ACC Announces Plans for Football and Fall Olympic Sports

ACC Announcement | ACC Medical Advisory Group Health & Safety Protocols/Standards

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Atlantic Coast Conference announced on Wednesday (July 29) a model for all seven ACC sponsored fall sports to begin competition during the week of Sept. 7-12.

The announcement follows several months of discussion and scenario planning among the league membership and the ACC Medical Advisory Group.

"Since March, our student-athletes have told me nearly on a daily basis how badly they want to be back on campus to work on their academic studies and compete with their teammates. Today's announcement by the Atlantic Coast Conference is an important step towards providing our student-athletes with the opportunity to resume competition this fall. The mental and physical health and safety of our student-athletes is our foremost priority, and Wake Forest Athletics is fully supportive of the league's decision requiring all opponents to commit to meeting the ACC-standard COVID-19 health and safety protocols," Director of Athletics John Currie said.

"We now have about 165 student-athletes who have returned to Winston-Salem and are engaged in the sport they love under the careful supervision of our dedicated sports medicine and strength and conditioning staff. The maturity and commitment of our student-athletes in following our isolation, quarantine and testing procedures inspires all of us to continue to work towards the resumption of competition."

"I appreciate President Hatch's active leadership with the ACC Board of Directors to reach this set of decisions. Additionally, I am grateful for Commissioner Swofford and my AD colleagues around the conference for the in-depth and thought-provoking semi-weekly conversations since the onset of the pandemic," said Currie.

"I am appreciative of the hard work by everyone involved in today's announcement," Head Football Coach Dave Clawson said. "Although there are still many questions to be answered, this was a good step forward. With that, I want to recognize our student-athletes who have voluntarily returned to campus and have been adhering to all Wake Forest and CDC health & safety protocols. Together, let's all work to stop the spread of COVID-19 so we look forward to an exciting and fun 2020 football season."

The ACC's Medical Advisory Group, which has been meeting weekly since the spring to advise the conference on COVID-19 related matters, has recommended minimum standards for each campus to follow as fall sports return. Among those recommendations are weekly testing for close contact sports, standards for reporting positive test results, and protocols for cleaning and sanitizing competition areas.

Wednesday's announcement impacts several aspects of the fall sports season as Wake Forest Athletics staff, coaches and University leadership continue to work together to safely host events this fall.

"We are in touch with our non-conference opponents and will keep our fans updated as plans develop under the guidance and ultimate authority of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and the state of North Carolina," said Currie.

Information specific to 2020 competition for both football and the league's Olympic Sports is located here.

Please stay tuned to GoDeacs.com and our social media channels (@DemonDeacons) for news and updates. If you have a specific question, please can contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office via email (tix@wfu.edu) or by phone at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.

The league's leadership, and its medical advisory group, will continue to meet on a weekly basis to share information and discuss all issues related to the ACC's return to play. Any future adjustments in competition guidelines or schedules will be approved by the ACC Board of Directors as they become appropriate.

Additionally, the ACC has determined that fall competition for spring championship sports such as men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis and baseball have been canceled. However, student-athletes in golf and tennis continue to be eligible to compete and attend tournaments as unattached, similar to rising sophomore Rachel Keuhn winning the North-South Amatuer two weeks ago.

Additional Statements from Wake Forest Athletics Fall Sports Programs:
Women's Soccer Head Coach, Tony da Luz:

"Our thoughts are with the millions of people around the world that have been affected by COVID-19. Our program is privileged to be in this position and we are going to embrace the challenge of competing for an ACC Championship and NCAA Championship this fall."

Director, Track & Field and Cross Country, John Hayes:

"Today's announcement from the ACC shows its commitment to its student-athletes. I am extremely appreciative of all the hard work and dedication by the conference and our Wake Forest administrators leadership in finding every possible way to safely give our student-athletes the experience they have worked so hard for and deserve. Additionally, Wake-Med held an extremely successful ACC Championship event in 2016 and our program is excited to return."

Men's Soccer Head Coach, Bobby Muuss:

"This is a tremendous step for our conference, and even more importantly our student-athletes. Although everyone in our program wants a normal season, that went out the window a long time ago. The opportunity to compete for the most competitive trophy in college soccer, an ACC Championship, is what motivates us each day. With that, we are excited for the opportunity to be able to get back on the field and train together. There is an opportunity for us to add some other high-level matches that allows us to do what we all want to do, compete. It's extremely important that we do this for our student-athletes, regardless of what decision is made about an NCAA Championship. I am especially appreciative of the leadership and support John Currie has shown in helping get Olympic sports competing again."

Volleyball Head Coach, Randi Smart:

"It's great to have a roadmap so that we can begin to make some plans for our 2020 season. Obviously, it will look different and there are still many unanswered questions, but I know our staff and student-athletes are extremely excited to get back on the court. We are all committed to being responsible, accountable and do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy. Together, let's work to stop the spread of COVID-19 and get back for a fun fall semester and season."

Field Hockey Head Coach, Jen Averill:

"We are looking forward to trying to create the best possible and safe opportunities for our student-athletes at this point in time. Our focus remains steadfast on the health and preparation of our students for the fall semester. Time and conditions will dictate the rest. We are grateful for the countless hours that so many have put in to even get to this point."

Wake Forest Athletics

ACC Announces Plans for Football and Fall Olympic Sports

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