the trend to continue following the upcoming holiday break. In consultation with the Executive Director of Public Health for Maricopa County, Dr. Marcy Flanagan, the presidents and a consensus of the ad hoc committee have come back to me with an updated recommendation.
Based on the overwhelming number of new cases and the metrics below, I support the recommendation to cancel all indoor sports for Spring 2021. In addition, we will delay the start of outdoor sports to February 1, 2021. It is important to note that this decision may be overturned or adjusted at any time based on guidance and directives from the city, county, state agencies, or the NJCAA. Athletic Directors and coaches will work together to find engagement opportunities for our indoor athletes if they are able to do so safely and the metrics move in the right direction.
This recommendation is based on consultation with the Maricopa County Department of Health, MCCCD College Presidents, the District Athletic Council, and other District stakeholders.
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Maricopa Community College District COVID 19 Metrics |
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Benchmarks - Two Week Span |
Minimal (<5/per 100,000) |
Moderate (5-100/ 100,000) |
Substantial (>100/100,000) |
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Cases |
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399-WK 11/22 & 579-WK 11/29 |
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Benchmarks |
Minimal (<5%) |
Moderate (5-10%) |
Substantial (>10%) |
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% Positive Cases |
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13.8-WK 11/22 & 16.8-WK 11/29 |
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Benchmarks |
Minimal (<5%) |
Moderate (5-10%) |
Substantial (>10%) |
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Hospital Visits for COVID like Illness |
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9.6-WK 11/22 |
10.7-WK 11/29 |
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Benchmarks |
Minimal (<.90) |
Moderate (.91-1.39) |
Substantial (>1.40) |
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Infection Rate |
1.17-WK 11/29 & 1.15-WK 12/6 |
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Our students, faculty, staff, and community's well-being and health remain our highest priority. We take every concern very seriously and we will continue to adjust our decisions to maintain our community's safety during this time. As we monitor the fluidity of COVID-19, we will continue to communicate should further modifications be necessary. Please visit our webpage dedicated to athletics here: www.maricopa.edu/athletics.
