The NEWMAC and Commonwealth Coast Conference both suspended conference play Friday on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, further narrowing the field of Division III soccer programs that could compete in 2020.
The news comes after the NCAA on Thursday released an updated set of guidelines that recommends testing within 72 hours of each game. Soccer, alongside others like football and basketball, was designated a high contact risk sport.
While the guidelines aren’t required, pricing creates a steep hurdle for D-III schools; one coach said it be $100 per test. That, combined with current state guidelines of what soccer teams can do and challenges in preserving health and safety, made the decision an expected one.