Based on consideration of Northwest Athletic Conference Return to Play Safety Protocols and Washington State’s Higher Education Reopening Plan, Yakima Valley College has determined that all six of its athletic teams will be able to participate in an abbreviated season during the Spring 2021 quarter.
According to recent NWAC information regarding COVID-19 testing for student-athletes, participants will undergo testing prior to competition while continuing to follow strict safety protocols during games established in accordance with state, local and conference guidelines. In order to protect the safety of student-athletes, coaches and essential game management personnel, fans will not be permitted to attend indoor contests during this season. However, fans will be allowed to attend outdoor contests at 25% capacity of the venue.
YVC will continue to monitor the local status of the South Central Region and Yakima County under Washington’s “Healthy Roadmap to Recovery” and will adjust its position as necessary.
Contest schedule information and other details about this spring’s abbreviated season will be posted as they become available on YVC’s Athletics webpage.
“I’d like to commend all of our student-athletes and coaches for their perseverance over the past year,” stated YVC President Linda Kaminski. “This return to competition is a welcome step in the progress we are making, both here in the Yakima Valley and across our nation, yet we must remain diligent in protecting the health and safety of our entire community.”
YVC will continue to honor any athletic aid promised to student-athletes who remain enrolled during the Spring Quarter. As the NWAC has previously announced, all student-athletes also will retain their future eligibility, regardless of whether or not they have engaged in any intercollegiate competition during the 2020-21 academic year.
“YVC‘s foremost priority remains the health and safety of our student‐athletes, coaches, athletic staff, support members, fans and the community at large. We appreciate the entire YVC community’s continued support in following the guidance of public health officials in preventing the spread of COVID,” Kaminski said.