Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gulf South Conference (GSC) has announced the postponement of basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball until at least January 1, 2021.
These sports are identified as high contact risk sports by the NCAA and are subject to significant testing requirements for all student-athletes and "inner bubble" personnel.
Three significant factors helped the conference Board of Directors in determining this course of action:
- Health and safety of student-athletes and campus communities;
- Mandated participation protocols from the NCAA Board of Governors, most notably the requirements related to Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition; and
- NCAA Division II Fall Championships cancellation.
Cross country and golf competition will be permitted during the fall semester with the GSC Cross Country Championship date potentially changed to better accommodate the calendar. Designated as low contact risk and medium contact risk, these sports feature more manageable testing and monitoring requirements per NCAA medical guidance as well as limited competition opportunities.
All practice, strength and conditioning, team meetings, and other countable athletic-related activities (CARA) shall be subject to NCAA rules, NCAA health and safety requirements, and institutional discretion.
In the sports of football, soccer, and volleyball, the conference will evaluate options for spring competition that provide meaningful competition for these student-athletes. A spring season may not feature the use of traditional formats for regular season play or tournaments.
In the sport of basketball, the GSC will work over the next several weeks to outline a calendar for this year's basketball schedule and tournament. Further, the conference will work through the NCAA governance process to advocate for additional weeks of competition in the spring semester.
There is no change in spring sport competition at this time.
Attendance
Athletic events will be hosted in front of reduced capacity crowds. MC will use state, local, and campus guidelines to determine capacity along with any seating limitations to accommodate social distancing. Consideration will be given to participating student-athlete parents/families, season ticket holders, donors, and MC students. Indoor and outdoor venues may differ based on guidelines. Indoor spectators will be required to wear face coverings.
Live Streaming
Home athletic events will be live-streamed on GoChoctaws.com free of charge for the team sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The Gulf South Conference has partnered with Flo Sports to provide live video streaming of all football games and GSC Championship events for paid subscribers.
Visiting Media
All visiting media must give the Office of Athletic Communications at least 48 hours’ notice if they plan on attending any athletic event at Mississippi College. Media will also be subject to pre-screening protocols before entering facilities and must wear face masks for indoor events and social distance. Contact David Nichols at 769.798.7143 or nichols@mc.edu for more information on securing media credentials for home events.
Venue Protocols
- Fans can expect new game day protocols for each venue.
- New protocols will include symptom screening, temperature checks before entering the facility, and seating using social distancing once inside.
- Venues will require face coverings as required by current state and local guidelines.
- Hospitality areas will be discontinued for the 2020-21 academic year.
- Concessions policies will be adjusted to maintain current food service standards.
- Signage will assist with communicating protocols, expectations, and safety reminders for each venue.
The Mississippi College women's basketball team will open the 2021 portion of their schedule on Friday, January 8 when they host West Alabama. Tip-off in A.E. Wood Coliseum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Current MC students will be allowed one free ticket per game. Enter your 700# in the Promo Code field.
Current MC faculty and staff will be allowed a maximum of four free tickets per game for family members only. Enter your 700# in the Promo Code field.
COVID-19 Policy: Mississippi College will adhere to school, local, and state guidelines as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will be subject to a health screening prior to entering A.E. Wood Coliseum. If patrons are feeling ill, we ask that you remain home and watch the live stream at GoChoctaws.com. There will be a 25% capacity limit in A.E. Wood Coliseum, and patrons are asked to wear a mask and social distance inside the arena. We also ask that patrons exit the building immediately following the contest. Thank you for your cooperation for the 2020-21 season.
Refund Policy: If games are canceled for COVID-19 issues within the teams competing, refunds will be available to ticket holders upon request. To request a refund, contact the Mississippi College Athletics Ticket Office at 601.925.3341.
The Mississippi College men's basketball team will open the 2021 portion of their home schedule on Friday, January 22 when they host Union (TN). Tip-off in A.E. Wood Coliseum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Current MC students will be allowed one free ticket per game. Enter your 700# in the Promo Code field.
Current MC faculty and staff will be allowed a maximum of four free tickets per game for family members only. Enter your 700# in the Promo Code field.
COVID-19 Policy: Mississippi College will adhere to school, local, and state guidelines as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees will be subject to a health screening prior to entering A.E. Wood Coliseum. If patrons are feeling ill, we ask that you remain home and watch the live stream at GoChoctaws.com. There will be a 25% capacity limit in A.E. Wood Coliseum, and patrons are asked to wear a mask and social distance inside the arena. We also ask that patrons exit the building immediately following the contest. Thank you for your cooperation for the 2020-21 season.
Refund Policy: If games are canceled for COVID-19 issues within the teams competing, refunds will be available to ticket holders upon request. To request a refund, contact the Mississippi College Athletics Ticket Office at 601.925.3341.
