Lacrosse fans were hit with unfortunate news this week, as the NCAA announced the cancellation of all winter and spring championship events, effectively ending the 2020 lacrosse season.
Within minutes, questions flooded online. Chief among them: Will these players receive an extra year of eligibility to make up for this "lost" season? The NCAA reacted swiftly.
Division I Council Coordination Committee agrees eligibility relief is appropriate for spring sports: pic.twitter.com/u7hwYOyTDV
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 13, 2020
The response seemed to be much appreciated by those directly impacted, but it certainly brings its own share of questions. Not all lacrosse players are full-scholarship athletes, so tuition cost comes into play. As does roster size, as the return of a senior class that was on tap to graduate could certainly impede the incoming freshman class.
These are all situations that figure to be sorted out in due time with the NCAA having continued discussions on this subject.
To see how Friday's big news developed, continue below.
UPDATE, Friday, 2:53 p.m.
Through an expedited vote, the MCLA also voted to allow players to retain an additional year of eligibility.
Through an expedited vote of the MCLA Executive Board and Board of Directors, every eligible 2020 MCLA player will be granted an extra year of eligibility. #mcla20 pic.twitter.com/GbTvEqzZKE
— MCLA (@MCLA) March 13, 2020
UPDATE, Friday, 2:49 p.m.
It's official. The NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee has agreed that "eligility relief" is appropriate for spring sports.
Division I Council Coordination Committee agrees eligibility relief is appropriate for spring sports: pic.twitter.com/u7hwYOyTDV
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 13, 2020
UPDATE, Friday, 2:40 p.m.
A source told Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated scholarships and team sizes will be a discussion within the NCAA.
This general statement can be applied, specifically, to granting an extra year to spring sports athletes who had entire seasons canceled. "This is what they want to do," said source, "but there are more details to figure out." Many more. Scholarships and team size being foremost. https://t.co/RmJBEM2pju
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) March 13, 2020
UPDATE, Friday, 1:58 p.m.
The NCAA Board of Governors has provided some guidance on the subject (via Twitter).
NCAA Board of Governors guidance to members: pic.twitter.com/SrTxuO4XuM
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 13, 2020
ORIGINAL POST
Multiple reports Friday afternoon said that the NCAA believes "it will be appropriate to grant relief for the use of a season for competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports."
Per source, NCAA sent a note to membership today saying it believes "it will be appropriate to grant relief for the use of a season for competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports."
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 13, 2020
NCAA will start working on issues tied to this & winter athletes.
The NCAA’s Council Coordination Committee has agreed to grant relief for the use of a season of competition for student-athletes who have participated in spring sports.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2020
Committee will also discuss issues for winter sport student-athletes.
Players in spring sports get another year of eligibility.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 13, 2020
NCAA looking into what to do with those who played winter sports. https://t.co/7YXwFpV4pM
This is a developing story. US Lacrosse Magazine will continue to provide updates as the day goes on.